When it comes to the topic of great scrambling in the Lake District, two climbs immediately spring to mind…
Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark & Helvellyn’s Striding Edge
Both infamous for their knee-buckling ascents, you’ll struggle to find any better grade 1 scrambles in the National Park.
After having tackled both of these during my many visits to Lakeland over the years, I can attest first-hand to just how much of a thrill clambering up these trails are.
A real adrenaline buzz, but certainly not for the feint of heart!
You’ll need a decent level of fitness, be prepared to clamber with your hands and have a good head for heights if you’re after conquering these scrambles for yourself.
Now, one question I get asked from time to time is which of these two scrambles is best.
This is usually coming from folks visiting the Lakes trying to decide which of the famed local scrambles to tackle during their limited time in the National Park.
As a sweeping generalisation, I’d say Jack’s Rake is the more intense and technically challenging scramble, while Striding Edge’s main selling point is the constant and extreme exposure at such high altitude.
The answer to which is ‘best‘ really comes down to personal preference since they both bring something different to the table!
Interested in learning more about what each of these scrambles entail? Then let’s dive in 👇
Jack’s Rake – Pavey Ark
Location: Ambleside, LA22 9JY
I’ll be the first to admit that Jack’s Rake truly took me completely by surprise. I ended up hopping on a last-minute trip with some pals who’d been eager to climb this segment for a while, but I’d not really done any prior research.
After having completed Helvellyn’s Striding Edge only a short while prior, I was feeling confident and prepared for whatever lay ahead.
That is until we actually arrived at the start of the climb…
Laying eyes on the task at hand I knew this was most certainly not going to be a walk in the park.
Starting from the bottom corner across the front of Pavey Ark, the steep, rocky & occasionally exposed terrain requires some rather technical maneuvers as you slowly traverse up the peak.
Likewise, the near constant downwards trickle of water means the surface is often slippery – even in the peak of summer – so an intense & constant focus is required throughout the ascent.
A decent level of fitness and bodyweight strength is a must if you’re wanting to clamber up Jack’s Rake, since you’ll be having to haul yourself up some particularly precarious rock formations.
While exposed in parts, through a good chunk of the climb you’ll actually be sheltered somewhat from the cliff face due to the rocks on your left. One mistake some people make however is trying to avoid some of the trickier parts of this scramble by veering off to the far left.
Please do NOT do this. The rocks are often loose at the edge and the wetness means it’s very easy to slip. Stick to the proper route since it’s much safer.
A real adrenaline booster, the climb will be a treat for thrill seekers and scrambling fanatics. Plus, the spectacular vistas of the National Park throughout are truly something else.
Some scramblers opt to wear a helmet on Jack’s Rake because the climb passes below a number of popular climbing routes while scrambling up the steep incline.
There is always the possibility of loose rock and debris falling from above, so it’s certainly best to take the necessary safety precautions during your excursion.
Likewise – as with any scramble – only attempt the climb if the weather conditions are suitable.
Striding Edge – Helvellyn
Location: Penrith, CA11 0QR
One of Lakeland’s most iconic ridges, Striding Edge continues to be one of the most popular routes up to the summit of Helvellyn.
Standing at an imposing 950 metres (3,117 ft ) tall, Helvellyn is officially the third highest mountain in England, and you’ll often be above the clouds when navigating along the craggy Striding Edge.
Undeniably, this lofty knife-edge ridge looks incredibly intimidating at first glance. When arriving at the bottom of the ridge during my first visit, I’ll admit a part of me was regretting my decision to attempt this route!
However, once you get into the rhythm of the climb and have adjusted to the adrenaline inducing exposure. the climb is actually rather pleasant.
While the scramble is quite steep in parts, Striding Edge overall is much easier to navigate than Jack’s Rake and doesn’t contain any overly difficult maneuvers for the reasonably fit.
What truly sets Striding Edge apart from Jack’s Rake is the high attitude and lack of shelter from the exposure.
Up in the clouds as you carefully traverse Helvellyn’s incredibly narrow ridge, looking down at ground level far below is an exhilarating, mesmerising and intimidating experience all in one.
Jack’s Rake vs Striding Edge – The Final Verdict
Jack’s Rake is a more technically challenging climb with some tricky segments which require a decent level of agility and bodyweight strength to haul yourself up the crag of Pavey Ark.
These maneuvers are made even harder due to the wetness of the rocks and the trail’s intermittent exposure. A proper white-knuckle climb for sure!
However, while the terrain along Striding Edge is not as tricky to navigate, the constant exposure on this knife-edge ridge at such high altitude is sure to have your legs quaking!
In my humble opinion – I regard Helvellyn’s Striding Edge as the more enjoyable and picturesque climb while Jack’s Rake is more of a challenge and adrenaline buzz.
Despite the initial anxiety you may feel as you start Striding Edge, I found myself soon settling into a rhythm as I clambered my way along the craggy path and began to really relish the whole experience.
Jack’s Rake on the other hand was pretty hardcore throughout, feeling on constant on high alert and always in anticipation of what challenging terrain lay ahead.
In the end, it simply comes down to what you’re looking for and which experience you’d prefer!
Both scrambles are great choices and make for a cracking day out provided you prepare accordingly and take all the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
More Lake District resources
Looking for more inspiration in the local area? Be sure to head on over to the Lake District section of the blog and discover all the other amazing adventures available in the National Park.
For example, hiking enthusiasts should really check out our recent post on ‘9 Spectacular Lake District Walks You Must Try’, while fellow campers should definitely trawl through our recent 5 BEST Campsites In Lakeland post.
Happy walking 🚶🚶