Blencathra is one of the most fascinating mountains in the Lake District and also one of the most well known, the shattered ribs of its south face dominating the skyline as you drive on the A66 into Keswick. There are a wealth of exciting ways up Blencathra and all are rewarding, for example a scramble up the arete of Gatesgill or Doddick Fell offers airy views and a quick way to the summit. However, red-blooded walkers will be unable to avoid the temptation of ascending via Scale Tarns and the dramatic Sharp Edge, an exhilarating ridge climb that is at least as grand as Helvellyn’s Striding Edge, yet has the advantage of being less crowded.
