Scramble Route - Jack's Rake, Pavey Ark - Walking and Climbing

Over 40

10/05/2007 at 22:12

Did this route at Easter and after my initial trepidation once I'd got past the awful scree at the base (2 steps forward 1 step back) I began to enjoy it that much that by the time I recahed the top I was ecstatic, and all on a fine sunny day, perfect ! After doing Halls fell ridge on Blencathra Jacks Rake is nowhere near as exposed and has given me the confidence to tackle more scrambles.

Ben Bloggs

10/05/2007 at 22:24

I've always fancied Jack's rake as I've done a few other obvious beginner scrambles in the Lakes (Striding Edge, Sharp edge...) but was never sure how easy it was. I thought I heard that there is a waterfall somewhere on the route that can be hard to get past, though that description doesn't mention it so maybe I'm wrong.

Paddy Dillon

10/05/2007 at 22:38

Eh? A waterfall?

Whoever told you that must have been there on a desperately wet day!

David H 75

11/05/2007 at 04:17

Hmm, yes, no waterfalls when I was there.

It seemed to me to be a bit more technical than other grade 1 scrambles I've done (which isn't many) insofar as I actually needed to think about where to put my hands and feet a lot more - it helped when someone suggested that the deepest part of the trough might not always be the easiest route. But I didn't really notice much exposure, which is particularly nice given that you can show people a picture of Pavey Ark and point out your line of ascent across the huge sheer precipice and get far more respect than you deserve...

* Diddi * Im on Mars btw !!!

11/05/2007 at 06:32

Jacks Rake!! love it to bits,did it on a very windy/wet day which wasnt wise but made it that bit more exciting.
as for the waterfalls there aint none just run off water down the rocks when its raining,so you might get a tad wet but thats about it..

Ben its a must do if you like scarmbling and have tackled Striding Edge and Sharp Edge!!

go do enjoy...

Dave Shaw

11/05/2007 at 10:19

There is a video of Jack's Rake on You Tube

Don't know if this has been posted up on here before?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZJAwg2e29o

The bit of the scramble where there is quite a step up a large boulder can be a bit intimidating.
(at 3 mins into the video) nearly at the top of the rake.
You feel like you'd go a long way if you came off there. But there is a little path around to the left that is a bit easier if you want to avoid that step up.

Mountain frog

17/05/2007 at 17:25

Jacks Rake has no real difficulties on it and is easily do-able by anybody who has a head for heights and is sure footed.

Its a bit over popular though, so go early and avoid a queue.

Andy Wallace

17/05/2007 at 23:25

I like to climb Easy Gully first and come back down for Jack's Rake.

Chris Harper

18/05/2007 at 09:42

Well If I can do this, (with help from an excellent guide) then anyone can.. and I mean anyone.... I get 'wobbly leg syndrome' stood on a chair ...
Same advice that anyone should heed though.. take your time.. and be careful on the top part.. it's like a slab.. bone dry not hard at all.. wet.. don't want to even think about it..
Have fun..

wey_aye_man

18/05/2007 at 11:43

The only down side I have against Jack's Rake is that if it's wet there's a slug lurking just out of sight on ever hand hold - Yuck!

Chris Harper

18/05/2007 at 12:49

Just when i was eating my diner.. cheers Wey..

Roger Bell

19/05/2007 at 19:14

Hi Folks

I did Jacks rake last summer and found it a lot easier than i thought it would be all the exposure is behind you unlike striding edge so the secret is dont look behind you .

* Diddi * Im on Mars btw !!!

19/05/2007 at 20:25

cracking pics of jacks rake chris,looks like you had a tuff day and well done!!

jonno

19/05/2007 at 21:32

slugs! good to chew on if thirsty or in need of sustinence.

Over 40

20/05/2007 at 08:41

Chris Harper, brilliant report mate. I have done this walk but over 2 days so all credit due. Brings back memories. I only get to the lakes twice a year so treasure every minute. It's nice to know other members appreciate Jack's Rake as much as I do.

Clive Griffiths

17/04/2009 at 20:35

As the route guide says this does need care in winter as it does ice at the top. There are large steps that get covered in smooth ice. Crampons and axes are a must.