Kathel Adventures: blencathra

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!

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!