| Blencathra, Lake District |
 Trail Name:Blencathra via Sharp Edge Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| You start climbing immediately – something of a shock to the system as your legs have had no chance to warm up. A well-defined path cut into the hillside leads up the steep slope, with classic Lakeland scenery behind and to the right. The only thing blighting the views is the roar of the traffic on the A66 below, but this you will leave behind as you round Scales Fell.
The uphill path is steep and relentless, with loose shale and rock in places. However, after 0.75 mile the initial ascent ends and the path levels out to skirt Scales Fell. You are surrounded by high fells and valleys, with Glendermackin River below to the right and the daunting face of Blencathra ahead. Keep to the path as it veers towards Scales Beck tumbling down the hillside. A steep climb to the right of the beck on the rocky path leads to tranquil Scales Tarn, nestled beneath the summit of Blencathra. To the right is your ascent route – the narrow, jagged ridge of Sharp Edge. Make no mistake – this is not a casual stroll to the summit. Aptly named Sharp Edge has sheer drops either side and there are few people confident enough to cover its length without using their hands. You will certainly need to use all four limbs for the final steep scramble at the end of the ridge – made all the more challenging by smooth rock. Look for a narrow gully slightly to the right, which provides some easier hand and footholds and feels less exposed. At the top, turn left for the short walk to the summit of Blencathra. This is an exhilarating climb but (in our opinion) far scarier than the renowned Striding Edge of HELVELLYN. For those afraid of heights or otherwise unwilling to tackle the ridge, an alternative route climbs from the left of the tarn directly to the summit. As you would expect, there are panoramic Lakeland views from the summit: Thirlmere, Derwent Water and Keswick, and high peaks, including Helvellyn and Great Gable. Descending south from the summit is Halls Fell Ridge, a classic descent route involving more scrambling. However, we recommend the descent via Blease Fell, for the views it affords to the western fells. For the Blease Fell route, head south-west along the summit plateau following a clear path. The steep descent begins at Knowe Crags. The path continues to be easy to follow but watch your footing on the loose stones – this eventually turns to a grassy, well-defined track with some rocky sections. Keep to the track when it eventually veers left (ignore a grassy side trail that leads ahead to the Mountain Centre). As you head east, parallel to the A66 and valley below you to the right, views of the southern flanks of Blencathra open up to the left. The setting is perfectly tranquil, with majestic mountain views all around, blighted only by the traffic noise from the A66. Soon the descent eases and the path follows a stone wall to the right. Keep to the same direction all the time as you cross Blease Gill, pass Gate Gill Fell to the left, and then cross Gate Gill. Here, the Halls Fell Ridge route joins to the left. Continue on, crossing Doddick Gill along the way, before a steep, short descent over boulders leads down to Scaley Beck. Ascend the other side, and follow the same path for another 0.25 mile or so towards Scales. Look out for a stile on the right, which leads down to the A66 and your starting point. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: North-eastern section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England. The nearest town is Keswick, 6 miles to the west.
Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 10 miles to the hamlet of Scales, about 1.5 miles before the village of Threlkeld. There are some parking places in two roadside lay-bys, as well as limited parking in the hamlet itself close to the White Horse pub. Trailhead: From the White Horse, walk a short distance west (right) along the A66. Just beyond Tollbar Cottage and before a lay-by, a public footpath sign points your way to the right. Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 2,125 ft / 648 m Duration: 4.5 hours Trail Condition: Defined and easy to follow. Narrow ridge and very steep sections with scree and loose rock. Features: Narrow ridge scramble, views of the northern Lakeland fells. Climate: Cool and wet year round. Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs in and around Keswick. Several signed campsites just off the A66 near Scales and Threlkeld. Trail Notes: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in high winds or if you are afraid of heights. It is an extremely narrow, rocky ridge with steep, exposed drops on either side, leading to a scramble up the rock face to the summit plateau. Be prepared for changeable weather. A compass and topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 5) are recommended. |
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