Blencathra Sharp Edge at the Age of 4

Following a few weekends climbing we felt it was time to introduce the wee man to the delights of lakeland scrambling! By now it is probably clear that Blencathra is top of the list in terms of favourite mountains so it was only right that Sharp Edge be the first scramble for the wee man!

The weather was looking good and it was rare to see 'windless summits' on the MWIS forecast so we had to go for it! The usual walk up Mousethwaite Combe is getting very familiar to the wee man now. As we arrived at the top of the combe the Sea King paid us a visit and headed for Sharp Edge which was a little unnerving!

It soon turned around and looked to be heading home! It wasn't long before we were at Scales beck and heading up to Scales Tarn.

We had a quick snack on the banks of Scales Tarn before heading up to the start of the ridge. As we approached it was time to harness up and ensure that the wee man was in sensible mode! Knowing the ridge well we knew that just after the middle section would be the crux but we were confident in all of our abilities to under take this safely.

 The wee man was loving the scrambling and was soon telling us in his usual way 'look at the view'! He was inspired! We picked our way across the ridge with little issue and the wee man listened and responded instantly and sensibly; we were so proud of him!

We were soon safely across the ridge and heading up the gully section. The wee man was certainly enjoying the challenge of the climbing along with the fantastic view!

Topping out and looking back down to the ridge was a good feeling! The wee man was soon running to the summit before claiming his 3rd time on the summit of this mighty mountain! After a well deserved snack and the customary admiring the view time on the summit it was soon time to head down the path back home. It had certainly been a mini adventure to remember!

Blencathra & The Aurora Borealis

It was 7.30pm on a Friday night and it had been a long week! The wee man was in his pyjamas ready for bed when we started discussing the possibility of a mini adventure to try and see the Northern Lights which were active over the UK that night!! We asked the wee man if he fancied walking Blencathra and camping under the stars! Before he answered he had picked up his torch and was starting to undress! We were off!

We started walking at 9pm after quickly packing the bare essentials for a wild camp on the summit of Blencathra! It was all very exciting as we ascended Mousethwaite combe trying not to disturb the wildlife as we walked! The weather was very cloudy in the valley but it was forecast to break around 11pm.

The wee man was making an awesome effort leading us up the dark slopes of Blencathra. The moon started to appear along with the stars and spirits started to soar as we topped out just before 11!

As the tent was pitched the wee man enjoyed a bit of star gazing cwtched inside his sleeping bag!

It didn't take long before the wee man was dreaming inside the tent and the kettle was on while we awaited for the sky to come alive! We didn't have to wait long!

Having never seen the Aurora before we were very excited! In amongst this the sea king was doing mountain rescue training giving us something else to watch and gasp at as it dived off the summit! The moon was spectacularly bouncing off the cloud in the valley and as the lakes slept we stood in awe!

The sky soon started to sleep and it was time we did too! 1am on the top of Blencathra having witnessed the Aurora for the first time was one of life's moments for us! It was time to try and get some sleep with a 4 year old who wriggles for fun in his sleep!

Dawn was breaking on the summit of Blencathtra and despite the cloud the view did not disappoint! Kettle on and the summit to ourselves (apart from one other wild camper) this was a great way to start a Saturday!

We were all dreaming of a hearty breakfast so we reluctantly packed up and left the summit.

We soon reached the car and headed for a little chef breakfast to excitedly discuss the nights adventure! We will certainly be doing that again! 

A Memorable Day on Blencathra at the Age of 3

The wee man is starting to get a real passion for the outdoors even at the grand old age of 3! Being surrounded by pictures of mountains, sunsets and the odd bit of action this should be no surprise to us! With a little break in the dull weather it was the ideal time to climb Blencathra and show the wee man that when you put your mind to something anything is possible!

The chosen route was Mousethwaite comb, Scales Tarn, for a picnic and then head for the summit. Sharp Edge would be a challenge for another day! The wee man impressed us walking almost to the top of Mousethwaite Comb needing little encouragement other than his walking pole!

After a little drink and rest at the top of the comb we headed for Scales Tarn. As with all toddlers that age splashing in puddles is a great thing to do but on a mountain not the best ! With lots of water running down the path we had to do some distraction tactics all the way across! There were lots of Fireman Sam rescues to attend! 

Approaching the beck leading to Scales Tarn it was evident that the nights rain was going to make it an interesting crossing ! The outdoors teaches kids so much self discipline which becomes more evident when you need them to respond to instructions when things get a bit exciting!!

Having safely crossed the beck it was evident that the wee man was ready for his picnic! This route was proving to be great for a toddler as there were lots of places to aim for, keeping them interested and motivated !! 

The picnic was a success and watching the gusts across Scales Tarn provided some entertainment although that was not needed with the view that was in front of us. Educating the wee man about Sharp Edge was important and he was keen to cross it the next time we were on the mountain! Leaving Scales Tarn we decided to dress him up as it was getting quite windy. Having his rucksack with a rein on it was very assuring although not to be relied upon, on the steep paths.

Although the path climbs steeply to the summit ridge it is over quickly with a view to keep your mind off the hard work. We made topping out dramatic for the wee man getting him to climb over the rocky outcrops! He was feeling very proud of his mountaineering exploits! 

The excitement for the summit was building and in the end we could not stop the wee man from running to the summit! Although his legs were tired he just kept going! Once on top he had a well earned drink, applause from fellow walkers and time to admire the view! 

A very excitable and tired wee man was standing on the summit of Blencathra feeling very proud of himself and we too shared this feeling! 

It was soon time to head down and home! The zig zags really helped keep him entertained pretending we were Tom Thomas from Fireman Sam flying his helicopter. We also stood to watch the scramblers on Sharp Edge.

With only a small amount of carrying on the shoulders we were soon back at the car giving each other high fives for what had been a memorable day on the hill!

The wee man was certainly a tired little boy but the smile on his face at the end was one of relief and pride! We are sure that it will not be long before he is once again stood admiring the view over the lakes from one of the many amazing summits!