Blencathra

[graeme84]

Like everyone else this weekend I got excited by the prospect of a sunny saturday so I decided to do Blencathra, as my previous attempt ended in no views what so ever. Left Durham at 4am in the hope of catching a decent sunrise as i started the walk.

Started to tire myself out way too easily by practically legging it for 15 mins in the hope of getting to the top and the sunrise still being as nice. I then had the choice of ascending via Sharp Edge, or the route to the left of Scales Tarn which would be quicker but far less interesting so i opted for Sharp Edge.
Last time i did this route the rock was wet and there was one section that was flat and like an ice rink it was so slippy. No such worries this time and i was up Sharp Edge in no time. Scrambling on a ridge definitely takes your mind off how tired you are and makes it a much better alternative to the featureless slog up the other path.

on the way up

Started to get stupidly hot even with just my tshirt on but luckily for me there was still alot of frozen snow at the top still..perfect for rubbing just a wee bit on the arms to cool down.

closest I think ive got to a cloud inversion

Shortly afterwards reached the summit where there was absolutely no wind, first time thats happened in my relatively short experience of walking. Sat there for nearly an hour taking in the views and eating my rubbish service station sandwich. Was also transfixed by a fell runner running up one of the ridges, how fit you must have to be to do that. Felt like informing him that there is loads of flat ground down at the bottom in case he wasnt aware he was needlessly exerting energy running up a mountain.

at the top

The perfect weather continued for the rest of the walk. Passed about 20 people altogether towards the end and the carpark was full so made me think getting up at 3.30 was definitely worth it. Not that I'm antisocial or anything, just nice to have all the scenery to yourself now and again.

[mountain coward]

Yeah I can never understand how it's possible to run up a hill! I can run down them no problem at all!

Give me Scales Fell route of ascent/descent any time over Sharp Edge! I've been on Sharp Edge but turned back as I think it's just too sloping and polished - Richard carried on and, although he's pretty brave, he didn't really think it was a great route due to the aforementioned sloping, polished slabs. I've now decided it's just dangerous and I'm not going to do it - I've been down Foule Crag to the point where the edge starts and found that bit okay but definitely going to leave it at that.

Hallsfell's pretty good though - have you done that one?

[skuk007]

4am start! Blimey that must have been hard work, though looks like it was worth the effort, nice photties.

I am going to the Lakes in June with my wife and mother-in-law. I will be attempting Sharp Edge while they find a cream team somewhere. I'm trying to get used to walks with a bit more exposure, nothing like diving in then!

[mountain coward]

Hmmm - I would certainly call that diving in at the Sharp Edge - sorry end! Have you done Striding and Swirral Edges yet? They're quite a bit earlier but have some exposure so would show you how you get on with such things...

[colgregg]

I'll echo that Hmmmm M.C. A newbie soloing on Sharp edge coulld just be cannon fodder for the mountain rescue. Have a care Skuk007. Of course you could send the Mother in Law up first!!! Seriously there will be plenty of people going up that way (if it's a dry day) just tag on behind someone who looks like they know what they are doing. I'ts something Ive done in the past.

[skuk007]

I've done Striding Edge a couple of times before, but not tried Swirral Edge yet. Now that I've arrived at my mid-40's I realise I am not as invincible as when I was 18 so if the going looks too much I know I will be sensible enough to turn back before I get too far.
I like to walk solo normally but like you say colgregg tagging onto someones trail would be a sensible idea, as long as they look confident. Am there for a week so will keep an eye on the weather and only do it on a good day.

[colgregg]

I've yet to do Sharp edge myself. I was on blencathra a few weeks back with my son so decided against it. My initial comment was a light hearted one, I don't wish to infer that you wouldn't know what you were doing, by the way. As said a dry day is a must the rock is like a bar of soap when wet.