Sharp Edge is Scary

by Andrew Goodair, Barnsley

I did the walk this summer and agree with previous posts, this is far harder than Striding Edge. The walk / climb is tremendous and fulfilling. I did it with my father-in-law and we still wax lyrical about it months after the event. The slab section is very scary and exposed. You can pick your way round less exposed sections maintaining as many points of contact as you can. It became slightly easier towards the end as we pulled ourselves up a more enclosed gully.

I had attempted Sharp edge rather foolishly in February without crampons / ropes or an Ice axe. I've never been as frightened in my life! As we got to the slab, I just shunted myself to the top of it and slid back down towards the abyss. Luckily I was caught by my mate at the bottom. It was a 3 minute silence before retracing our steps and going up Blencathra via the alternative route.

The mountain always waits for another day.

“To see some photos of Sharp Edge see Photos of Sharp Edge. To try walking Sharp Edge for yourself see Walks on Sharp Edge.”

Mike (Editor)

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