830m, 5 pitches. The Lake District is not blessed with many decent scrambling ridges, but Sphinx Ridge is definitely a good'un. Climbers on The Napes often use it as a descent route, but it is worthwhile in its own right too.

Quit the Traverse path just before reaching the buttress that backs The Sphinx and go carefully right up an unsafe scree gully. As soon as practical, move left onto the crest of Sphinx Ridge at a level pinnacled section. Climb a couple of airy pinnacles to reach a slabby rib, which is climbed in quite an exciting position until the difficulty forces you right. Foot traverse a narrow heathery ledge across the rib’s right flank to briefly re-enter the gully. From here just follow the upper crest, with discontinuous rocky sections where you can alter the line to suit your ability. The last (optional) obstacle is a steep wall with some suspect blocks, topped by a polished groove. Above this Sphinx Ridge merges with the unusual neck that forms the junction of all The Napes' ridges. Walk up the grassy crest.

Ticklists

3 Star Scrambles - Northern Lakes , The Ridges of England, Wales and Ireland , Scrambles in the Lake District: Grade 2

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