We set off with best intentions of scrambling a Grade 1*** over Sharp Edge to the summit of Blencathra (845m). As you can see from the picture it was a cold frosty day with patches of ice wherever there had been water running. In fact ice was worst on the lower slopes. We climbed up to Scales Tarn which was completely iced over and covered with snow, some brave souls were walking right to the middle of it, despite the mountain rescue warning that if you fall in you will die as it takes around 45mins for anyone to turn up. We are so fascinated by frozen water and the ability to slide! Maybe its just we rarely get the view from the middle of the tarn- but me- not tempted not one bit- terra firma for me!
We started the scramble but every rock was icy and frosted and a slip would have had very nasty consequences- there is one tricky gap to get across which as the slab is flat was extremely icy and people were roping it across there but we did not have a rope. We decided thankfully to turn back as it looked worst (more slippery) on the steeper scrambles near the summit. Although we hate to be beaten, we are sensible- - I'd like to do this in shorts and T-shirt in the Summer really!
Unfortunately I decided to downclimb on the steeper sunnier side (with less ice) and after a while I realised that was a mistake so I had to lower myself by tricep dips and bum slides- not elegant and pretty scary but a relief to be down! I can say I really do not like ice unless its very thick and I have an ice axe in my hand!
We contoured around towards Mungrisdale Common and up to a cairn at 683m over Bannerdale Crags then we "skied" down (on our feet) the steepest route to the path by the stream around White Horse Bent to decend back to Threlkeld where the pub was shut!!
We ended up at the lovely cafe in Grasmere for Panini's and hot chocolate lovely. (With a brief visit to Rock Bottom)
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