Hill reps up Blencathra and a Tooth Fairy Special part 1

Given how close they are, I don't get to the Lakes that often, but last week I had two epic outings on consecutive days.
One of my hareem, Helen, has entered the Lakes In A Day which takes place in October and she wanted to recce some of the route. So last Friday she and I went up to Threlkeld and met up with Rachel, another Helen and Little Dave. Now Little Dave lives in Burgess Hill which is about 20 miles north of Brighton but he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Lake District, and he suggested a double Blencathra. First came the easy bit, the gradual ascent of Blease Fell. I say easy but Blencathra is well over 2800ft high, so the term is relative. Anyway we soon reached the summit and were rewarded by stunning views. A quick snack and then the straightforward descent of Scales Fell before the fun began.
The second ascent was via Doddick Fell and started with an awkward little rock scramble right at the base of the fell. Then came an interminable steep ascent through the bracken covered lower slopes. Bracken and I don't get on; spores + hay-fever = asthma, not good when climbing steep hills. Eventually we were through and things improved dramatically.The ridge is quite narrow and there were excellent views into the valleys on either side. Another break on the summit and we set off down Halls Fell. For those that don't know it, Halls Fell is very steep but it is the way down on the LIAD so we had to do it. Helen and I, used to the grassy descents of the Dales, were soon left behind but we managed a lot better than we had feared and were soon down. A quick drink in the Horse and Farrier, and then it was time to go back and get some rest before Saturday.