Souther Fell (1713') Sat 18 May 2019

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Sharp Edge

Andrew and I set off early and arrived at the car park below Mousthwaite Comb near Scales at around nine fifteen. The forecast had been for grey cloud all day but this morning it had changed to a heavy shower around noon, so we were not too sure of exactly where we would go. The summit was under cloud. It was quite cool, though not windy, as we set off up the steep and narrow path to the col between Souther Fell and Scales Fell.

The path to Sharp Edge

We took the path to Scales Tarn, in order that we should see Sharp Edge from close to, and for me to revive my memories of the time I went over the Edge to Foule Crag with the Mountain Leadership Team in 1977. I had first climbed Blencathra via Hall's Fell alone on 8 September 1967 and again on 17 February 2001. The first time I went down by Scales Fell and didn't like it much; the second descent was via Blease Fell. 

Just a few of the many walkers bound for Sharp Edge

    We were not alone! About two dozen other walkers, in groups, were intent on ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge, one chap telling us that this was the first time for him - and also his very first fell walk!
     Arriving at the foot of a steep staircase I set off to climb it until we reached a place where boulders left only a narrow path where the edge looked over Scales Beck and my dratted balance problem started. I asked Andrew to go on. He offered to take my camera and in due course I had some excellent photos of Scales Tarn and Sharp Edge.

Scales Tarn below Scales Fell

Sharp Edge from Scales Tarn

Scales Tarn

Lower part of Sharp Edge

Almost at the far end of the Edge

    On Andrew rejoining me we changed our plan of taking the path on to the col between Blencathra and Bannerdale Crags and decided to climb Souther Fell instead, finding it rather an uninteresting walk with a disappointing summit. The dull weather didn't help. We visited the rather fine cairn overlooking the Glenderamackin River and Bannerdale Crags on our way back.

Souther Fell ahead

Summit of Souther Fell

        A disappointing day, mitigated by good company and the consumption of a much needed pint at the Inn in Scales.

Mousthwaite Comb

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