Sharp Edge and an ascent of Blencathra has always been on the cards, but for the last ten years we've all seemed to drive past it in order to get to the other ranges.
Four Verdes adventurers set out to get it done in an attempt to build up some scrambling/exposure experience prior to our Skye trip.
John D, Rich S, Rich M and Davie set off in a good weather period and found the going ok but very warm on the ascent to Scales Tarn. The views over the tarn up to Sharp Edge were fantastic and at the tarn edge we found a great spot to have our lunch and scope out the task ahead.
However, the midges were biting like fury, so we didn't hang around too long before getting stuck into the ridge.
We took it easy going up and tried not to get too locked into the task, taking time out to admire the views up and down the ridge.
Not quite a 'breach of the don't look back, don't look down' ethos, as the views outweighed the exposure and nerves.
.jpg)
We all negotiated the 'bad step' without mishap, but in rain and wind it would be an altogether different proposition. It's little wonder that so many people have fallen foul of the slippy, polished rock and the gully beneath the step goes on for a good 500 feet.
Having patted ourselves on the back about the step, the worst was yet to come, on the steep scramble onto the summit plateau. Still, we managed this too and were soon at the summit.
Next was a brief scamper over the saddle to the other peak and back again and then we were off to Keswick for tea and buns and a bit of adventure retail therapy.
Excellent - true Verdes!
Davie.
No comments:
Post a Comment