Pavey Ark

The iconic view of Pavey Ark above Stickle Tarn

Height: 700m (2,297t)
Prominence: 15m (49ft)
Region: Central Fells
Classifications: Nuttall, Wainwright, Birkett
Summit feature: Cairn
Times climbed: 4
Related trip reports:
The Langdale Pikes via Jack's Rake - 29/09/2018
Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake - 21/01/2017
The Langdale Pikes & Rossett Pike - 26/07/2014
The Langdale Pikes - 22/09/2012

The summit rocks

What Wainwright said:

"Pavey Ark is Langdale's biggest cliff. In an area where crags and precipices abound, here is the giant of them all, and, scenically, it is the best. The view of the Ark across Stickle Tarn, at its foot, is superior to all others of this type in Lakeland."

Pavey Ark in one of the Lakeland hills that needs little introduction for two reasons; it is the largest cliff in Langdale and that cliff is home to Jake's Rake, a legendary Grade 1 scramble. Despite this, however, Pavey Ark faces east and is set behind Stickle Tarn so the impact of its size is only apparent after climbing up from Dungeon Ghyll.

From Stickle Tarn, Pavey Ark has the appearance of a ridge, traversing to Harrison Stickle and beyond though this is misleading as the north side consists of an undulating plateau, rising to Thunacar Knott and eventually to High Raise.

There is no cairn on the summit of Pavey Ark, simple a rocky outcrop marking the highest point. As with Harrison Stickle, views into Langdale are superb.

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