The Grade 1 Scrambler

A sustained Grade 1 scramble up Hall’s Fell Ridge to Blencathra in the northern Lake District that’s a great introduction to edge/ridge scrambling. This guide covers the approach, main scramble and how it handles during different weather conditions.

Route in: park in Threlkeld or take the bus there; walk up Fellside, between Gategill farm and the kennels, and take the path that wends up the front face of Hall’s Fell

Start point: the ridge begins at a block of rock above the 600m point, around OS map ref NY 32610 27122

Grading: this is a grade 1 scramble though in dry weather you can find the occasional slightly harder line

Notes: the ridge is also known as Narrow Edge

End point: on reaching Hallsfell Top / Blencathra summit

Route out: head west to the route down Blease Fell (hike); downclimb Hall’s Fell Ridge (difficult); head east then south down Doddick Fell (steep hike)

Map link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/hall-s-fell-ridge-5382bdc

Time: about 1 hour from Threlkeld to start point; 1-1.5 hours for the scramble depending on pace and conditions; then about 75 mins to walk back

Combine with: Sharp Edge; various gill scrambles up south face of Blencathra

Gear: nothing special beyond good boots or approach shoes unless done in snow/ice – just whatever the weather demands

Verdict: a good introduction to edge/ridge scrambling; more interesting though more committing in the wet than the dry

Category: Standard scramble

Score: 7/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap via AllTrails