Sharp Edge for Breakfast

[johnbythell]

It was a righteously early 5 am start this morning for a quick (no traffic) drive over to the Lake District and a short scramble up Sharp Edge. The circuit down via Hallsfell ridge adds an entertaining and, if you follow the ridge line, an airy descent. All done and home in time for lunch. I have to say both of these are a relative breeze in the dry but completely different propositions in the wet - the slick, polished stone on Sharp Edge is lethal in the wet, and I have turned around at the slab step the last two times I have tried it.

Sharp Edge 8 July 2018.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

The footpath crossing the field half way along from Scales towards Comb Beck doesn't seem to be in use anymore - I climbed over the gate anyway and climbed steeply up to the main footpath along the northern edge of the fields.

On the main footpath just above Scales, looking over to the central Lakes.

Nearing the top of Mousethwaite Comb.

The path traverses across the north flank of Scales Fell, Sharp Edge comes into view.

The laid stone ladder leading up the side of Scales Beck.

Inky-black Scales Tarn, from the bottom of Sharp Edge.

There are some airy bits on the lower section of the Edge, but they're relatively straightforward and can be avoided on the right.

Looking back down from above the two polished slab sections - the first to traverse around the small pinnacle and the second just starting up from the step down off the pinnacle - both can be hellish in the wet, but are fine in the dry.

The middle section of the scramble up the slope from the end of the ridge - it looks a lot worse than it is.

The view back down Sharp Edge with Scales Tarn below.

Panorama from the summit plateau, looking over towards Cross Fell and the Pennines.

Cairn on Hallsfell top, looking along the saddle towards Knowe Crags.

Contemplating the descent - Hallsfell ridge.

The ridge has some airy steps if you keep to the ridgeline, but with sure footing in the dry it is straightforward and feels better than the heavily eroded paths that snake down either side. Here looking back up the ridge from half way down.

View towards the central fells.

Back down to the main footpath for the tromp back along to Scales - which always turns out to be longer than you'd expect.

This little rock step on the footpath just above (west of) Scaley Beck catches many people out - polished and tenuous in the wet.

I was back to the car by 10 and home for lunch, nice little breakfast round!