Blencathra From Scales Sharp Edge: 5 Mile Circular Route

Blencathra, also known as Saddleback due to its distinctive ridged shape, is one of the most iconic mountains in England’s Lake District. Situated overlooking the beautiful market town of Keswick this is a another of my favourite hikes in the Lake District. Rising to 868m (2,848 ft), it dominates the landscape to the northeast of Keswick.

Famed for its striking silhouette and for the exhilarating ascent via Sharp Edge, a narrow arête that provides one of the most thrilling ridge walks in the Lakes. Despite its rugged appearance, the mountain offers a range of routes suitable for different abilities, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts and a defining feature of the northern fells.

This is a Grade 1 scramble and should only be attempted by experienced hikers in good weather conditions. We’ve hiked Sharp Edge several times before and on more than one occasion our group needed to turn back before reaching the summit due to severely bad weather. It is never worth risking your safety or that of other people — the mountain isn’t going anywhere and can be conquered another day.

Blencathra from Scales Sharp Edge route description

Stage 1 – The White Horse Inn to Sharp Edge

At the gate behind the White Horse Inn take a right and follow the path along, there is a timber and wire fence on your right. At the stony footpath you need to turn right, and go straight ahead at the next section. Follow the path and a little further along you might catch a glimpse of Sharp Edge if the weather conditions are good. At the next split section turn off to the right and continue along where you will soon pass Scales Tarn before beginning the ascent to Sharp Edge.

The ascent up Sharp Edge is steep and as previously stated can be extremely dangerous in poor weather conditions. It really is important to first of all be comfortable with scrambling, have the correct footwear and to only attempt it in favourable weather conditions. After completing Sharp Edge there is a good footpath to the summit of Blencathra.

Stage 2 – Blencathra summit to The White Horse Inn

For those who have not hiked Blencathra before you won’t get your typical ‘trig point photo’. This is because Blencathra doesn’t have a traditional trig point — instead it has trig detector ring at the top. To make your descent continue past the detector ring and pass another ridge (this is Halls Fell Ridge). As you pass the path starts to wind down, where the path then splits keep to your left. Keep left again when you reach the next split section and from here the path is simple taking you back to Scales and the start of the walk.

Got the OS Map App? Follow the route by clicking the link below.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Blencathra

Following completing the hike the obvious choice for food and drink is The White Horse Inn which is situated at the very start of the hike. Serving a range of real ales and traditional pub classics using local and seasonal ingredients where possible.

The lunch menu is served from 12:00pm – 4:00pm – offering a selection of hot and cold sandwiches. A hot sandwich will cost you £13.95 and cold sandwiches start at £8.95. The dinner menu served from 12:00pm – 9:00pm has a variety of hearty dishes such as the ‘Sharp Edge Lamb Henry (£24.95).

⚠️ Safety Warning – Blencathra (Sharp Edge Route)
Sharp Edge is a highly exposed and hazardous ridge. The narrow path, steep drops, and frequently slippery rock surfaces make this one of the most dangerous routes in the Lake District. Serious accidents and fatalities have occurred here.

This route should only be attempted by experienced walkers with appropriate equipment, strong scrambling skills, and in good weather conditions. Always check the forecast before setting out and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

Your safety is paramount. Do not underestimate this route.

Pics from the peaks: more of Blencathra