Jacks Rake to the Howitzer or The Journey to Mordor
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 8:45 pm
So, Jacks Rake was on my ‘wish list’, and the Howitzer was a ‘maybe’….
Simon, Emily and myself set off on what was going to be a brilliant day weather-wise, but a tough one (for me anyway), as the route looked quite long. Simon had already done both of the scrambles before, at least twice, but Emily and myself were feeling a bit anxious about them, and had scoured the internet for photos and advice. So on we went...
Quite near the start of the walk Simon lost his camera. He was very philosophical about it and it didn’t spoil the day, but hence I’m doing this report! Please excuse my stupid mistake of leaving the date and time on my photos. The time isn't even right!
Our first Wainwright was Blea Rigg, a steep little blighter as most of them are, and Simon bagged another first direct ascent. I was soon reminded of how much I need to claw back my hill fitness.
As we neared Pavey Ark, Emily and I exchanged worried glances, but Simon couldn’t wait to get started. Emily and I watched Simon race towards Stickle Tarn in no time, with us lagging behind.
It’s a short, steep warm up to the beginning of Jacks Rake. There were a few people dotted about on it so not too busy.
The first few minutes were no trouble really, but as we got higher the exposure became more apparent.
There were a couple of tricky places that involved shimmying up the rock, with little room for the back pack. Mine got stuck for a few seconds in one of these places, and I didn’t think I was going to fit past the overhanging piece of rock (Simon reminded me of our venture up Glimmer Crag). I shoved myself up though and I was through.
In another tricky place, Emily persevered with the long reach of the rock and managed it. I went out to the left which seemed easier, but it was also nearer a sheer drop. Not sure if that was a wise decision but it worked for me.
Things got easier nearer the top but I was a bit tired after all the exertion. My arms felt fine though, surprisingly. All those years of kettlebell classes and circuit training must have paid off!
It was a relief to get to the summit of Pavey Ark, and I was pleased to have done Jacks Rake. We moved onto Thunacarr Knott, High Raise and Sergeants Man, finding a lot of boggy places up there. Just after Sergeant Man the route took us over Codale Head, a Birkett for Simon to add to his list.
It was a straightforward hike to Calf Crag and then Gibson Knott, still finding boggy places though.
The route to Helm Crag was easy to see and I could see a tiny blob of rock at the top...
We reached Helm Crag and finally got to see the Howitzer in the flesh.
Simon went up first to show us how it was done. He reached the top with the speed, ease and grace of a squirrel (red of course). It took about 2 minutes!
I thought, oh that was quick, although the shimmying bit on the long groove worried me. Emily didn’t look too keen, so I shoved myself forward to have a go. The first bit wasn’t too bad, but the long groove did indeed prove to be a bit tricky for me, especially as I lack height. My first attempt was pathetic and whiny, not helped by the fact that I was tired by this point. Also, it was late in the afternoon and the wind was picking up a little. I found myself more scared on here than I was on Jacks Rake. There is no wall of rock on one side to lean against. However, I am more than a bit stubborn sometimes, so I had another go. This time I managed it, but without any ease or grace. In fact, if a red squirrel had been watching, it would have been embarrassed at my technique.
But up I went, stood on the top long enough for the obligatory photo, and couldn’t wait to get off.
The descent was easier than I’d imagined and I did it without too much faffing around. I had escaped off the Howitzer with just a nice collection of bruises and jelly legs. Emily started to have a go too, but decided it wasn’t for her and she could sleep soundly without having done it. Fair enough. She may have been put off by the look of fear on my face and the side view of the Howitzer, which I decided not to look at beforehand. Maybe that’s a good tip!
The descent was quite kind, and the light can be really good at this time of the day (about 5.30).
After all the excitement I couldn’t wait to get back to the car, get my boots off and crawl onto the back seat. I was pleased not to be driving this time, so thank you Emily for being the designated one! And thank you Simon for leading us on yet another challenging but enjoyable walk in the beautiful lakes. You always believe in us.
Am I glad I did these two scrambles? Yes
Would I do them again? Probably not
Would I recommend them? If you’re easily persuaded, a bit stubborn or slightly bonkers, definitely.