Blencathra Classic - Sharp Edge and Narrow Edge

Paul Shorrock

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

We all have our favourite hills and Blencathra is my Lake District favourite. I've walked, run, cycled and ice-climbed Blencathra by day and night, in all seasons and in all weathers and I've never had a bad day yet. Some would say that Blencathra via Sharp Edge or Narrow Edge is the finest way to do the hill. With my Blencathra Classic you get two gems for the price of one, up Sharp Edge and down Narrow Edge.

We must however, start with a health warning: the ridges, although technically not all that difficult, do have objective dangers. Sharp Edge becomes very greasy from October through to spring. Both ridges can be dangerous in high winds. On some sections of Sharp Edge a fall would almost certainly be fatal, whilst on Narrow Edge a fall if not fatal, would be very serious.

Having given the sombre view, I would add that on a warm sunny day there isn't a finer outing in the Lakes and in winter conditions those with the right equipment and experience would enjoy an exciting expedition. If you can do Striding Edge on Helvellyn without any drama, then you should be okay on these two.

My route starts at the White Horse at Scales. A short walk on the fell road towards Mungrisdale is followed by a steady height gain up Mousthwaite Comb. The path continues to gain height more gradually above the River Glenderamackin, before climbing by the side of Scales Beck to Scales Tarn.

Sharp Edge can be seen from Scales Tarn. If it all looks too much, there is an easy path to the summit rising from the south side of the tarn. Otherwise head upwards to the right to join the ridge, which ends on the summit plateau. A short walk takes you to the summit at Hallsfell Top, followed by the descent of Narrow Edge. After the ridge, a path traverses east below the slopes of Blencathra heading back to the start point, where a surprise is found just before the walk ends.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North East