Saddleback (Blencathra) from Scales

Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is the northern Lake District's most distinctive fell, a long scalloped ridge with five radiating spurs. From Scales on the A66 the route climbs Scales Fell and Doddick Fell to reach the 868m summit, avoiding the notorious scramble of Sharp Edge while still taking in Scales Tarn and some of the finest views in the Lakes across to Skiddaw. It is a dog friendly walk for experienced hill dogs, but only on the non-scramble variant; Sharp Edge is not suitable for any dog.

Parking is at the small free lay-bys on the A66 at Scales (around grid NY339268), which fill by mid-morning on good days. The entire fell is grazed by Herdwick sheep and the lower slopes run through working farms, so dogs must be on a short lead throughout, especially near the tarn where ground-nesting birds breed. The path is grassy at first, then steep pitched stone, with a short rocky summit ridge to the trig point; avoid the Hall's Fell ridge and Sharp Edge with dogs. The White Horse Inn at Scales is dog friendly for a post-walk pint.