Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

Hard

4.8

(42)

443

hikers

Scales Tarn – Blencathra Summit loop from Scales

04:12

8.40km

650m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 3.03 km for 371 m

After 4.12 km for 61 m

After 4.23 km for 663 m

After 7.43 km for 21 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.44 km

Scales Beck Waterfall and Stone Steps

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

A great place to stop off on the way up Blencathra

Tip by

2.77 km

Scales Tarn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Scales Tarn is at the base of Sharp Edge and is a great place to stop and make the desicion of whether to go the scramble route or the steep …

Tip by

3.19 km

Bad Step on Sharp Edge

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is the most wonderful grade 1 scramble on a gorgeous sunny day but in wet weather, high winds or in snow it needs to be treated with respect. With …

Tip by

3.30 km

Sharp Edge (Blencathra)

Highlight • Summit

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 …

Tip by

4.03 km

Blencathra Summit

Highlight • Summit

A bona fide scrambler’s paradise, Blencathra serves up two glorious ridges in a truly memorable horseshoe. The grade one scramble up Sharp Edge, a razor-like spine featuring the notorious Bad …

Tip by

4.44 km

Halls Fell Ridge (Blencathra)

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Legendary fellwalker Alfred Wainwright was so enamoured with Halls Fells Ridge that he said it was 'positively the finest way to any mountain-top' in the Lake District. Arcing upwards directly …

Tip by

6.64 km

Doddick Gill Stream

Highlight • Trail

This is a wonderfully quiet spot on a little used route to the summit, take full advantage of the lack of traffic to take in the views over to Derwent, and the Cat Bells range.

Tip by

7.29 km

Scaley Beck Rock Step

Highlight • Climb

A sudden rock step presents itself on the western side of Scaley Beck. Although only short, it presents a tasty little challenge to unsuspecting walkers and a little extra excitement …

Tip by

8.40 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types