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).