How long does it take to walk to Stickle Tarn from the car park?

The walk from New Dungeon Ghyll car park to Stickle Tarn is about 2.5 kilometres with a 400-metre climb. It's steep enough to feel like proper hiking but doable for anyone with reasonable fitness and walking boots.

Do I need climbing experience to do Jack's Rake?

No, but you do need to be comfortable using your hands and being exposed to heights. It's a Grade 1 scramble—not quite rock climbing, but more than just walking—and the holds are generally good with an obvious route in dry conditions.

Can you get to Pavey Ark summit without doing Jack's Rake?

Yes, there are standard walking routes that bypass Jack's Rake entirely, approaching from the north via Harrison Stickle or from the west via Thunacar Knott. These remain busy but don't require any scrambling.

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Stickle Tarn and the 45-Minute Queue

The direct route from Langdale to Pavey Ark means every summer weekend deposits about 200 people around a tarn that's 15 metres across. At least the scramble up Jack's Rake thins the crowd.

11 July 20267 min read