Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge in the snow - one of the best Lake District ridges

Approaching the dramatic looking Sharp Edge ridge in the Lake District, leading up to Blencathra. Read on to learn more about this grand snowy walk to Blencathra...

There's not many more dramatic Lake District walks than Blencathra via Sharp Edge in the snow

Blencathra via Sharp Edge ridge is one of my favourite walks any time of year, and I do it often, but when the snow arrives it adds a whole new challenge in tackling the legendary Sharp Edge and is a good test for any seasoned hiker. 

Walking miles in the snow can take it out of you - so I often do the Blencthra via Sharp Edge route in the shortest way possible, shown in the below map route.

Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge ridge overview:

Blencathra walk distance: 4.23 miles

Blencathra walk time: 3-4 hours

Blencathra walk difficulty: Hard

Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge map route:

When I'm pushed for time or it's slow going due to the snow - I like to keep the Blencathra walk short and park near Scales, either on the A66 or if you are lucky at Sheepfold. Then head up Mousthwaite Comb to Scales Tarn, then up onto Sharp Edge to Atkinson Pike, then Blencathra itself. It's then a simple decent down Scales Fell back to the start. This is a really quick route in good conditions - but allow more time for the now and taking plenty of stops to admire the views! View full interactive map route below:

If you don't have a Phone Map App - I really recommend the one by Ordnance Survey. You can download route maps to your phone such as this one and the app will show you exactly where you are on the route even when you have no signal - so no more taking a wrong turn :-)

Blencathra walk via Sharp Edge photos

On this short-ish Blencathra route, the forboading Sharp Edge soon comes into view! We'll swing a left and head up to Scales Tarn which is just over the brow of the hill to the far upper left of the pic. 

A completely frozen Scales Tarn with Sharp Edge rising above it. There was actually an ice axe right in the middle of the frozen tarn - must have come from way up above. You'll arrive at Scales Tarn after abut an hour and is the perfect place to stop, have a bite to eat and get ready for Sharp Edge 

There's a few up on Sharp Edge today!

Ready to tackle one of Lake Districts finest ridges in it's winter snowy jacket. You'll need crampons or spikes in this weather (due to the snow not being too deep on this day I opt for the spikes as I'll be walking on a lot of ice rock that isn't covered in much snow)

The first section of Sharp Edge completed. I actually think photos of Sharp Edge make it look far worse than it is! It isn't too bad once up there - honest!

What a ridge - we can see the summit of Atkinson Pike here which Sharp Edge leads too

I've completed most of Sharp Edge now and take a breather to admire those views down the ridge and over Scales Tarn. I brought my ice axe today and went off piste a little - but it wasnt essential on the usual route - however in snowy conditions it's always useful to bring an ice axe just in case!

At the summit of Atkinson Pike visibility is poor and I wonder if I'll get any views at all from the summit of Blencathra?

Wow - just as we get to the summit of Blencathra the cloud breaks and the views are simply incredible. It's a windy day and the clouds and mist are blowing in and out thick and fast. Incredible scenes! The beauty of the changeable Lake District weather is you never know what you are going to get! I've summited Blencathra loads and it's different ever time.  

Taking a break on the snowy summit of Blencathra and watching the cloud encroaching up from Middle Tongue 

It's time to descend and the easiest and quickest way from the summit of Blencathra is via the walk down Scales Fell

Looking back to the summit of Blencathra which is now covered in cloud

The snow has made this walk seem like an Alpine adventure!

It's a nice leisurely walk down Scales Fell and todays Blencathra adventure is nearly over. What a day it's been! If you fancy a snowy walking challenge in the Lake District  then I can't recommend Blencthara via Sharp Edge enough. The short route on this blog post is also a good one to follow - just make sure you have the right equipment for the conditions: spikes or crampons and plenty of layers for the cold temperatures.  

Happy Hiking!

Post by Stuart Hodgson 

'The Hiking Photographer'

I share my adventures as I love the outdoors and it's spectacular natural landscapes and want to help others get outdoors too. Being outside can also bring many physical and mental health benefits to us and I want others to reap these benefits too. I hope you enjoy the blog and it inspires you to plan a trip!

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