Max's Challenge Walk (AKA Trail below Blencathra), Cumbria, UK

Visited July 18, 2023

Took the x5 bus from Booths, Keswick to Threlkeld

12 degrees Celsius forecasted (53.5 degrees Fahrenheit), mostly gray and wet; 7:30AM bus dropped me off in Threlkeld; I passed Blencathra Center around 9:30; back at Blencathra Center around 10:30AM

Restroom facilities: A sign says toilets are available at the Blencathra Centre

I only passed a few runners and dog walkers.

I walked approximately 6.4 miles total from where the bus dropped me off until I walked to Max's View and returned to the Blencathra Centre. I believe the actual walk from the Blease Road Car Park and then back to to it was two or three miles. This was a very quiet, peaceful walk.

I wore a rain jacket and rain pants. I wished I had packed gloves. My hands were very cold.

The trail was hard to miss. I had it mostly to myself except for a few runners and dog walkers. Despite the rain and cold (or because of it), the walk was beautiful. The changeability of the weather when the rain took a break made for some interesting skies as you can see in the images below. The trail surface was natural. Some of waterfalls and streamlets cross the bath so waterproof shoes were essential.

Parking: There is limited gravel parking available for maybe ten vehicles. I walked and used the bus. The bus schedule is available in the entryway at the Booths Grocery Store in Keswick.

I do not remember seeing any trash along the trail.

I was not bothered by mosquitos or midges.

I would not recommend this trail for strollers due to the water, rocks, and bridges. I did not see any strollers while I was on the trail.

I saw sheep, berry briars, a variety of wildflowers, trees, and ferns (bracken).

Took the x5 bus from Booths in Keswick to Threlkeld. This memorial was at the location where I was dropped off.

This building was across the street from where I was dropped off. It has the bus stop sign in front of it.

I walked a short way along this road edge until I came to Blease Road.

Turned left when I saw this sign.

Walked up along this road edge. Passed a school.

Walked along the road edge some more.

Passed a nice bench

Passed goats

Saw this sign. Stayed to the right path.

Passed the drive for the Blencathra Centre

Almost to the Blease Road Car Park!

Blease Road Car Park

Path begins

This was a nice place for a cuppa tea and some cheese and crackers at the end of my walk.

View from the bench

Some more rain when I stopped for a sip of tea and to soak in that I was actually here. By now my cold had firmly set in and I was wishing I had packed gloves. (It was July!)

Starting the walk

This does not appear as early as I expected. I thought I had missed it.

Can see the rain drops hitting the water puddles

Pretty sure I made it to the right place. (I was told to pass 2 waterfalls and cross 2 bridges. I stopped just before the gate.)

Turned around and headed back. The trail does continue on.

Sitting on that bench

Decided to follow the signs for a path across the field. I was pretty sure it would bring me back close to where the bus originally dropped me off in Threlkeld (and it did).