Threkeld R7-9
Get your kicks above the A66! Ronald Turnbull seeks out Threlkeld’s big hills and steep snowfields.
enjoy a trio of treats from the Lake District’s northern base
So your Friday morning hit on the Lakes Felltop Weatherline comes up with some decent snow. Threlkeld is handy to get to – straight up the M6 and no issues with icy little lanes that haven’t had the snowplough. And it’s right below the big hills Blencathra and Skiddaw. And if it’s that magic weekend when, despite its southerly aspect, Hall’s Fell happens to have good snow on it – where else in the world would you rather be? (Well, Sharp Edge, if your skills are up to Sharp Edge.) Just along the road, Skiddaw’s 900m of altitude should give you something to get your crampons into. The surprise is Clough Head, whose steep north face can give an exciting icy moment on the old miners’ pathway.
TRANSPORT
Bus X4 / X5 Penrith train station to Workington passes through Threlkeld, 0871 200 2233, www.traveline.info
PUBS/GRUB
Horse & Farrier www.horse andfarrier.com and The Sally @Threlkeld www.thesalutation. co.uk – both good, ancient pubs. The Farrier is more upmarket with fancier food.
ACCOMMODATION
Threlkeld has several B&Bs. Bunkhouse at White Horse Inn, Scales, www.thewhitehorseblencathra.co.uk (this is also
another good pub). Fisher-Gill camping barn (also B&B), St John’s in the Vale, www. stybeckfarm.co.uk/campingbarn.htm
PRACTICALITIES
All facilities at Keswick, fuel and coffee at Rheged (first roundabout off M6).
LOCAL INFO
Lake District National Park info centre, Moot Hall, Keswick, 0845 901 0845 (phone surcharge 2p/min). For Keswick Railway Path updates, check out www. tinyurl.com/railway-path