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Threlkeld

Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

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Places to see

Mountain Peaks

United Kingdom

England

North West England

Cumbria

Eden

Threlkeld

Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

Recommended by 132 hikers out of 136

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park

Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous

Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

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Location: Threlkeld, Eden, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

4.8

(46)

499

hikers

1. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

20.6km

07:34

1,050m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.8

(29)

402

hikers

2. Blencathra Summit – Atkinson Pike loop from Threlkeld

9.91km

04:36

730m

Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.8

(40)

441

hikers

3. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Mungrisdale

17.9km

06:13

870m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Tips

Alex Foxfield

April 20, 2021

Sharp Edge is one of the Lake District's classic ridge scrambles. It's arguably the most exciting way to the top of Blencathra, though Alfred Wainwright was convinced Halls Fell Ridge was the finer approach to the summit.

The arête itself is not overly technical, coming in at a grade one scramble, the same grade as the famous Striding Edge on Helvellyn. Difficulty wise, Sharp Edge is a small step up from Striding Edge and feels slightly more airy. It is not as difficult or exposed as Snowdonia's classic Crib Goch ridge, another notorious grade one scramble.

However, in windy or wet conditions, Sharp Edge can be very dangerous. Due to its popularity, the rock in some places has become smoothed by the passage of many boots. Such polished rock is particularly slippery in the wet. One section is known as the Bad Step due to the hazards it poses in challenging conditions and the gully below is known to Mountain Rescue as 'the Usual Gully'. With this in mind, Sharp Edge is best saved for days when the conditions are on your side.

Tom

June 19, 2019

A brilliant Grade 1 scramble, with the famous 'bad step' that leads to the summit of Blencathra.

David Howells

June 20, 2021

A superb day out doing the Grade 1 scramble up Sharp Edge and the craggy dropping ridge of Halls Fell. Great scrambling and great views on a sky blue day with a great bunch of guys and a girl. Fantastic outing!

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Elevation 740 m

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Monday 22 September

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Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Location: Threlkeld, Eden, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

1. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

2. Blencathra Summit – Atkinson Pike loop from Threlkeld

3. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Mungrisdale

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