Blencathra Sharp Edge at the Age of 4

Following a few weekends climbing we felt it was time to introduce the wee man to the delights of lakeland scrambling! By now it is probably clear that Blencathra is top of the list in terms of favourite mountains so it was only right that Sharp Edge be the first scramble for the wee man!

The weather was looking good and it was rare to see 'windless summits' on the MWIS forecast so we had to go for it! The usual walk up Mousethwaite Combe is getting very familiar to the wee man now. As we arrived at the top of the combe the Sea King paid us a visit and headed for Sharp Edge which was a little unnerving!

It soon turned around and looked to be heading home! It wasn't long before we were at Scales beck and heading up to Scales Tarn.

We had a quick snack on the banks of Scales Tarn before heading up to the start of the ridge. As we approached it was time to harness up and ensure that the wee man was in sensible mode! Knowing the ridge well we knew that just after the middle section would be the crux but we were confident in all of our abilities to under take this safely.

 The wee man was loving the scrambling and was soon telling us in his usual way 'look at the view'! He was inspired! We picked our way across the ridge with little issue and the wee man listened and responded instantly and sensibly; we were so proud of him!

We were soon safely across the ridge and heading up the gully section. The wee man was certainly enjoying the challenge of the climbing along with the fantastic view!

Topping out and looking back down to the ridge was a good feeling! The wee man was soon running to the summit before claiming his 3rd time on the summit of this mighty mountain! After a well deserved snack and the customary admiring the view time on the summit it was soon time to head down the path back home. It had certainly been a mini adventure to remember!

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Blencathra is our favourite mountain in the Lake District for a number of reasons. The first is the view off the top is unbelievable giving you a vista of the solway and Scotland, Derwentwater, Thirlmere as well as the High Street and Helvellyn range. In the summer the sunsetting behind Skiddaw is another reason to love the mountain. We usually walk Blencathra as an after work stress relief as we usually have the mountain to ourselves. On this day we decided to walk from Mousthwaite Comb up to Scales Tarn and scramble Sharp Edge to the top. The walk up Mousthwaite Comb is quite steep until the saddle.

Crossing Scales Beck

The path rounds the Glenderamackin Valley before heading up towards Scales Tarn. A quick break at the tarn to admire the view before making our way up to Sharp Edge. The walk up is very steep but the view is excellent throughout. The ridge itself feels quite exposed at times but with care can be negotiated with little problem.

Scales Tarn in the background

There are many photo opportunities on the ridge although it is important to keep your wits about you at all times! We have a great view of Blencathra from our house so it was time to reverse the view and look over Blotting Raise and the Pennines. It wasn't long before we were at the end of the ridge and ascending the gulley.

The walk to the summit gives you a great view back down to Scales Tarn. The view off the top as mentioned before is totally worth the walk and scramble.

The sun was soon setting and it was time to make our way back down the manufactured path to Mousthwaite Comb. Another enjoyable descent up arguably one of the most exciting and picturesque fells in the Lakes.