Blencathra via Bannerdale Crags & Sharp Edge
Sharp Edge itself is well known, well documented, televised & often crowded as a result but this doesn't dertract from the best ridge route in the area with exhilarating exposure. Not advised if windy and or wet and don't even think about it if icy unless you're both mad & fully equipped.
My favourite route is combined with Bannerdale Crags by starting from Mungrisdale giving a rather quieter approach, not least as it's not right on the A66.
Starting out from Mungirsdale, The Tongue ahead with Bannerdale Crags in the distance to the right
The route starts out on easy paths & grassy slopes before your reach the East Ridge of Bannerdale Crags which offers some warm up scrambling and exposure although this can be avoided by following paths up the old mine workings
Warm up on the east ridge of Bannerdale Crags
From Bannerdale crags follow the obvious path heading towards Blencathra - Sharp Edge is initially indistinct but does come into view (along with scramblers) as you get nearer. At the top of the Glenderamackin valley bear right off path under Sharp Edge itslef with views of people already on the ridge.
Scramblers on Sharp Edge from the off path approach
A path materialises under Sharp edge and it is easy to gain the start of the ridge and join the madding crowds. As the ridge gets narrower there is a choice of scrambling over the rocks themselves or an easier path to the right.
Start of the ridge - easier path to the right
The ridge itself is not difficult so long as it is dry but there are two exposed moves which require a bit of care and you can observe a variety of confidence levels and associated techniques, and on busy days a bit of a queue and almost a spectator sport.
At the end of the ridge there is an easy, and less exposed scramble up Foule Crag - much easier than this picture suggests - up onto the main path up to the summit.
Top of Foule Crag, Sharp Edge to the right, Scales Tarn to the left
For the descent I recommend regaining the top of the Glenderamackin valley via the obvious path and then the gentle grassy path down from the northern end of the Bannerdale Crags ridge along the side of The Tongue, especially suitable for those of us whose knees have known better days.
It is of course important both to support the local economy and rehydrate at the end of a good walk