The cliff, from Stickle Tarn

Pavey Ark is a member of the Langdale Pikes range, although some say that its lack of a distinctive pointy outline disqualifies it from being a Pike "proper". Technically, Pavey Ark is merely a buttress of the nearby Thunacar Knott, having a northward prominence of only twenty or thirty metres; nevertheless, from the south it is the biggest face in Langdale and has a commanding presence.

Only the very top of this fell is visible from the valley. From many surrounding summits such as Pike of Blisco, and especially Lingmoor Fell, it is seen as a prominent dome of crag towering over the waters of Stickle Tarn. On the well-used climb up Stickle Gill from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, it bursts suddenly and dramatically into view as the top of the ravine is reached, and this is probably the best-known aspect of the fell.

There are two main pedestrian routes to the summit. One cuts between the face and the neighbouring Harrison Stickle. The other, commonly known as North Rake, is an eroded scar climbing steeply between two bands of crag. Wainwright described it as a pleasant and grassy route in The Central Fells ... its popularity has obviously greatly increased since then.

The face of Pavey Ark is largely the reserve of climbers, but there is one rock route suitable for walkers with a head for heights. This is Jack's Rake, a fearsome cleft running diagonally up the cliff, and is rated as a Grade 1 scramble in good conditions. However, it is considerably less exposed than some Grade Ones such as Crib Goch, for example, due to a ledge of rock shielding the scrambler from the precipice to their left for most of the ascent. I have yet to try Jack's Rake. I've promised myself I'll do it next time I'm in Langdale when the weather's calm and dry!

The summit is broad and very rocky, and looking south-east there is an impressive sense of being on the edge of a very big drop. This exposure is matched by the views, which are deep and of high quality ... except to the north, that is, where Thunacar Knott's unattractive bulk block out much of the view towards Glaramara and the Northern fells.

Pavey Ark is a very worthwhile climb, especially if you're brave enough to try Jack's Rake. A natural ridge-walk from the summit is to continue to Harrison Stickle and the other Langdale Pikes, or if you really want to, Thunacar Knott.

Close-up on Easy Gully	Looking across to Lingmoor
Jack's Rake	Don't look down!
The view east	From Harrison Stickle
Now that's a view	Looking down