Copy, sale and distribution forbidden - JbGNlLnZ 1

A walk proposed by Walking Britain

Sharp Edge is the highlight of this Lake District walk to Blencathra's highest point at Hallsfell Top.Sharp Edge is challenging mountain environment and needs treating with respect. The views fromthe Top are stunning covering most of the Lake District's highest fells.

Calculated time : 3h30 Difficulty : Average

Distance : 7.21km Return to the departurepoint : Yes

Vertical gain : 615m Means of travel : Walking Vertical drop : 577m Highest point : 843m Location : Threlkeld Lowest point : 228m

DescriptionWaypoints

D/A

Blencathra via Sharp Edge from Scales

N 54.631915° / W 3.023072° - alt. 228m - km 0

1 Head north-westN 54.640762° / W 3.018336° - alt. 460m - km 1.29

2 Sharp edgeN 54.645856° / W 3.042793° - alt. 672m - km 3.1

3 Hallsfell TopN 54.639938° / W 3.051628° - alt. 843m - km 4.04

D/AN 54.632761° / W 3.023906° - alt. 266m - km 7.21

(D/A) The walk starts from near Scales Farm. Park in one of the lay-bys onthe A66. At busy times of the year you may have to park some way fromScales. Once parked, take the short footpath (Grid ref NY340267) thatprovides access beyond the intake wall and onto the fell. Once through thewall, turn right and begin to climb almost immediately with the intake wallon your right. In recent years there have been some path diversions andrealignments so maps may not always be too accurate. At grid ref.NY344273 the path leaves the wall and turns north. Follow the path pastsome crags ignoring paths turning right and left off the main path. Oncepast the crags, marked as Level (dis) on OS maps, the gradient begins toease and you reach a broad grassy col between Scales Fell and Souther Fellwith Mousthwaite Comb to your right.

(1)Do not descend to the River Glenderamackin; instead follow the clearpath that heads north-west across the eastern flank of Scales Fell. Thisgains height steadily offering views ahead to Sharp Edge. At the junction ofpaths (Grid ref. NY333282), fork left and start the climb up to Scales Tarn.Reaching the Tarn, take the less defined path that heads half right andcontinues climbing up to Sharp Edge. There are a number of paths along theedge with many preferring to take the highest line along the crest. The mainpath has one obstacle where a rock appears to impede progress. Howeverwith a little care this can soon be overcome, with many people sitting downto cross the smooth slab below the overhang. In general Sharp Edge is notfor those who suffer from vertigo. It is also worth noting that there are nostraightforward routes along the ridge so scrambling cannot be avoided.Also there are a couple of awkward moves that require some agility.

(2) Having completed the traverse of the ridge, you are faced with a steep and rather unpleasant climb towards the summit ofFoule Crag. This ascent starts on rock but the way ahead deteriorates and you have to struggle up through loose scree. However,most forget about this inconvenience after the exhilaration of Sharp Edge. Reaching the top, turn left and follow the broad pathtowards the trig point on Hallsfell Top. This is the highest point of Blencathra and offers a superb panorama across much of theLake District.

(3) The descent starts now. There are a number of choices and the route described over Scales Fell is probably the fastest andkindest on the knees. From Hallsfell Top retrace your steps for a short way. Keeping the drop on your immediate right, bear right atthe first fork to descend across Scale Fell towards the path used on the outward route. The main route of descent is well troddenand the gradient ideal for making fast downhill progress. Realignment and reconstruction of paths on the lower slopes of Scales Fellmay mean significant changes to what is shown on your map. However all that is required is to follow the clearest way down and

Blencathra via Sharp Edge from Scales

Copy, sale and distribution forbidden - JbGNlLnZ 2

you will soon reach the path used on the initial descent. Turn right and you will soon be back at Scales Farm feeling pleased withyourself that you have completed one of the great Lakeland ridge routes(D/A).

Practical informationBlencathra is an iconic mountain and the approach via Sharp Edge is the most technically difficult. Requiring a head for heights, theroute needs to be treated with respect especially in high winds and under ice and snow. Over the years there have been a numberof accidents including fatalities and this should be taken into account when selecting this route.Let us know your opinion on : https://www.hikideas.com/walk-blencathra-via-sharp-edge-from-scales/

Blencathra via Sharp Edge from Scales

Copy, sale and distribution forbidden - JbGNlLnZ 3

Visorando et l'auteur de cette fiche ne pourront pas etre tenus responsables en cas d'accident survenu sur ce circuit.