THE STUNNING splendour of one of the Lake District's most loved mountains is set to be shared with the whole country in an in-depth TV documentary.

Life of a Mountain: A Year on Blencathra airs on BBC Four next week, giving millions a taste of its spectacular scenery.

The programme is a sequel to A Year on Scafell Pike, and filmmaker Terry Abraham said he was conscious of the pressure to make sure the follow up was as good as the original.

He said: “My first one was a big hit when it came out in January 2015. It broke records for BBC Four, so I'm acutely aware of the high expectations on this one.”

Filming started on Blencathra in February 2015, finishing a year later in March.

After premiering in May, the two-hour documentary has been shortened to an hour special for BBC, to be shown on Tuesday.

Terry said: “It's a great way to spend Valentines Day.

“I've been joking that people should have an evening in with me and Blencathra.”

The stunning sights make for a visual extravaganza.

He said: “It's a scenic spectacle through the seasons. You've got your spring lambs to the winter snows.

“There's a lot of local people and schoolchildren sharing their feelings about the area, and includes broadcaster Stuart Maconie and comedian Ed Byrne."

Mr Abraham, however, admitted Blencathra - the eighth highest mountain in England, which was put up for sale in 2014 - wasn't his first choice.

He said: "At first I didn't see the attraction of Blencathra. I disagreed with people saying it was the mountaineer's mountain, but after a couple of months there I'd completely fallen for it.

"It's iconic in appearance and a community asset.

"After the first one I wanted the next to be Helvellyn, but the broadcaster convinced me, especially with it being so topical at the time.

"I thought I should strike while the iron was hot.

The filmmaker now plans to complete the mountainous trilogy with Helvellyn, and hopes to start filming this time next year.

He is currently working on a biopic with Alan Hinkes OBE, the first Brit to climb the 14 highest mountains in the world.

Mr Hinkes appears in the documentary, along with record-breaking fell runner Steve Birkinshaw.

Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, Eric Robson, said: "I'm looking forward to this film tremendously.

"Terry Abraham's previous documentary about Scafell Pike prompted rave reviews from viewers and I've no doubt this latest offering will again showcase Cumbria's epic views and splendours to the audience watching at home."

The documentary will be the first of two about the area to be shown next week, with The Lake District - A Wild Year going out on Friday February 17.

It promises a unique view of life in the Lakes, including the wildlife and residents.