I’ll be the first to admit, I wasn’t expecting Jack’s Rake to be as challenging a scramble as it was.
Heading here early one morning after a relatively last minute invite from some friends – I didn’t really do any prior research.
I’d only heard that it involved some grade 1 scrambling, but after having recently clambered up Helvellyn and Snowdon’s Watkin Path, I was feeling confident and assumed summiting the fell would be a piece of cake.
Let’s just say I was most definitely WRONG!
Jack’s Rake scramble route
Route Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Route Elevation: 651 metres
Route Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Start Point: New Dungeon Ghyll, Langdale, LA22 9JX
Where is Jack’s Rake?
Nestled within the stunning Langdale Valley in the heart of Cumbria, Jack’s Rake can be found on the Pavey Ark crag.
Pavey Ark is well-known for being the largest fell in the Langdales, with Jack’s Rake being the most famous ascent up it.
Fun fact – Conveniently located at the start and finish point of the ramble is the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and the Sticklebarn pub – both great spots to reward yourselves with a beer and some proper grub after your climb!
To begin your hike, simply head through the gate beyond the New Dungeon Ghyll and follow the path beside the Stickle Ghyll stream, leading you up the steep ascent to the starting point of Jack’s Rake by Stickle Tarn.
History of Jack’s Rake
Popularised by walking legend Alfred Wainwright, who described Jack’s Rake as ‘just about the limit’ for the ordinary fell walker, Jack’s Rake has actually been an established scrambling route since Victorian times.
While Richard Pendlebury holds claim to the first recorded climb in the 1850s, there is a rumour flying round that Jack’s Rake actually derived its name from Hollywood star Jack Nicholson, who apparently once climbed the precious cliff-face.
A strong hunch tells me this is a load of codswallop! But still funny nonetheless 😂
How hard is Jack’s Rake?
Now, Wainwright claims summiting Jack’s Rake is more of a rock-climb than a walk. Me and my pals are definitely in agreement there!
While the toughness of the scramble did take many of us by surprise, it was still unquestionably great fun, and I’d definitely say it’s within the capabilities of most reasonably fit walkers.
There are a couple of tricky segments to navigate, but nothing too tough provided you have a head for heights!
I’m not ashamed to say the exposure certainly had my knees quaking in parts, but it was such a thrilling climb with absolutely incredible views of the Lake District countryside. Plus the sense of achievement you feel once you reach the top is priceless.
How long does it take to climb Jack’s Rake?
From the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, it’s around a 60-90 minutes hike up to Pavey Ark, followed by roughly 30 minutes of scrambling on Jack’s Rake.
Once you reach the top, it’s a rewarding one hour descent back to the starting point, feeling rather chuffed with yourself all the way back to the pub!
Top tips for climbing Jack’s Rake safely
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jack’s Rake has had its fair share of accidents and unfortunately even some deaths over the years.
It’s imperative to keep safe on the crag. Bearing this in mind, here are some top tips you can follow when climbing Jack’s Rake:
Bring the correct gear
Being prepared for the task at hand is always important when undertaking a hike, but even more so for a scramble of Jack’s Rake calibre. Good quality walking boots are absolutely essential to help maintain grip and ankle stability during your climb. DO NOT attempt in trainers and also wear a helmet if you have one.
Give yourself plenty of space
The scramble gets rather busy at times which can lead to compromised safety. Getting too close to climbers ahead can put pressure on them to hurry which could potentially cause mistakes to happen.
Getting stuck behind those ahead also limits your own options, possibly being forced onto unsecure footing. If there’s a group in front of yours, it’s sensible to give them a good 10 minutes head start.
Don’t venture off the main path
For much of the climb, you’ll be nicely shielded by some rock coverage to your left. However, some hikers do get tempted to avoid trickier segments on the Rake by veering onto the narrow grassy ledges towards the left, which can first look much easier to navigate.
This mostly happens at the infamous chimney section, which proves particularly challenging for some to clear.
Despite their appearance, the grassy ledges are notoriously unstable, often wet and completely exposed. They’re well known for being accident hotspots and just not worth the risk.
Stick to the regular route, even if it may seem more difficult at times.
Test the rocks before putting your weight on them
Throughout the scramble you’ll be heaving yourself up with both your hands and feet. The rock on Jack’s Rake can be crumbly and slippery, so always be sure to check the quality of a hold before committing to it. A good way to test the structural integrity of a hold is to give it a good old bang before applying your weight on it.
One particular issue which makes Jack’s Rake hazardous is the fact that the diagonal path up the crag acts as a sort of drainage line, meaning the rock is often wet, even in the summer months. Definitely something you must keep conscious of as you climb.
Scramble with a pal
It’s always safer hiking with a pal. At the very least, inform someone you trust about your plans beforehand.
Check the weather
Always keep tabs on the weather, and don’t be afraid to turn around if conditions turn sour. It’s just not worth the risk.
After climbing Jack’s Rake
Luckily, you don’t need to climb back down Jack’s Rake! You can simply take the regular path descending towards Stickle Tarn.
If you want to slightly extend your ramble like we did however, you can always check out more of the Langdale Pikes.
We made the short journey over to Harrison Stickle and had a food break on the peak before heading to New Dungeon Ghyll for a couple of well-earned pints!
Whatever you decide to do, keep safe and happy scrambling 👍 🧗
More resources
The Lake District is teeming with outdoor wonder. For those wanting to explore further, be sure to check out our recent posts; ‘ 9 Spectacular Lake District Walks You MUST Try’ and ’19 Stunning Lake District Waterfalls You MUST Visit’.