Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Distance: 8.76km (5.44 Miles)
Ascent: 820m (2690ft)
Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

Fantastic scrambles and stunning views on this short but excellent route up Blencathra via Sharp Edge and descending via Halls Fell Ridge.

Clough Head and the central fells from the start of the ascent up to Mousthwaite Comb.

Great Mell Fell and the distant Pennines.

Skirting Mousethwaite Comb, steep drops here... but nothing compared to later.

Souther Fell.

First view of Sharp Edge just round the side of Scales Fell.

Waterfalls at Scales Beck.

It was such a blisteringly hot day today! And nowhere better to cool off and take the boots off than here by Scales Tarn - almost 600m above sea level.

Sharp Edge - "A breaking wave carved in stone" - AW

Fellow walkers scrambling along the top. Time to get going, I would love to see what I look like from down here when I'm scrambling along the top.

The beautiful Scales Tarn. A large college/school party to the far left near the tarn outlet. They were having a safety briefing before their ascent of Sharp Edge. Health and Safety said they must be attached to a rope.

Crossing the Edge.

Sparkling Scales Tarn far below.

Looking back along the edge.

And back up the edge.

Sharp Edge from near the top of Foul Crag.

Sharp Edge and Scales Tarn.

The distant Pennines.

You can just make out the large school party to the right.

Blencathra Summit.

A grand and spectacular view from nearly 3000ft. The lakes are Thirlmere to the left, and Derwent Water just off centre.

Hall's Fell Ridge, my chosen route of descent. From this angle I'd probably have to say its more difficult that it looks.

Lots of paragliders around Clough Head - Helvellyn in the background, a further 4 miles away.

A panorama from the top of Blencathra.

Beginning the descent down Halls Fell Ridge.

And a last view back up the ridge - must go up this way one day...