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!

Details

Informations

Elevation 740 m

Weather

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Wednesday 24 December

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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

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Blencathra Zigzags

Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

1. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

2. Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

3. Sharp Edge (Blencathra) – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

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