With a lot of new snow on Blencathra and the previously bare Sharp Edge looking very pretty again it seemed the obvious choice.....oh well hindsight is a wonderful thing.
The video below is one of Luke's first attempts at an ice-axe brake and was taken on the slopes above Scales Tarn after we had retreated from the edge. This was my 6th winter attempt at the Edge and it was in easily the worst condition I have ever seen it....loose powder snow on top of verglassed rock....YUK.
After a struggle up the first two (very easy) towers it we took the avoiding path round the right hand side - what we could see of it. This was tricky enough in itself and nearing the end we were looking at having to go up the slab that is the summer finish to the route (and what I had done in perfect neve last month) as the exit gully that is usually used was too bare....so we retreated...
I still think it was the right decision...better to let the Edge have this one I think..
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