Pavey Ark

About Pavey Ark

Pavey Ark is one of the fells classed by Wainwright as the Langdale Pikes, alongside Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle and the Pike o’Stickle. Situated in the Central Fells, its elevation is 700 m (2,300 ft) and its prominence is around 15 m (49 ft). Its parent peak is Thunacar Knott and it is listed as a Wainwright and a Nuttall.

Pavey Ark’s summit is a plateau sprinkled with tarns, rocky outcrops and bilberry shrubs. Unusually for a peak in the Lake District, there is no cairn. From the top, there are good views of the Eastern and Southern Fells, with Stickle Tarn lying below the eastern face at the bottom of the cliff named Jake’s Rake. The view to the north-west is impeded by the imposing slopes of High Raise.

Climbing Pavey Ark

Pavey Ark is most commonly ascended from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, following Mill Gill up to Stickle Tarn. From there, many choose the rough scramble up the rock strewn path on the east side which is known as Jake’s Rake, and is classified as a Grade 1 scramble. However, there are easier ascents on either side of the craggy cliff face.

Pavey Ark can also be climbed as part of a round trip of the Langdale Pikes, again beginning at the New Dungeon Ghyll. The more adventurous or hardy can also include Thunacar Knott, Sergeant Man and High Raise (Langdale) to complete seven peaks from Wainwright’s list in one day.