The Jack's Rake Scramble

The first section of the climb up to a prominent solitary rowan tree is made within the relative safety of a deep, rock-channelled groove. This enclosed trough protects the scrambler from exposure to the sheer cliff face on the left, while also acting as a natural barrier against buffeting winds that may be sweeping across Pavey Ark.

The lower groove gives a reassuring feeling of security: you cannot fall off Pavey Ark sideways. All you could do on this initial section is slip down to a lower foothold. It is an approachable, confidence-building start to the climb.

As you make your way past the midway mark of the lower pitch, the rock steps steepen but the handholds remain plentiful and solid. Keep your centre of gravity balanced over your feet and maintain continuous contact with the inner cliff wall on your right.

Shortly after reaching the rowan tree, the reassuring inner groove temporarily peters out, opening onto a small, flat grassy ledge. This section is extremely exposed and would be no place to linger in cloud, rain, or greasy conditions, as the drop immediately to your left is severe—a vertical plunge down into Stickle Tarn.

I look relaxed in the photograph, and I was relaxed because in the bone-dry conditions we climbed in, remaining secure on the shelf was straightforward. There was not a breath of wind and visibility was crystal clear. Take away that calm visibility and imagine buffeting squalls, and you can appreciate how serious this ledge can become.

Beyond the exposed shelf, you enter the narrowest and most athletic pitch on the rake. Here it is essential to study your sequence of moves carefully and ensure you stay as far into the right-hand rock wall as possible. Doing so keeps the psychological feeling of exposure to a minimum.

Keep your eyes firmly focused on the rock in front of you—especially if you are a novice or do not have a natural head for heights. The scramble begins to demand more upper-body effort now, requiring you to haul yourself up awkward, polished rocky steps such as the tight constriction Deke is pointing to above.

The final section requires energetic use of the arms, as several large tumbled boulders block the exit gully. The climbing is not technically difficult, but you must ensure your hands find deep, positive holds and that your boots are firmly placed on secure ledges before committing your weight upward.

In the first photo, Spud reaches high to lever his chest up and over the blocking block on the final gap. In the concluding photograph, a small vault and a firm two-handed grasp of the upper lip allows you to haul yourself out onto the open felltop. With that final heave, the scramble is completed and the summit of Pavey Ark is won!