Jacks Rake, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, and Pike O' Stickle
On the 4th of October 2024, I parked at Stickle Ghyll car park for my hike up to Pike O' Stickle via Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake. While parked at the car park I paid using PayByPhone and at the time of writing, the location code is 803361, and an all-day cost £8.50. National Trust members, however, can park for free. I followed the well-known path up to Stickle Tarn, then tackled the scramble up Jack's Rake to Pavey Ark, before continuing to Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle.
The Walk Up to Stickle Tarn
My walk started from Stickle Ghyll car park, which is an excellent starting point for those looking to hike the Langdale Pikes. My route followed Stickle Ghyll, which had multiple waterfalls and rapids. The path is straightforward but does incline gradually and on my route, some scrambling was required. After crossing a few stone steps at various points, I reached the dam at Stickle Tarn to take in the views.
Stickle Tarn – Formation and Depth
Stickle Tarn is a glacial lake nestled beneath Pavey Ark. The tarn was created during the last Ice Age when glaciers created the landscape we see today leaving the tarn in their wake. It was further enhanced by a dam built in 1838 to serve as a reservoir. Stickle Tarn is surprisingly deep, reaching a depth of 52 feet (16 metres).
Jacks Rake
Jack's Rake is one of the Lake District’s most famous scrambles, and it's easy to see why. This steep gully runs diagonally across the face of Pavey Ark and offers a thrilling route to the summit. While it's a Grade 1 scramble, suitable for those with a bit of scrambling experience, it can be challenging and tough. Pavey Ark, is 2,297 feet (700 metres) high and the scramble-up Jacks Rake is fun and demanding.
Alfred Wainwright, the legendary guidebook author, described Jacks Rake as "a steep groove that tests both nerve and skill" and he wasn't wrong. The climb requires a good head for heights as certain sections are quite exposed, and the rock can be slippery when wet, but good handholds, and footholds are there and the views on the way up are amazing. As I reached the top of Pavey Ark, I was greeted by stunning views over Stickle Tarn and the surrounding fells.
Harrison Stickle – Height and History
From Pavey Ark, I headed to Harrison Stickle, the highest of the Langdale Pikes. Standing at 2,415 feet (736 metres) high, Harrison Stickle offers amazing views over the Lake District. Wainwright described it as "a peak of singular distinction" and it certainly lives up to that description. The climb from Pavey Ark to Harrison Stickle was straightforward to scrambling up Jacks Rake, but the terrain is rocky and it was hard at times to follow the path.
Reaching the summit, I had amazing views over the Langdale Valley, with Windermere and even the Scafell range on the horizon.
Pike of Stickle – Formation and Features
The final peak on my hike was the Pike O' Stickle, which was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, standing at 2,326 feet (709 metres) high. While it’s not as sharply defined as Harrison Stickle, its steep sides and rounded summit give it a unique character. This peak has archaeological significance, as it was once a site for Neolithic axe-making which added a sense of history to my climb.
Wainwright remarked on the dramatic presence of Pike O' Stickle, calling it "a noble peak" The climb was steep but short, and reaching the summit I could see Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Pike of Blisco which I had done a week or two earlier.