Striding Edge and Sharp Edge are two of
the most notorious routes in the Lake District and, having completed both of
them, I've been asked what the difference is between them, so here goes.
Let's kick off with Striding
Edge. We've been up Helvellyn via just about every available route in a
wide variety of weather conditions, including snow, and Striding Edge never
fails to impress – either to climb across or simply to look at.
The Striding Edge ascent kicks off in
Glenridding where it's pretty much impossible to find free parking. If
you don't mind adding an extra mile or two to your journey then you can
probably find a slot in a layby if you're early enough, but it's a popular spot
so don't build your hopes. Also bear in mind that after you've spent a
full day tackling a challenging route like Striding Edge you'll want the car to
be as near as possible when you're done.
The first time we tackled Helvellyn
we went up via Striding Edge and just for good measure nipped along
Swirral Edge to Catstye Cam. Then a long descent via Dollywaggon Pike and
Grisedale Tarn with a very pleasant stroll along Grisedale Beck back to the
car. A grand total of 6 peaks and well over 15 miles of yomping, none of
it flat. We didn’t rush and were out there for over 9 hours, but it was
worth it. The views down over Ullswater were amazing, the rock climbing
was fun and all that exercise meant I could scoff fish and chips in the evening
with complete impunity.
The ascent begins very gently with
vistas down and across Ullswater opening up as you gain height and you don't
get to see much of the scary bit before you're on top of it. I'd strongly
recommend a good rest before getting stuck in, it's a tiring route and once
you're committed there are no real rest stops before the summit.
As with all the tricky routes we've
tackled Striding Edge is fine if you take a well-paced and sensible
approach. Yes it's a bit of a scramble but there's a well-worn route
which is easy to follow. The views are, by turn, both breathtaking and
terrifying. It is a truly exhilarating experience to be high up on the long
ridge in the middle of such spectacular scenery and watch the sides of the
ridge tumble away steeply either side of you. There are various memorials
along the way to remind you that this is a dangerous route so, if you want to
admire the scenery, find a secure place to stop before you take your eyes off
where you're putting your feet.
Striding Edge doesn't end there though,
once you've reached the far side there is a strenuous scramble up to the summit
ridge. There are plenty of hand and foot holds and it's as fun as it is
tiring. It's a fabulous feeling to complete the climb and do make sure
you head around towards Dollywagon Pike to get some great shots to impress the
folks back home.
So how is Sharp Edge
different? Part of the beauty of Blencathra is that it's not lost in
a sea of other peaks and can be seen away in the distance as you head north
along Thirlmere. We completed a circular route starting at Threlkeld,
heading over towards Scales Farm and up onto the summit via Sharp Edge; we then
walked the ridge route and dropped back down to Blencathra Centre before
staggering back into Threlkeld. Part of the challenge was that we tackled
it on one of the hottest days of last year, so we made the most of the many
gills to top up the water bottles, alternating between pouring water down our
throats and down our backs.
As we ate lunch at Scales Tarn we watched various people heading up and along
Sharp Edge and figured that if they could do it, then so could we.
Replete, we headed upwards. Sharp Edge is narrower but shorter than
Striding Edge in fact it's rather like a condensed version; shorter, scarier
and, of course, sharper. Unlike Striding Edge you can see Sharp Edge very
clearly as you make your way up towards it and that certainly adds to the
anticipation as well as driving up your adrenaline levels. It's perfectly
achievable so long as you take your time. The biggest challenge are the
large flat sheets of rock which offer very little in the
way of hand or footholds. It's also tricky when you meet people coming
the other way as there aren't many passing places.
The rock climb at the end is a
certainly more of a challenge than the scramble up to Helvellyn; again the
large flat sheets of rock are the biggest issue when looking for grip.
That said, with decent boots and a sensible head it shouldn't prove too much of
a problem for most folks – just take your time and don't try anything
fancy.
So there you go, both edges done.
I will happily return to tackle them both again in the future, but for anyone
other than the experienced climber they are strictly fair weather routes.
We're seasoned hikers and found both of them challenging enough on dry, clear,
calm days. When it's snowy we stick with the safer routes and content ourselves
with admiring the "edges" from afar, much safer that way.
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