Blencathra
Blencathra is 868 metres of volcanic rock that looks, from the A66, like it is about to fall on you. The southern face is cut into a series of ridges and gullies that Wainwright described as the most imposing mountain front in the Lake District. He was right. The five ridges — Gategill Fell, Hall's Fell, Doddick Fell, Scales Fell, and Sharp Edge — each offer a different character and a different way to earn the summit. The summit itself is a flattish ridge with a small cross-shaped shelter and a handful of cairns. The view south across Thirlmere and the Helvellyn range is one of the great panoramas from any Lake District fell. North, Skiddaw fills the skyline. East, the Eden Valley opens toward the Pennines. It is a summit that rewards sitting down for a while. Sharp Edge on the north-eastern flank is often compared to Striding Edge on Helvellyn. It is shorter, narrower, and has more genuine exposure. In dry conditions it is a brilliant grade one scramble. In wet or icy conditions it has caused serious accidents. The rockface immediately below the Edge — the step to gain the main ridge — is the crux and requires confidence.
Walking
The Hall's Fell route from Threlkeld (CA12 4SQ, roadside parking) is the finest route on the fell. It takes the central ridge directly to the summit with near-perfect exposure on both sides and enough scrambling to keep it engaging throughout. The ascent is around 700 metres over 3 miles. Allow 4 to 5 hours return. This is the route Wainwright recommended and he was not wrong. Sharp Edge begins from Scales (CA12 4SQ), which is a short drive from Threlkeld or a 20-minute walk. The path climbs to Scales Tarn and then traverses the left side of the bowl to reach the start of the Edge itself. The scramble along the Edge requires arms as well as legs, with a tricky step up to gain the main ridge at the top. This route adds drama but the summit is the same — return via Hall's Fell if you want a different experience going down. The tourist path from Threlkeld via Blencathra Centre (a former residential centre, now a conservation hub) takes the main path up the less dramatic southern slopes. It is longer and less interesting but appropriate for a first visit or mixed-ability group.
Routes
Hall's Fell Ridge from Threlkeld
Threlkeld village, roadside parking
Tips
Sharp Edge is not a safe walk in wet or icy conditions. The Horse and Farrier at Threlkeld (CA12 4SQ) is the right pub for this fell — decent food, no fuss. Hall's Fell Ridge is exposed but has good holds throughout; it is a better introduction to fell scrambling than Sharp Edge. Carry a compass: the summit plateau is straightforward in clear weather but requires a bearing in mist, particularly for the descent toward Hall's Fell.