Scales via Sharp Edge up Blencathra: route map, distance and time
868 m · Cumbria
Blencathra is one of the best-known Lake District fells, a long ridged mountain above Threlkeld climbed by walking paths and by the scrambles of Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge.
Walk up beside the Glenderamackin to Scales Tarn, cross the narrow rock crest of Sharp Edge and climb to Atkinson Pike.
Scales via Sharp Edge at a glance
| Distance | 4.4 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 816 m |
| Time up | 2h 15m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 5m, down the same way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Scales (roadside parking by the White Horse) |
| Start grid reference | NY 343 269 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 323 277 |
Scales via Sharp Edge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Scales via Sharp Edge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 50m | 2h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 5m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 45m | 3h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:07. Start by 14:02 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05. Start by 14:00 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 5m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Blencathra summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Partly cloudy, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -7°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 19 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:07.
-
Poor Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Dense drizzle, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 44 mph gusting 55 mph, 32% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:05.
Best day of the next seven for Scales via Sharp Edge: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 19 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Blencathra forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Blencathra?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -7°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Blencathra
Blencathra is one of the best-known Lake District fells, a long ridged mountain above Threlkeld climbed by walking paths and by the scrambles of Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. More about Blencathra, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Atkinson Pike (845 m), 0.6 km north
- Gategill Fell Top (852 m), 0.7 km south-west
- Bannerdale Crags (684 m), 1.8 km north-east
- Mungrisdale Common (632 m), 1.9 km north-west
- Bowscale Fell (702 m), 3 km north
Challenges that include Blencathra
More walks from Scales
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Scales via Mousthwaite Comb up Souther Fell
Other routes up Blencathra
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scales via Scales Fell | 3.0 km one way | 634 m | 1h 40m | Moderate |
| Threlkeld via Blease Fell walking paths | 2.7 km one way | 680 m | 1h 40m | Hard |
| Threlkeld via Hall's Fell Ridge | 3.6 km one way | 733 m | 1h 55m | Scramble |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 343 269, the summit at NY 323 277), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Scales via Sharp Edge: questions and answers
How far is Scales via Sharp Edge?
Scales via Sharp Edge is 4.4 km one way to the summit of Blencathra, with 816 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.8 km.
How long does Scales via Sharp Edge take?
About 2h 15m to the summit of Blencathra and 3h 5m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Scales via Sharp Edge?
Scales via Sharp Edge starts from Scales (roadside parking by the White Horse). The grid reference is NY 343 269.
Is Scales via Sharp Edge suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day, or take Scales via Scales Fell instead.
What time should I start Scales via Sharp Edge today?
By 14:02 at the latest. Sunset on Blencathra today is 18:07, Scales via Sharp Edge takes about 3h 5m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Scales via Sharp Edge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).