The ridge is best taken head on, keeping to the crest all the way. Although alternatives do exist on the North side, they add nothing to the experience whilst losing little of the exposure factor. Start up an obvious groove and continue onto the crest itself which gets continuously narrower but never uncomfortably so. The crest is constantly changing between a metre wide in places and narrow spikes and pinnacles in others. At times move either left or right around the pinnacles but remain as close to the crest throughout as possible. A final pinnacle leads to the most difficult, but still easy, move to cross the gap where the ridge joins the main hillside. Most people move 30 feet to the right here to take an obvious groove, but it's equally possible to take the more intimidating looking route up the slabs to its left. Despite appearances the rock is good and solid and the handholds well defined and reliable. The crest now takes on a more horizontal nature as it abuts the main fell, and an easy walk leads to the summitt of Atkinson Pike. From here turn left over Tarn Crags to climb up to the summit of Blenacthra and superb views of the Helvellyn Range and the whole of central lakeland.
Hall's Fell Ridge: From Blencathra's summit turn South East onto the obvious ridge. This is easier ground than Sharp Edge, but is still steep and slippy in places.The best line is to stick as close to the ridge crest as possible, though a walking path is always available to your right if you don't fancy the exposure. The rock of the ridge turns to a steep walk as you approach the end of the ridge to join the walking route. From here cross Gate Gill, Doddick Gill and Scaley Beck before reaching Scales Farm and the White Horse. Either continue to your start point at Comb Beck or, if you were a leter starter return directly to your car at Scales.
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