Descending Sharp Edge

Toward the end of the Lake District hike, Atkinson Pike was ascended with the plan to descend by a path between sheer precipices along Sharp Edge. The path became fainter and fainter until the route turned into a scramble down an almost sheer cliff-face. By the time the error was realized, returning seemed more dangerous than continuing. A downward-sloping rock, a sideways step to secure footing, and a narrow ledge beneath an overhang all had to be negotiated with a precipice only one misstep away. After these dangerous moments, the descent ended with elation on a lush grass plateau next to a mountain stream for the last glorious campsite of the hike.

Sharp Edge, Blencathra, Lake District, Cumbria, England