How to scramble Sharp Edge
Take on one of the Lake District’s most famous Grade 1 scrambles with our guide to tackling Sharp Edge.
It’s been called the Crib Goch of the Lake District - but does Sharp Edge have sufficient wow factor to stand up to its Snowdonian rival? Absolutely, says Mountain Training-qualified instructor Kate Ayres of Lakes-based guiding company Climb Scafell.
“What makes Sharp Edge special is its iconic look and position above Scales Tarn,” she adds. “And of course, like all the best scrambles, it finishes on a summit.”
Sharp Edge’s pulling power is boosted by its sheer visibility. The curve of the ridge confronts drivers as they speed down the A66 from Penrith, tapering temptingly towards the top of Blencathra. No keen scrambler can see that come-hither scramble from afar without feeling a heartbeat in their throat.
Then, too, the route is so alluringly accessible. You can park in a layby off the main road and be at its base in an hour. So what’s stopping you from taking on this Lakeland classic?
It’s harder than you think...
Yes, Sharp Edge has a Grade 1 rating in the scrambling guidebooks - but don’t let that lure you into taking it lightly.
“In all but perfect conditions, the ridge will feel harder than a mere Grade 1,” says Kate. “Slippery rock, exposure and commitment all combine to put it at the top end of its grade.”
If you’re a relative newcomer to the scrambling game then leave this one for a good day. Rain and wind transform Sharp Edge from an adrenaline-pumping route that most hill walkers with a head for heights can tackle to a slippery, scaly beast of a scramble (it is composed of Skiddaw Slate, which quickly loses friction in the wet). The real problem area in bad weather is the ‘Bad Step’, a smooth slab before the small col that has claimed several lives. Kate advises using a rope to protect this section in the rain.
“The rock becomes very slippery when wet, so although only a Grade 1 scramble, if the rock is damp it will feel much harder,” she explains. “Being an exposed ridge it can also be affected by crosswinds. Calm and dry conditions are best for this one, so check the forecast before you go.”
…But don’t be put off
It has its risks, like every scramble, but Sharp Edge rewards those who dare to tackle it. “Go prepared for the challenges,” says Kate, “and you won’t be disappointed.”
Navigationally this is a straightforward prospect. The action begins at Scales Tarn, where a clear and well-trodden path leads directly up to the ridge. “Take to the rocky crest as soon as possible and stick to it as best you can,” Kate advises. “There is a choice of routes, all going to the same place, so take whatever you like the look of, but always staying close to or on the crest.”
The first major difficulty, she adds, is the Bad Step. “A very exposed section will present itself. This offers a handrail of rock but only a smooth, sloping slab for the feet, so can feel daunting. Rest assured it is only very short and leads to the comfort of a small col.”
After the col, the character of the scramble changes completely. “Until now the ridge has been fairly horizontal - more like a traverse than a climb. This now changes as the ground becomes steeper for the final ascent. Follow the well worn groove on the right for the most straightforward route to the summit.”
Watch out for loose rock on this final section, which is otherwise a reasonably straightforward scramble.
Making a day of it
There are several spectacular routes down from Sharp Edge, but if you fancy some more scrambly action then head for Hall’s Fell Ridge. This exciting descent is officially a grade 1, but it shouldn’t tax the abilities of even the most cautious scrambler. The main challenges are the exposure and the slipperiness of the rock when wet.
Fancy a longer day out? Kate advises topping out on Atkinson Pike and following the broad ridge to Blencathra summit before joining the path that heads southwest to Blease Fell.
“Paths lead back to the valley and from here there are tracks leading along the bottom of the fell to Scales Farm,” she says. “For those looking for some wild landscapes, though, rather than head straight for Blencathra summit, from Atkinson Pike go exploring on Mungrisdale Common - it’s well worth the effort.”
Sharp Edge in the snow
It’s one of the best snowy days out in the Lake District, but Sharp Edge in full winter conditions is no easy prospect.
“My very first experience of the Lake District mountains was indeed Sharp Edge in winter,” Kate recalls. “With teachers from college a group of us students were led across this precipitous snow-plastered edge without crampons but thankfully with a rope! It felt scary but amazing at the same time.”
If you’ve pencilled the ridge in for next winter then be aware that it’s a grade I/II winter climb and that you’ll need crampons, an ice axe and plenty of winter hill walking experience.
- Did you know? You can donate free of charge to the BMC this Christmas
- Popeth sydd angen i chi ei wybod am y Parc Cenedlaethol newydd arfaethedig yng Ngogledd Cymru
- Our 6 favourite sunrise & sunset routes for National Hiking Day
- BMC Winter Lecture Series: Bristol
- BMC Winter Lecture Series: Manchester
- BMC Winter Lecture Series: Bangor
- Basic Child Safeguarding Training | Thursday 10th April
- Climbing Equipment Safety
- Top 6 accessible routes for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams
- The British Mountaineering Council welcomes the British Boulder and Lead Championships to Manchester
- Five reasons to go trekking in Europe
- Julie Smith appointed as Head of Finance at the British Mountaineering Council
- Best 6 climbs at Carn Gowla, Cornwall, according to our Local Access Rep
- Your Climbing Counts | Survey Results
- Bouldering outdoors for the first time
- Youth Climbing Series Grand Final
- Five historic walking routes to explore Scotland in autumn and winter
- 5 favourite Exmoor walks using the new Great Bradley Bridge
- Time Together: Lucy Garlick and Natalie Stilwell
- Basic Child Safeguarding Training | Monday 13th January
- Basic Child Safeguarding Training | Tuesday 18th January
- Basic Adult Safeguarding Training | Monday 20th January
- Basic Child Safeguarding Training | Wednesday 19th March
- Women in Adventure Film Workshop at Kendal Mountain Festival
- BMC Community hike at Kendal Mountain Festival with Komoot
- December BMC Open Forum
- Clubs Open Forum
- Promoting your club using social media | Club Support Webinar
- Mental health, nutrition & exercise during menopause
- BMC x ClimbOut Queer Climbing Session at Kendal Mountain Festival
- Top 5 walks & climbs around the newly repaired footpaths at Haytor Rocks, Dartmoor
- Youth Climbing Series Grand Final to be Hosted in Leeds
- A new, exciting idea for your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days with the BMC
- Gear Maintenance for Climbing and Mountaineering Clubs | Club Support Webinar
- Gellid osgoi traean o'r sbwriel sydd ar yr Wyddfa gyda Chynllun Dychwelyd Ernes
- Your burning questions answered with Auntie Gravity | Summit Magazine
- BMC welcomes four new members to the Members' Council
- Laura Needham appointed as Head of Performance at the British Mountaineering Council
- Alpine Gems | Dent Blanche, South Ridge
- Happy 100th Gwen Moffat!
- BMC North West Area Hill Walk | Saturday 30th November
- 5 things you didn’t know about hill walking’s most important plant
- Sphagnum moss planting | 15th November
- Climbing in the sun: Steve McClure's ultimate winter destinations
- BMC South Wales Area Meeting
- The future of wild camping on Dartmoor: Supreme Court to decide on historic right
- BMC Huts Seminar
- Aggarwal, Losey Sail, and Musson Medal in Arco at IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup
- 14 reasons why we can't ignore footpath erosion
- BMC volunteers remove 2,765 items of litter from Yr Wyddfa
Related Content
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Scrambling in winter is a step up in every way: here are some tips from the pros for getting it right.
Mountaineering Destinations
Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Hillwalking Destinations
Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach ridge is the most legendary Grade 2 scramble in Scotland. Do you have the skills to take it on?
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Scrambling is sometimes described as the middle ground between walking and climbing - and for the higher grades in particular, you’ll need some basic climbing skills. Here's our guide to staying safe on the rock.
Rock Destinations
Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
What are the different types of climbing and mountaineering and what do they involve?
Mountaineering Destinations
In 2014, Swiss super-alpinist Ueli Steck flew into Scotland for an under-the-radar mixed climbing hit with British alpinist and photographer Jon Griffith. Sarah Stirling tracked him down to find out just what he thought of our Scottish winter climbing, whether he’ll be back and what he’s got planned next.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Mountaineering Destinations
What's the best 4,000m peak in the Alps for beginners? We asked five British Mountain Guides who are based in the Alps this question - Tim Blakemore, Jon Bracey, Matt Helliker, Andy Perkins and Tania Noakes. All of them picked a peak in Switzerland - testament to the concentration of excellent peaks of that altitude there.
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Join us as we explore five breathtaking walks on the UK's national trails with YHA (England & Wales) as part of the YHA Festival of Walking.
Mountaineering Articles
Where are you currently getting your mountain inspiration from? Are the walls in your house lined with photos and paintings of stunning peaks? Your social media feeds endlessly presenting you with trails and skylines to add to the list of high places to explore? We're here to add to that by giving you five more films to keep your inspiration levels up. Enjoy the watch.
For most people, walking all the Wainwrights is a challenge spread over many, many years. But James Forrest decided he wanted to up the ante, turn it right up to 11, go all out and walk them all in one outing and entirely self-supported. Is he mad or magnificent? You decide.
Go walking at your own pace and download free maps and route guides for walks from YHA hostels across England and Wales.
Ideas and inspiration for your next walk, including National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Scrambling Skills
Scrambling takes the joy of hiking to more thrilling levels. Scrambles can be difficult and serious. Here is some great insight to help you understand scrambling grades and the effort the require.
Hillwalking Destinations
Short and sharp, or long and steep; there's no room for messing about here. You'll have to keep a cool head and a strong grip, as we bring you Britain’s top six spicy scrambles.
Hillwalking Destinations
A stunning Grade 1 scramble in Eryri (Snowdonia) that most people have never even heard of? It sounds too good to be true - but the Llech Ddu Spur really does live up to its billing. Here’s what you need to know to take on this secret Carneddau classic.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
If you’re keen to make the transition from hill walker to scrambler, we set out the basics to get you started:
Hillwalking Destinations
Find out everything you need to know about making the leap from walking to scrambling, learn the essential skills and check out our top five UK scrambles.
Hillwalking Destinations
Fancy having a crack at mainland Britain’s most legendary Grade 3 ridge scramble? Here’s the lowdown on this classic route.
Hillwalking Destinations
Mind-boggling views, thrilling exposure and an alpine feel make this Lake District classic the perfect introduction to grade 3 scrambling.
Mountaineering Destinations
Skye’s Cuillin Ridge is the Holy Grail of British scrambling. Are you ready for the challenge?
Rock Destinations
Jack’s Rake is a popular Grade 1 scramble in the Lake District – but it’s by no means an easy proposition. We look at the skills you’ll need to tackle this classic route.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
This thrilling Grade 1 scramble in Eryri (Snowdonia) is one of the country’s most popular ridges - so what does it take to tackle Crib Goch?
Rock Destinations
The most famous route up Tryfan is the North Ridge: a long and thrilling grade one scramble that makes a perfect introduction to the sport. We take a look at how to tackle it.
Hillwalking Destinations
Great Gable’s most famous ridge climb makes for an epic day out - particularly if you’re brave enough to tackle Napes Needle itself as part of the ascent…
Hillwalking Destinations
Striding Edge is a classic Grade 1 scramble in the Lake District - and if you’re looking to make your first foray into scrambling territory then it’s the perfect place to start. Here, we take a look at the know-how you’ll need to tackle this epic mountain day.