Blencathra: Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell

[ChrisJB]

Dear folks,

The missus and I are of to the Lakes in a few weeks and if the weather is decent I fancy climbing Blencathra via Sharp Edge and descending down Hall's Fell. The wife has never tackled anything like this before and I was wondering how easy or hard it is. I don't want to get on to Sharp Edge and then she bottles it!

Regards, Chris

[KIDSTYPIKE]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Dear folks,

The missus and I are of to the Lakes in a few weeks and if the weather is decent I fancy climbing Blencathra via Sharp Edge and descending down Hall's Fell. The wife has never tackled anything like this before and I was wondering how easy or hard it is. I don't want to get on to Sharp Edge and then she bottles it!

Regards, Chris

Sharp Edge is not the best place to test your wifes nerves on. It is exposed and over naked rock. The Halls Fell ridge is a far better way up to Blencathras summit as it finishes at the summit itself. There are only a couple of "awkward" places on it. I would recommend Halls Fell for your ascent. Feel free to e_mail me and I can provide further info.

Dave

[ChrisJB]

I've just been consulting my 'Wainwright' as well and he suggests an ascent of Hall's Fell. I think I'll go with the majority!

Many thanks, Chris

[Pete Collins]

Chris,

I fully agree with everything Dave (KidstyPike) says. Sharp Edge is very exposed indeed. If your wife is new to that sort of ascent, far better to try out Hall's Fell first. It's a great route, direct to the summit. A bit exposed in a couple of places, but not the almost continual exposure of Sharp Edge. There was one tricky bit on the ascent of Hall's Fell which I admit has put me off descending that way! I always find it easier scrambling up than down (when you can see the drop!).

Pete

[sleepinabox]

I have climbed a few Lakeland fells - Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw etc but I must say from everything I have read and photos etc I have seen I don't fancy Sharp Edge on Blencathra! that's one of my no go areas! Striding Edge on Helvellyn was scary enough for me!
Rose

[ChrisJB]

It's funny how people's perceptions vary. From reading various books and talking to different folks, I get very mixed messages about Sharp Edge. Some say it's a doddle, whilst others call it a beast! All this uncertainty makes it a mouth-watering prospect (but without the missus)!

I've been also toying with the notion of introducing her to Crib Goch, but I think I better put that on hold as well.

Regards, Chris

[ChrisJB]

Thanks folks for your Hall's Fell suggestions. I did exactly as you suggested and we went up Blencathra that way (on Monday). It was a fabulous walk (between stinging hail showers) and was a bit 'hairy' in places. The missus wasn't impressed with the high winds though! What I really liked was the way Hall's Fell Ridge just pops you out right on the summit.

We also got a view as well which was a bonus. Our descent was much more straightforward, down the steep slopes of Blease Fell, to Threlkeld.

Yes, as a mountain, Blencathra has become a firm favourite!

Regards, Chris

[Pete Collins]

Glad you enjoyed it, Chris! And thanks for letting us know how you and your wife got on.