Striding Edge, Sharp Edge, Jakes Rake
Discussion
I've done Striding Edge and Sharp Edge, and climbed on Pavey Ark where Jakes Rake is the descent route. Of the three I'd say Sharp Edge is the most interesting.
Striding Edge has a fairly short stretch of scrambling in a long walk, Jakes Rake is more of a steep exposed path (again on a long walk) and Blencathra is two ridges that cross at the summit, with Sharp edge as a fairly long enjoyable scramble up and the ridge on the opposite side of the X as a steep exposed path with some more scrambling. IYSWIM.
ETA Thinking about it I suspect you could get two of them in a two day weekend, assuming your fitness and the weather are up to it. IIRC Blencathra only took half a day and we drove back to London afterwards.
Striding Edge has a fairly short stretch of scrambling in a long walk, Jakes Rake is more of a steep exposed path (again on a long walk) and Blencathra is two ridges that cross at the summit, with Sharp edge as a fairly long enjoyable scramble up and the ridge on the opposite side of the X as a steep exposed path with some more scrambling. IYSWIM.
ETA Thinking about it I suspect you could get two of them in a two day weekend, assuming your fitness and the weather are up to it. IIRC Blencathra only took half a day and we drove back to London afterwards.
Edited by Bill on Wednesday 6th November 15:10
I would be wary of the weather, there was snow up the re yesterday so planning a bad weather alternative route to the above 3 would be wise unless you are prepared for winter (crampons / axe!).
Other than that, Jacks Rake is the most scary of them - a couple of people have died falling off in the last few years..
Other than that, Jacks Rake is the most scary of them - a couple of people have died falling off in the last few years..
I've done them all several times.
The Striding Edge - Swirral Edge horseshoe is probably the most demanding and exposed to wind (I've had to rope up before on Helvellyn itself, nevermind the edges!)
Sharp Edge and Jack's Rake are less demanding walks. I've been up Jack's Rake with a group of 11-13 year olds some of whom were not confident climbers. As long as you take it steady and don't mess about on the exposed sections you're fine.
As with all these things, have the right kit as the weather can change quickly and don't be afraid of bailing out if it looks dodgy. There's already been snow on Blencathra this winter for example.
The Striding Edge - Swirral Edge horseshoe is probably the most demanding and exposed to wind (I've had to rope up before on Helvellyn itself, nevermind the edges!)
Sharp Edge and Jack's Rake are less demanding walks. I've been up Jack's Rake with a group of 11-13 year olds some of whom were not confident climbers. As long as you take it steady and don't mess about on the exposed sections you're fine.
As with all these things, have the right kit as the weather can change quickly and don't be afraid of bailing out if it looks dodgy. There's already been snow on Blencathra this winter for example.
roadman said:
That is correct have you been up?
Not in those conditions but yep, did it last year along with the others on that ridge before dropping down into Grasmere - my walking partner baulked at doing Fairfield and descending via Great Rigg and Stone Arthur. Very blowy on top but some cracking views nonetheless, and even despite the crowds Grisedale Tarn was a pleasant sandwich stop. I'd planned to do it from the Glenridding side this summer (via Striding and Swirrel Edge) but that fell through.I only managed a couple of Wainwrights this year which was a bit disappointing, but I've got a couple of trips planned for next year hopefully including some ice axe/crampon work. I'd eventually like to do Striding Edge with it's winter coat on - looks lovely in your photos and some of the videos I've seen.
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