Blencathra - Halls Fell Ridge and Sharp Edge

This is a really excellent walk taking in the two best ridges on Blencathra. Halls Fell is the longer and easier of the two ridges but is pretty straightforward if you have a head for heights. It was a scorching hot day and Polly appreciated the fact that there is a tarn just a 100 yards or so from Blencathra summit. Lunch was taken perched over the top of Halls Fell ridge watching other walkers toil up in hot humid conditions. A short walk brought us to the top of Foule Crag. A rocky path starts the descent which is continued down a groove to reach Sharp Edge. A tricky manoever is then needed to negotiate a sloping very smooth slab. The key is to use the pinnacle above the slab as a hand rail. After then the difficulty is over and Polly headed down to Scales Tarn and more rehydration. Easy walking over Scales Fell soon brought us back to the road at the hamlet of Scales. 15 minutes and we were back at the car below our start at Gategill.

said fornside01 2 months 18 days ago

Hi John. We did this route some ten years ago and it will always remain my favourite ridge walk. We had clear weather but much cooler than yourself. I'm sure Helmut will enjoy himself. Just hope the weather is as good. Regards Sue

said chinleysue 2 months 18 days ago

Dear John , What a brilliant day and a walk I soooo long to do again one day I so wish I could be there when Helmut does this route. Hope he gets such good conditions for his visit. I guess after all this time you don't woory so much about Polly doing these things anymore but I must admit in feeling healthily nevous looking at the slab knowing it needs that respect lol. Take care now hope you get many more sunny days like this Jill

said jillbatchelor2 2 months 18 days ago

Wow John, these pictures are even better than the one you sent me from Sharp Edge! I do hope Max is at home next week so that he can Ollie-sit whilst I come out to play with you and Helmut. Of course, seeing as I gave Ollie his "summer haircut" today we can pretty much guarantee it will start to rain soon ... Jayne

said TheViewFrom 2 months 18 days ago

Wonderful photos, John. What a fabulous day you and Polly had - Helmut should be well impressed! Hope he gets to do it on a similar day. Glad to see Polly coped so well on Sharp Edge; as you say, she is very sure footed. See you soon. Jo

said mellfell101 2 months 18 days ago

Hi John, Great photos and what a fantastic day. I just wish I was as sure footed and unphased by heights as Polly lol! It's been an amazing week, long may it continue. Jill

said lakes_lover 2 months 17 days ago

Really good set of photos John. Halls Fell is on my to-do list, though don't think I'd come down Sharp Edge. I've done that on the way up - that was enough! Phil

said phiwinuk 2 months 17 days ago

Fantastic walk John - and what weather too. I think Halls Fell ridge will be first on my list after completing the 214, as I ascended via Sharp Edge last time. One of my favourite fells definitely, like Jill B its a shame that I cant join you and Helmut next week. Andrew

said leftwinguk 2 months 17 days ago