Walkweb

A beautiful and very warm Saturday for another classic Lakeland walk:

“The most thrilling walk in Lakeland reaches the top of Scafell by way of an ingenious passage that penetrates the rocks of Scafell Crag … A struggle up this unfriendly ladder of rock debris … leads to the foot of Scafell Pinnacle in most impressive surroundings, the Pinnacle soaring above in a tower 500 feet in height. To the right at this point rises a steep narrow channel between rocks, and choked by stones and boulders. This is Lord’s Rake…”

Wainwright’s Favourite Lakeland Mountains

Parking at Wasdale Head we took the public footpath that leads south-east and then south to Lingmell Gill, then following the path as it proceeds upwards through Brown Tongue. Eventually the trail branches into two; following the southerly branch we proceeded to the bottom of Lord’s Rake. At this point it should be noted that there were signs stating that this way was closed. While there were no physical barriers, a large rock slab had dislodged at the top of the Rake, and if this fell down as you were walking up, your walking career would come to a shuddering and rather messy halt. In addition, there was a lot of loose rock and rubble which could easily come tumbling down causing injury. We chose to continue onwards for the traverse up Lord’s Rake and thus straight through Scafell Crag, before eventually (after a couple more up and down sections) reaching the high ground and a gentle stroll to the summit. Nothwithstanding this, a better option would be to continue on the path and then take the gully up to Foxes Tarn. Don’t try going up Broad Stand – this is for roped climbers only!

Following lunch we took the path down through Green How to join a bridleway heading north to return to Wasdale Head and a beer (of course).

My rating: A+. Magnificent, but definitely for experienced walkers only – and note the danger of traversing Lord’s Rake.
Map: OL6 – The English Lakes: South Western area (1:25,000)
Wainwright’s guides: Book four, The Southern Fells

UPDATE: Refer to this page from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the current situation with regard to Lord’s Rake.