Blencathra

Sharp Edge (Cumbria) was named after Sharp Edge on Blencathra. This page shows some views of Blencathra and gives details of walking on Blencathra plus links to other sites of interest to fell walkers.

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Approaching Blencathra along the A66 from Penrith, the classic approach to the Northern Lakes and Keswick from the M6. - photo from Lake District Search and Rescue Association.

Blencathra from the Coach Road showing the size and the number of ridges running up. The A66 runs along by the white dots, houses and an inn. Many walkers park their cars along by the side of the road before setting off for a stiff climb to the top. - photo by John Dawson

Blencathra showing the south western end from Tewit Tarn. - photo by Ann Bowker

A view showing the typical Northern Fells country. - photo by Ann Bowker

Three detail views of Sharp Edge - - photo by Ann Bowker

Sharp Edge from the top showing the ridge leading down. - photo by Ann Bowker

Walking on Blencathra

The classic book for descriptions of routes on Blencathra is 'A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells - Book 5 - The Northern Fells' by A Wainwright. There are twelve different routes described in words with hand-drawn maps, including a route up via Sharp Edge. The view from the summit ranges from the Eden Valley and the Pennines to the east, the Helvellyn range beyond Threlkeld Common the the south, Scafell Pike, Borrowdale, Derwentwater and Grisedale Pike to the west, and the Solway Firth and Scotland to the north beyond the Caldew Valley.

Warning!

Do not go out onto the fells unless you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, are carrying waterproofs and emergency rations plus torch and whistle (and you know the signals to use in an emergency), and know how to use a map and compass and have them with you. Before you set out check the local weather forecast and leave a route and expected time of return with someone.

Go to the Walking Links Page for details of other walks and more photos.

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"Amid the wild pomp of mountain majesty." - Byron