It was pretty steep right from the off. Steve's hangover was starting to kick-in and I stated to think that my new thermal leggings and (synthetic) insulated jacket were going to be a bit hot (I'd been stocking up on new gear for my trip to Scotland in Feb).
After a while it struck me that one of the benefits of the lack of snow was that we'd be able to go scramble up Striding Edge - Steve quickly agreed.
We started our ascent and while we were never that far from the path, it was a long, steep, exposed, windy and wet ascent. There were frequently no obvious foot or hand holds and on several occasions I was genuinely concerned - especially when I had to climb back down one section which I feared was too high and may result in getting stuck half way up. There was also a particular section which involved going over a slab which leaned over and down over the edge of the ridge and offered no obvious hand holds for reassurance (I later discovered that this was the 'bad step').
I was relieved when we got to the top, but it was fun never the less.
The rest of the walk up Blencartha was open and straightforward. There were some snow patched at the top, but nothing which warranted winter gear.
The walk down was long, but simple - though my newly bought GPS did clarify/correct us on the route a couple of times.
Overall, the walk was over too quick, but the beer and chips in the pub couldn't come quick enough.
GPX File
