Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott, and Loft Crag
On the 26th of January 2025, I hiked four Wainwrights, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott, and Loft Crag. I parked at the Stickle Ghyll car park, once at the summit the wind chill was minus 18 degrees Celsius. Visibility was often close to zero and it was a great day
Sergeant Man to High Raise
Sergeant Man is 2,415 feet (736 metres)and is located to the southeast of High Raise, within the Central Fells of the Lake District. This distinctive summit is often recognised for its rugged, rocky character. Alfred Wainwright described Sergeant Man as “a fine rocky cone to the southeast of High Raise's broad expanse”.
The ascent from Stickle Tarn up to Sergeant Man was fun as the snow covered the paths making navigation difficult and progress slow. At the summit, it was blooming freezing, and visibility was reduced to about 30 feet at times.
The climb to Sergeant Man was a physical challenge due to the weather, but it was also fun.
High Raise to Thunacar Knott
High Raise is 2,500 feet (762 metres) and is the highest point in the Central Fells and is often referred to as the "central hub of the fells." Situated near the geographical centre of the Lake District, it offers commanding views in all directions on a clear day. However, during my visit, the weather rendered the views invisible.
Wainwright described High Raise as “the most desolate of the high fells, a place of wide views but no interest.” while the top lacks dramatic features, it serves as a crucial linking point to various routes in the Central Fells.
The approach from Sergeant Man was hard. The snow-covered paths and biting winds made every step feel difficult and I could hear the ice cracking under my feet as I walked over frozen ground. Upon reaching the summit, the wind chill was a killer, and the cairn at the top was barely visible.
Thunacar Knott to Loft Crag
Thunacar Knott is 2,372 feet (723 metres) and lies between the Langdale Pikes and High Raise. It is often considered less prominent compared to its neighbours and Wainwright described it as “a grassy hummock, lacking distinguishing features”.
The route to Thunacar Knott was another test and I had to put my ski goggles on to keep my face warm in the wind. In the near-whiteout conditions, I was actually not sure which rocky crop was the actual summit, so I went to all the ones I could see.
Loft Crag
From Thunacar Knott I set off to Loft Crag, which is part of the Langdale Pikes and is 2,231 feet (680 metres). Its rocky summit offers impressive views of Great Langdale on a clear day. Wainwright praised Loft Crag, stating, “Loft Crag is a splendid little peak, well worth the short climb.” While the climb may be short in sunny weather, winter conditions made it more of a challenge.
Loft Crag is next to Pike O' Stickle which I climbed in this video when I did Jack's Rack.
Stickle Tarn and the Ducks
As I stood at the edge of the Stickle Tarn, two ducks approached me really close and I think they must have thought I had food as I was very surprised that they came so close. From where I stood at the time, you could follow the tarn round to do a circular or climb up to Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake.