With the Skye trip getting even closer, we decided to have a go at Jack's Rake in the Lakes in a vain attempt to get used to exposure and some 'hands on' ascent. It's a long grade 1 scramble with a lot of exposure on the left hand side, with great views down to Stickle Tarn.
Verdes Adventurers on this trip were old timers Davie, and Rich S and Verdes Virgin, Ian S, who tells us he's scared of heights and unfit.
The old lies are the best lies...
The weather was good (at first) and we were at Stickle Tarn in good time. A last minute kit check and we were off, not wanting to dwell too long on the task ahead.
There was a fair bit of water running off the top and down the route but nothing too daunting. Once we were on the route, there were a few points where you had no option but to take to the elevated and exposed left hand side and conversation did dry up at times.
Ascent is by way of climbing up a flute that runs down the side of the hill, but progress is only made by coming out of it on occasion and climbing along it's edge. There were a few moves that required good foot and hand placement but if you trust your boots and concentrate it's ok.
There was one final twist before we got to the top, when we had to choose between two equally hairy routes to a platform. Rich took the right route, Davie took the left and based on the vocal feedback squeaked by Davie, Ian followed Rich...
No doubt we'll be back on Jack's Rake soon as a few people missed out this time. It's prefectly doable if you remember the Verdes maxim 'don't look back and don't look down'
All in all a great Verdes day. Good weather, a first ascent, a different face on the blog and the customary tea and cakes and a bit of retail therapy in Keswick.
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