SHARP EDGE

Probably the shortest, least demanding of the lakeland ridges that warrant a scrambling grade, Sharp Edge is nonetheless an impressive feature which might otherwise only be deemed lacking owing to its failure to arrive at the summit of Blencathra. In the half light of dawn on a winter’s day with fresh snow on the ridge, it is positively alpine in appearance, and on any quiet day, it remains the best approach by far. On a perfect morning the day after the Hartsop Hop - both of us suffering for different reasons - it was a delight.

And with the first hint of an autumnal chill in the air, while I’m not quite ready to leave summer behind, thoughts are turning to more challenging days further north. A winter Mullardoch Round perhaps, or another project that I have resisted for too long.

But first there is the Tour of Pendle to organise. After the second succesful race at Hartsop, I can only hope for a similarly enthusiastic team to help make The Tour a similarly positive experience. And then I can relax. If I’m not at the sharp end of racing, just now it feels distinctly like the sharp end as an RO. The rewards are different but no less, and the experience one I will remember for many years.