~Pavey Ark~
15th May 2018
Stickle Tarn
 |
 |
Tuesday 15th May and an early start sees Molly n' me head for the Langdale Valley. Mists sit over Elterwater and all is clear by the time the Stickle Barn car park is reached at 06:30hrs.
Stickle Ghyll
Here we go...my favourite ascent route within the Lake District and nobody else about. This should be fun.
Molly at The Rest Stone
I call the bridge lower down "Coat Bridge" as usually the top layer comes off at the bridge; this is the Rest Stone as generally there are some bodies sprawled out on top taking a breather.
Stickle Tarn
35 minutes after setting off, we arrive at the tarn - this is probably a personal best time for such. Jack's Rake is off-limits whilst I'm walking with Molly as she is somewhat clumsy on rocks. Well, that's my excuse...
Bird
Now we are off to ascent the fell via the North Rake.
The North Rake
A great rock scramble with no great danger in fine and dry weather.
Misty Windermere
Looking southwards it is clear to see that mists have enveloped much of the southern lakes areas.
Ring Ouzel
Molly on top of Pavey Ark 2,288ft asl
We reach the top at 0745hrs and as you might imagine, there is not a soul to be seen.
 |
 |
Fine views all around, imagine how clear the sky would be without the jet trails!
Molly on top of Harrison Stickle 2,403ft asl
Half a mile of easy fellwalking and we arrive at the top of Harrison Stickle.
Blea Tarn
 |
 |
I decided to descend from Harrison Stickle on the usual ascent route for such, but diverted back towards Stickle Ghyll to make sure Molly could get wet if she wanted to.
Stickle Ghyll
Those jet trails are very annoying on clear days; I couldn't care less about them when it's cloudy!
Stickle Barn Car Park
Ah well, the "early starters" are booting up at 0945hrs just as we return to the car.
Walkers: Molly and Me.
Time taken: 3hrs 15mins over a distance of about 4 miles.
Route: Stickle Ghyll, Stickle Tarn, North Rake for Pavey Ark summit. Contoured route around to Harrison Stickle, down to the combe and the top of Dungeon Ghyll for a descent rejoining Stickle Ghyll.
Weather and conditions: Sunny and warm.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2018 ©
Take me back to the start ....