The Langdale Pikes & Thunacar Knott via Jack's Rake - Monday 28 October 2019
Route
New Dungeon Ghyll (NDG) - Stickle Ghyll - Stickle Tarn - Jack's Rake - Pavey Ark - Thunacar Knott - Harrison Stickle - Pike O'Stickle - Loft Crag - Mark Gate - NDG
Parking
National Trust Car Park at NDG, Great Langdale (Charge) - Grid Reference NY 294 064. The nearest postcode is LA22 9JX.
Mileage
5.6 miles
Terrain
Generally good mountain paths throughout - the terrain between Thunacar Knott and Harrison Stickle is boggy in places.
For those people wishing to climb Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake please be aware that this route is a Grade 1 Scramble and is dangerous in the wet, ice and high winds. The grooves of the Rake form a natural drainage channel and will therefore be extremely wet after rain. On a dry day it is a challenging scramble of about 675ft (205m) up a narrow rock trench, cutting diagonally across one of England’s most imposing cliff faces. It is a mountain route with just about everything: spiky rock, exposure, superb views and a fair amount of adrenaline. If you are not confident with climbing Jack's Rake there are alternative paths to Pavey Ark to the left & right of Stickle Tarn or scrambling up via Easy Gully.
As Wainwright himself said "Jack's Rake is just about the limit that the ordinary common or garden fell walker reasonably may be expected to attempt" (Pavey Ark 5)
Weather
Mild with light breezes and excellent visibility
Time Taken
7hrs
Total Ascent
2473ft (754m)
Wainwrights
5
Map
OL6 - The English Lakes (South Western Area)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge with Nick Goodwin, Sharon O'Malley & Alan Martin
New Dungeon Ghyll (NDG) - Stickle Ghyll - Stickle Tarn - Jack's Rake - Pavey Ark - Thunacar Knott - Harrison Stickle - Pike O'Stickle - Loft Crag - Mark Gate - NDG
Parking
National Trust Car Park at NDG, Great Langdale (Charge) - Grid Reference NY 294 064. The nearest postcode is LA22 9JX.
Mileage
5.6 miles
Terrain
Generally good mountain paths throughout - the terrain between Thunacar Knott and Harrison Stickle is boggy in places.
For those people wishing to climb Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake please be aware that this route is a Grade 1 Scramble and is dangerous in the wet, ice and high winds. The grooves of the Rake form a natural drainage channel and will therefore be extremely wet after rain. On a dry day it is a challenging scramble of about 675ft (205m) up a narrow rock trench, cutting diagonally across one of England’s most imposing cliff faces. It is a mountain route with just about everything: spiky rock, exposure, superb views and a fair amount of adrenaline. If you are not confident with climbing Jack's Rake there are alternative paths to Pavey Ark to the left & right of Stickle Tarn or scrambling up via Easy Gully.
As Wainwright himself said "Jack's Rake is just about the limit that the ordinary common or garden fell walker reasonably may be expected to attempt" (Pavey Ark 5)
Weather
Mild with light breezes and excellent visibility
Time Taken
7hrs
Total Ascent
2473ft (754m)
Wainwrights
5
Map
OL6 - The English Lakes (South Western Area)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge with Nick Goodwin, Sharon O'Malley & Alan Martin
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Walk Description
Out with friends today who had wanted to climb Jack's Rake, therefore needing no excuse we made the long drive out to Langdale to meet up. We were out with Alan, Sharon & Nick who were staying nearby and the plan was for myself, Alan & Sharon to climb up the Rake and Angie, Nick & Fudge would use the North Rake path and meet up with us on the summit of Pavey Ark - we would all then continue on and climb the remaining Langdale Pikes and Thunacar Knott. We have been up and around the Langdale Pikes many times and never tire of them. They have lots to offer - exciting climbing and scrambling, superb views and they tend not to get as busy as some of the other Lakeland hotspots.
The walk started from the NT Car Park near Sticklebarn and once kitted out we headed up the Stickle Ghyll path which is accessed via the gate to the rear of the Sticklebarn. For the first half mile or so the path rises gently along the left-hand side of the Ghyll before crossing at a footbridge. With the impressive sight of Tarn Crag towering above, the path then started to increase in gradient as we ascended to Stickle Tarn. Nearing the Tarn, Pavey Ark the first of today's peaks came into view - the spectacular rock face is a magnificent sight as it towers above the waters of Stickle Tarn.
At the tarn we had 2 options - whether to make our way to the left or right around the shoreline? To be honest it doesn't really matter but today we would be splitting up therefore it made sense to turn right and make our way around the right-hand side of the tarn to the north eastern tip where Angie & Nick headed off up the North Rake. We were now heading over to the start of the Rake which can be seen quite clearly ahead and it was just a question of taking an intermittent path of sorts up to the start of Jack's Rake - suffice to say that in good visibility the Rake can clearly be seen slanting its way over from right to left and it is just a question of making your way over the boulders and stones to reach the first groove a few yards past the entrance to Easy Gully.
There now begins one of the most exhilarating scrambles in the Lake District. There are several rock grooves to climb, all with a great deal of exposure therefore it is just a question of taking your time, choosing the right route and checking all hand holds and footholds before committing yourself. In addition to the rock grooves there are a couple of exposed flat sections before the final scramble up a steep rise to reach the broken wall near the summit of Pavey Ark. It is a fantastic climb up the Rake but do take the time to stop and appreciate the view down to Stickle Tarn and beyond. From the broken wall it is a short walk over a rocky promontory to reach the summit of Pavey Ark.
After a spot of lunch we decided to add in another fell in for good measure therefore made the short journey over to the Wainwright summit of Thunacar Knott. Leaving Thunacar it was about a half a mile transit over sometimes boggy ground to locate the path coming over from Pavey Ark which heads to the eastern side of Harrison Stickle from where there is a short, steep but nevertheless easy scramble to gain the summit. From here there is a superb view over to Pike O'Stickle - a rounded, rocky protuberance which looks extremely inviting from this spot. Descending steeply, the walk over to the foot of Pike O'Stickle is a delight and reaching this point there then begins a short scramble via several paths to finally attain the summit which gives superb views back to Harrison Stickle and over the valley to Bowfell, The Crinkles and The Scafell Range. It is worth lingering for a while on Pike O'Stickle and we did just that before descending carefully from the summit to join the path over to our final summit of the day, Loft Crag. All that remained was to negotiate the long but enjoyable descent down Mark Gate back to the Sticklebarn.
Another really enjoyable day - the Langdale Pikes never disappoint and provide wonderful and interesting walking that is best saved for a day where the views can be enjoyed in good visibility. Many thanks to my walking companions for making this a wonderful days walking.
The walk started from the NT Car Park near Sticklebarn and once kitted out we headed up the Stickle Ghyll path which is accessed via the gate to the rear of the Sticklebarn. For the first half mile or so the path rises gently along the left-hand side of the Ghyll before crossing at a footbridge. With the impressive sight of Tarn Crag towering above, the path then started to increase in gradient as we ascended to Stickle Tarn. Nearing the Tarn, Pavey Ark the first of today's peaks came into view - the spectacular rock face is a magnificent sight as it towers above the waters of Stickle Tarn.
At the tarn we had 2 options - whether to make our way to the left or right around the shoreline? To be honest it doesn't really matter but today we would be splitting up therefore it made sense to turn right and make our way around the right-hand side of the tarn to the north eastern tip where Angie & Nick headed off up the North Rake. We were now heading over to the start of the Rake which can be seen quite clearly ahead and it was just a question of taking an intermittent path of sorts up to the start of Jack's Rake - suffice to say that in good visibility the Rake can clearly be seen slanting its way over from right to left and it is just a question of making your way over the boulders and stones to reach the first groove a few yards past the entrance to Easy Gully.
There now begins one of the most exhilarating scrambles in the Lake District. There are several rock grooves to climb, all with a great deal of exposure therefore it is just a question of taking your time, choosing the right route and checking all hand holds and footholds before committing yourself. In addition to the rock grooves there are a couple of exposed flat sections before the final scramble up a steep rise to reach the broken wall near the summit of Pavey Ark. It is a fantastic climb up the Rake but do take the time to stop and appreciate the view down to Stickle Tarn and beyond. From the broken wall it is a short walk over a rocky promontory to reach the summit of Pavey Ark.
After a spot of lunch we decided to add in another fell in for good measure therefore made the short journey over to the Wainwright summit of Thunacar Knott. Leaving Thunacar it was about a half a mile transit over sometimes boggy ground to locate the path coming over from Pavey Ark which heads to the eastern side of Harrison Stickle from where there is a short, steep but nevertheless easy scramble to gain the summit. From here there is a superb view over to Pike O'Stickle - a rounded, rocky protuberance which looks extremely inviting from this spot. Descending steeply, the walk over to the foot of Pike O'Stickle is a delight and reaching this point there then begins a short scramble via several paths to finally attain the summit which gives superb views back to Harrison Stickle and over the valley to Bowfell, The Crinkles and The Scafell Range. It is worth lingering for a while on Pike O'Stickle and we did just that before descending carefully from the summit to join the path over to our final summit of the day, Loft Crag. All that remained was to negotiate the long but enjoyable descent down Mark Gate back to the Sticklebarn.
Another really enjoyable day - the Langdale Pikes never disappoint and provide wonderful and interesting walking that is best saved for a day where the views can be enjoyed in good visibility. Many thanks to my walking companions for making this a wonderful days walking.
The National Trust Car Park at New Dungeon Ghyll
A National Trust marker indicates the start of the ascent up alongside Stickle Ghyll
Just some of the lovely falls of Stickle Ghyll
Tarn Crag to the left with Swine Knott centre
On reaching the footbridge the path crosses the ghyll and heads up the right hand side, crossing back to the left hand side further up the ascent. There is a path continuing up the left hand side of the ghyll however the right hand side is my preferred route.
Continuing up the right hand side of Stickle Ghyll. Pavey Ark appears up ahead (centre) with Tarn Crag to the right
Looking down Stickle Ghyll. The path now crosses over to the right here and is the best way up to Stickle Tarn in my opinion. If the ghyll is in spate then remain on the right hand side however rocky ground needs to be crossed just a few yards back from here. The Grid Reference for this crossing point is NY2887 0737.
Looking back into the sun towards Lingmoor Fell, Side Pike & the Coniston Fells
After much 'huff & puff' Stickle Tarn is reached. Harrison Stickle is to the left with Pavey Ark right
Stickle Tarn outlet into the ghyll. The water can be crossed here without too much difficulty in order to reach the path around the eastern side of the tarn although it is possible to reach the start of Jack's Rake by either shoreline.
Left to right - Alan, Nick, Sharon & myself with a rather disinterested Fudge. He had the hump because his photo obligations got in the way of his arsing about in the tarn.
Pavey Ark from the dam wall at Stickle Tarn. Our route of ascent up Jack's Rake is outlined with Easy Gully heading up to the right from the base of the Rake.
The view of our ascent up Jack's Rake taken from near the point where the path to the North Rake heads right.
Whilst Alan, Sharon and I headed for Jack's Rake, Angie, Nick & Fudge headed for North Rake - Jack's Rake (in my opinion) is no place for a dog. This picture is taken from the North Rake path and Jack's Rake can be seen to the left.
The North Rake path crosses Bright Beck then heads up to the left - Sergeant Man is in the centre of shot.
Easy Gully - not as easy as the name suggests.
At the base of Jack's Rake
The steep rock groove that forms the first part of the Rake - the first of the 3 Ash Trees is ahead
Looking over Stickle Tarn from the base of Jack's Rake
And up we go - at least Alan & Sharon are still smiling
At this point I was standing on the small platform near the first Ash Tree watching Alan & Sharon ascending the steep rock groove
Still smiling as we continue up the Rake
Looking up the Rake to the groove leading to Great Gully
The shaft of rock on the grassy platform
Cracking views all the way up therefore rest often and take in those superb vistas
The scrambling continues with the exposure reducing as we near the summit
A superb view down over Stickle Tarn from near the top of the final scramble
The final scramble up to the summit of Pavey Ark - an ideal lunch stop. It was here we were rejoined by Angie, Nick & Fudge.
Looking to Thunacar Knott from the summit of Pavey Ark
Cracking view from Pavey Ark's summit - the Helvellyn Range, St Sunday Crag & Fairfield
Looking back to Pavey Ark from the transit over to Thunacar Knott
The summit of Thunacar Knott looking to Bowfell, The Scafells & Great Gable
Harrison Stickle from Thunacar Knott - we were off there next
Windermere in the far distance
Looking back to Pavey Ark from the approach to Harrison Stickle. From Thunacar Knott we joined the path coming up from the south western end of Stickle Tarn
Nick doing a "Brucie" on the summit of Harrison Stickle
Another fantastic panorama from Harrison Stickle. Our next summit of Pike O'Stickle is to the left.
My walking companions on the summit of Harrison Stickle
There are two paths off Harrison Stickle if you are heading to Pike O'Stickle - today we took the northern of the two. They both end up in the same place at Harrison Combe.
Looking back to Harrison Stickle from the path to Pike O'Stickle
Looking down the South Scree into Mickleden
Looking to Great Gable & Glaramara with Skiddaw in the far right distance
The Skiddaw group with Sergeant's Crag in the foreground and High Raise to the right - Blencathra is in the far right distance.
The summit of Pike O'Stickle looking to Harrison Stickle & Loft Crag
Shafts of sunlight as we leave Pike O'Stickle for Loft Crag
The summit of Loft Crag
Harrison Stickle from Loft Crag
Pike O'Stickle from Loft Crag
Descending on the Mark Gate path back to Langdale
Pike How
Debrief in Sticklebarn - always a nice end to a great walk with good people