Blencathra in the Lake District.

Blencathra is a prominent peak in the Lake District and offers a challenging hike. I started from Scales on the A66. Standing at 2,848 feet (868 metres), it features the beautiful Scales Tarn at its base. The famous Sharp Edge, a narrow and exposed ridge, provides an exhilarating scramble to the summit, though it demands caution. I did this walk on the 6th Sept 2024.

Blencathra, often referred to as Saddleback due to its distinctive, saddle-shaped summit, is one of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District. Interestingly, Alfred Wainwright strongly preferred the name Blencathra, stating in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells that "Saddleback is a name given by the ordnance survey, but I much prefer Blencathra, a grand old name of ancient origin." At 2,848 feet (868 metres) Blencathra stands out a mile as you drive along the A66 in the Northern Fells.

The journey to its summit typically begins at Scales, just off the A66, where the path immediately takes you up on a steep climb. Right from the start, the climb is demanding, gets the lungs and legs working, and provides very little in the way of rest, but with amazing views of the surrounding fells and valleys, its worth it.

At the bottom of Blencathra is Scales Tarn, a glacial lake nestled at the base of the summit. This tarn offers a good stopping point for hikers and sits directly beneath the infamous Sharp Edge, hinting at the challenge ahead.

Sharp Edge

Sharp Edge is famed as one of the Lake District’s most exhilarating ridge scrambles and in my opinion, more fun than Striding Edge, it is narrow and exposed and in a few places only about a foot wide with steep drops on either side. This makes Sharp Edge a popular route not only for those seeking a challenge but also for those who enjoy the fun of crossing such exposed paths.

However, Sharp Edge is not to be underestimated. The combination of its narrow ridge and sometimes slippery rock can make this section dangerous, particularly in poor weather. The ridge requires steady footing and a calm head. As Alfred Wainwright aptly wrote about Blencathra, "The sharp arête of the Edge is one of the finest bits of mountaineering in Lakeland, an exhilarating scramble for sure-footed climbers."

Once across Sharp Edge, the final climb to Blencathra is a short but steep climb, but once at the top you are not at the summit, that is about half a mile to your left. At the top, you get amazing views and on the day I was there, I saw a military aircraft flying below in the valley, unfortunately on the day I also lost my action camera, so the only video footage I have is from my drone.

How Blencathra and Sharp Edge Were Formed

Blencathra and Sharp Edge are the result of millions of years of geological processes. The fells are primarily composed of ancient volcanic rock, dating back over 450 million years to the Ordovician period. During this time, violent volcanic activity shaped much of what is now the Lake District, forming the rugged mountains we see today.

The distinct sharpness of Sharp Edge itself is the product of glacial erosion. During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved through the landscape, deepening valleys and sharpening ridges. Scales Tarn, at the base of the edge, is a classic example of a glacial tarn, formed in a hollow left behind by the retreating ice. The combination of volcanic activity and glaciation created the dramatic and challenging terrain that has become synonymous with Blencathra and Sharp Edge.

Other Routes to the Summit

While Sharp Edge is the most famous and challenging route to the summit, there are several other ways to reach Blencathra’s peak, you can go via the Scales Fell route which is a more gradual climb. Starting from the same point at Scales, this path avoids the ridge and instead climbs steadily towards the summit.

You also have Hallsfell Ridge another popular choice. Though still a scramble, it is less narrow than Sharp Edge, making it a favourite among those who want some excitement without the same level of risk. The ridge leads directly to the summit, offering impressive views along the way without the same degree of exposure.

Finally, you have Blease Fell, this route begins from the nearby village of Threlkeld and takes a more gentle approach, making it ideal for walkers seeking a straightforward path and delivering beautiful scenery and a rewarding experience. This path is often chosen by those wishing to experience Blencathra's summit without the need for scrambling.

Regardless of which route you choose, Blencathra offers a range of experiences suited to different levels of ability and ambition. Enjoy your hike.