The mountain of Blencathra, sometimes known as the Saddleback due to its twin tops, stands like a bastion at the northern end of the Lake District, and is often the first mountain visitors see if entering the Lakes from the motorway at Penrith. It can be tackled via numerous routes, however, there is one that stands out above all others, Sharp Edge.
There are numerous ways to conquer Blencathra, our favourite, and the route we feel showcases the best of the mountain, is to start from the village of Threlkeld, just off the A66 between Penrith and Keswick. From here we ascend the Halls Fell ridge, which leads directly to the summit of Hallsfell Top, the highest point of Blencathra at 868m. This acts as a fantastic introduction to the days ridge'y activities and is a good warm up for Sharp Edge, as it contains nice easy sections of scrambly rock to get your eye- [and feet-] in.
From the summit we descent a little to Scales Tarn, a beautifully tarn high on the eastern slopes of the mountain in a sheltered coire and a perfect spot to recharge. It is from this point that the main event of the day, Sharp Edge, begins. In total Sharp Edge is only a few hundred metres long, but has a real airy feel, scrambling across its rocky crest giving a truly amazing experience
(N.b. not ideal for someone with vertigo!). On completing Sharp Edge we top-out on the second summit of Blencathra, Atkinson Pike, to complete the days ascent. We then work our way down the western end of the mountain, returning to Threlkeld for a thoroughly deserved victory drink.
From the summit we descent a little to Scales Tarn, a beautifully tarn high on the eastern slopes of the mountain in a sheltered coire and a perfect spot to recharge. It is from this point that the main event of the day, Sharp Edge, begins. In total Sharp Edge is only a few hundred metres long, but has a real airy feel, scrambling across its rocky crest giving a truly amazing experience
(N.b. not ideal for someone with vertigo!). On completing Sharp Edge we top-out on the second summit of Blencathra, Atkinson Pike, to complete the days ascent. We then work our way down the western end of the mountain, returning to Threlkeld for a thoroughly deserved victory drink.
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 (non-Sharp Edge). Up to 4 (Sharp Edge). Distance: ~9km/5.5miles Ascent: ~800m Time: 5-6 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.