“Sharp Edge is a rising crest of naked rock, of sensational and spectacular appearance a breaking wave carved in stone”
A Wainwright
During the summer months we take on one of the major edges of the Lake District, Sharp Edge on Blencathra. With it's high levels of exposure the adrenaline will be pumping.
This is not a walk to be taken lightly it requires a guide or a good level of skill with many years experience to enjoy this ridge safely.
Many inexperienced walkers have been fooled into thinking they can make the edge walk and the local mountain rescue reports can tell you the outcome, we ourselves have had to guide strangers down to safety!
The views from the ridge are breathtaking this is definitely a walk you will be talking about for some time.
Sharp Edge is a classic edge, shorter but a little harder than Striding Edge. Why not join one of our guided walks and let our experienced instructors guide you up this classic route in safety.
“The route has a long established reputation and is deservedly popular”
A Wainwright
Similar to our Blencathra and Mungrisdale Common route we climb directly to the summit of Blencathra via the wonderful Halls Fell ridge, but after a stop on the summit we then descend to the east. We drop down to Scales Tarn before re-climbing along the famous Sharp Edge ridge, a short rocky arête with steep drops on either side. We make our way along this ridge to climb steeply at the far end over Foule Crag, this brings us back onto the summit ridge.
Our planned descent route is via the Doddick Fell Ridge, this descends alongside Halls Fell on a fine ridge with great views over the surrounding fells where a good path at the base takes us back to Threlkeld.
Obviously Sharp Edge is a very severe mountain route, and should not be attempted in bad weather, it is at our guides discretion whether we will undertake the ridge, and if not, a suitable alternative will be offered.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Threlkeld
Postcode: CA12 4SQ
Grid Reference: NY 322 254
Directions
Threlkeld is just off the A66 main road between Keswick and Penrith, follow the signs into the village. We meet outside the Horse and Farrier Pub in the centre of the village, please do not park in the pub car parks, plenty of parking can be found a short distance in either direction from the pub.
Bus Services
Threlkeld is well served by buses, the bus stops at the meet point.
The X4/X5 bus runs between Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Sharps Edge Review by Robert
Guide Harry took us up Blencathra via Halls Fell ridge, to give us a taste of scrambling, and then once at the top we took on Sharps Edge.
Harry was a great guide and had a calm presence that gave us the confidence to tackle Sharps Edge. Great day and he even turned up early, at our request, as we arrived earlier than expected. Very easy going and overall very easy to organise. I shall definitely use these guys again! (Posted on 28/08/2019)
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A fantastic day climbing Blencathra Review by Neil
A big thank you to my guide Neil for a fantastic day climbing Blencathra on 17/07/18. A very patient, informative and encouraging individual especially when assisting me over Sharp Edge!!
Thanks also to the wonderful Rachel, who, two days later guided myself and seven great companions up Helvellyn and over Striding Edge and even finding time to fit in Catsty Cam too!
I found TLDW to be as efficient now as when I used them in the past, easy to book with, reliable and great to spend a day ( or two ) with!!
Regards
Neil. (Posted on 22/07/2018)
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Brilliant! Review by Heather
Neil was our guide for this hike/ scramble. I can honestly say on behalf of all of us who did this hike, we had an absolutely amazing day. Neil is so friendly and informative, you really wont be in better hands! Similarly, John who lead the group I did today to Helvellyn was equally as friendly and informative so I imagine all of the guides that work for The Lake District Walker are all as amazing! The route up Blencathra was excellent and Sharp Edge should not be missed! Highly recommended! (Posted on 06/05/2018)
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Outstanding day out Review by Peter
Thank you to Neil for providing an excellent day out. This was my second activity with the Lake District Walker team and they did not disappoint. The ascent up to Halls Fell Top provided the foundation training and awareness to go on to climb Sharp Edge. Neil, throughout all the climbs, gave professional guidance and commentary adding to an interesting and informative day out. I strongly recommend this activity. (Posted on 06/05/2018)
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Blencathra and sharp edge Review by Andrea Illsley
Joined John and 2 others on my first ascent of Blencathra and sharp edge. Brilliant day, good company and superb weather. After a steep ascent we scrambled up Hall's fell ridge to summit which was a good warm up for sharp edge after lunch. Loved the challenge with John providing excellent tips on route choice plus constantly updating us on the stunning views as they emerged. A pleasant easy descent back to our starting point. Have booked for Hellvelyn and striding edge and can't wait. Would definitely recommend. (Posted on 11/08/2017)
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Blencathra and Sharp Edge Review by Fiona Taylor
Thanks to John's expert guidance, our group: Sharon, Melanie, Graham and me had a wonderful day on Blencathra and Sharp Edge 1/7/17. The weather was kind to us, and we managed to safely reach the top of the challenging Sharp Edge, before the rain and mist arrived. Fiona (Posted on 03/07/2017)
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An exhilarating walk Review by Melanie
We enjoyed splendid views on our ascent of Blencathra, via Halls Fell and our guide, John, was very good at orientating us, pointing out all of the topographical features and confidently responding to questions. We had a first taste of scrambling on the Halls Fell rocks – which was great fun! Although we cope well with long distance walking, my partner (Graham) and I don’t have a lot of fell walking experience and are not particularly ‘hill fit’ but our group paused a few times, with ample time for us to catch our breath. We had lunch at Scales Tarn, looking across at Sharp Edge with varying levels of anxiety. John, and the other members of our group (Fiona and Sharon) couldn’t have been more patient and helpful when it came to getting the two of us across Sharp Edge and the vertical climb that followed. It was a challenge – I enjoyed the adrenalin rush and sense of achievement; Graham was terrified and says never again! It was an exhilarating walk and one that we will both remember. I would not have attempted this route without a guide and am very happy that I chose the Lake District Walker. (Posted on 03/07/2017)
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Blencathra Review by Clare
Well chosen route via Hall Fell which I enjoyed in itself . Sunny but very windy which didn't deter our leader Neil ( thankfully ) from addressing the wonderful Sharp Edge , he provided the calm kind confident and proficient leadership which seems to be a hallmark of this company .. thank you very much for a really enjoyable day and looking forward to the next edge ! (Posted on 05/05/2017)
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Blencathra Review by Sam
A fantastic day with John and the other walkers. We followed a fun scrambling route up Halls Fell Ridge, experienced beautiful views throughout and were made to feel completely safe on Sharp Edge! (Posted on 17/04/2017)
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A Cracking Day To Be Had! Review by Michael
This was my first outing with “The Lake District Walker” and what an event to choose!
A walk and climb to the summit of Blencathra via Halls Fell Ridge followed by a scramble up and over Sharp Edge, fantastic. The day from start to finish was excellent, an experience that I will definitely look to revisit at some stage.
Thanks to John for such an entertaining and informative day. Thanks also to Sarah and Sam my two walking, climbing and scrambling companions on the six hour adventure.
Next stop Helvellyn & Striding Edge! (Posted on 07/04/2017)
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A real gem of the Lakes Review by Tom
My first ascent of Blencathra so I opted for a great route via Halls Fell to summit, then descend to Scales Tarn and over Sharp Edge. Not too daunting however the weather was great except a little windy for some. A real must for any avid walker visiting the Lakes. Many thanks to Catherine (spelling?) for a wonderful guided walk and who was perceptive of everyones abilities. (Posted on 20/07/2016)
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