Back to basics with a total classic grade one route on Blencathra in the northern Lakes. Sharp Edge lives up to its name and is a cracking way up an often neglected mountain. And yes, it is quite sharp.
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Sharp Edge, Belncathra
(Lakes)
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Grade: 1
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Overview: A classic grade 1, and
probably the most poular lakeland scramble after Striding
Edge. Needs to be treated in with respect in wet and windy
conditions.
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Equipment: a good head for heights and
decent balance ;-)
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On line
map link
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Views: 2- Good views south of Mosedale
and the northern fells.
Technicality: 1 - straightforward with one exposed slabby
move.
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR*
*out of
five.
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Overview After all the recent high end routes, we felt it was
time to go back to basics: Sharp Edge is a classic grade 1, and
probably the most poular lakeland scramble after Striding Edge.
Although it's only a grade 1 route, and as perfect a hill day as you
could wish for in summer, it's an entirely different prospect in wind
and rain.
If you really want to make the most of a day on Blencathra then think
about combining this route with a descent of the easier, but still
grade 1 scramble, down Hall's Fall Ridge.
Approach Start from the A66 just west of
Scales, where
a path heads off up the hillside. Follow the path up through
Mousethwaite Comb, then turm left along the old quarry track that
leads to the col between Scales Fell and Souther Fell.
Continue uphill alongside the River Glenderamackin to where
Scales Beck joins from the left. Cross the beck and turn left to
follow the path up to the start of Sharp Edge, with Scales Tarn below
on your left.
Route Sharp Edge is one of those routes than needs little in the
way of route finding description. Essentially you just follow the
ridge as it climbs up to join Atkinson Pike.
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John Fitzpatrick's shot
of the ridge in profile from his album in the
OM
Gallery
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It starts as grassy walking, but slowly becomes increasingly rocky.
The ridge tends to steepen as you go up, and the terrain changes
regulary from a wide path to angled slabs. The occasional small
pinnacle forces you slightly off the top, but if you can handle the
exposure of the steep slopes below it never gets to be more than a
matter of using the hands for balance.
The crux of the route comes where the ridge joins the main bulk of
Atkinson Pike. As you reach the top of the ridge you encounter a gap,
where the easiest route is to follow the scratch marks on the rock
(this is also a popular graded winter route) round to the right and
an obvious wide groove. Climb the groove, which soon levels out, to
join the remaining short walk up to the top of Atkinsons Pike. From
the top turn south for the short stroll over to the summit of
Blencathra.
Halls Fell, an easier grade one scramble, makes an
interesting descent route or take you pick of the other Blencathra
ridges.
Caution Scrambling is potentially dangerous and, particularly
at the higher grades, requires technical skills and equipment to
minimise the risk. We suggest that you take professional instruction
or climb with an experienced partner.
