A couple of months ago a poster asked what this was like, and had no replies. Yesterday I took a day off work and had a stroll up here, for the first time in over 25 years. I had forgotten how hard it was to get on to the rake itself, you have to go quite a long way to the north, or face execrable scree slopes. Finding the way down from the top could also be tricky in bad weather, with a descent into Sandbad Gill quite possible for the unwary. Other than that the rake itself is relatively trouble free.
Some photos for those who are interested are at :-
"A couple of months ago a poster asked what this was like, and had no replies. Yesterday I took a day off work and had a stroll up here, for the first time in over 25 years. I had forgotten how hard it was to get on to the rake itself, you have to go quite a long way to the north, or face execrable scree slopes. Finding the way down from the top could also be
tricky in bad weather, with a descent into Sandbad Gill quite possible for the unwary. Other than that the rake itself is relatively trouble free."
Thanks for that Gordon...
How long did it take to get to the summit of Clough Head?
From where I left the road to Jim's Fold was about an hour. Mind you I was messing around a bit. From the fold to the top was roughly 25 mins. It's much further than it appears. As for parking, I left the wheels at the water board park underneath Catle Rock, and had a walk of approx 1.5 miles by the river. This gives the option of having the car nearby if you come back down Sticks Pass, but being me I went over Great Dodd, and down Rowantree Beck to Mariel Bridge; well it was a nice day!
"214Fells" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"A couple of months ago a poster asked what this was like, and had no replies. Yesterday I took a day off work and had a stroll up here, for the first time in over 25 years. I had forgotten how hard it was to get on to the rake itself, you have to go quite a long way to the north, or face execrable scree slopes. Finding the way down from the top could also be
tricky in bad weather, with a descent into Sandbad Gill quite possible for the unwary. Other than that the rake itself is relatively trouble free."
Thanks for that Gordon...
How long did it take to get to the summit of Clough Head?
"Gordon Burns" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
A couple of months ago a poster asked what this was like, and had no replies. Yesterday I took a day off work and had a stroll up here, for the first time in over 25 years. I had forgotten how hard it was to get on to the rake itself, you have to go quite a long way to the north, or face execrable scree slopes. Finding the way down from the top could also be tricky in bad weather, with a descent into Sandbad Gill quite possible for the unwary. Other than that the rake itself is relatively trouble free.
Some photos for those who are interested are at :-
The original poster was, I think, me. My wife and I fell into the trap you mention, turning east long after we thought we needed too but long before we should have done. We hit the Rake half way up, after a lot of choice words amongst the scree. I was mad enough to descend, so that I could say I had done the Rake. My wife was, as always, far more sensible!
When I do it again (it's pencilled in for Xmas Day!) I would approach from the Old Coach Road at Wanthwaite. There is parking for 2/3 cars by the river at GRef. 312230. A short walk up the road just past the old quarries and there is a track running above the intake wall that leads right to the juniper at the bottom of the rake. Return could be over Whie Pike, or down Red Screes to the sheepfold, which is nowhere near as bad as the map would have you believe. (It's the way the Bob Graham goes). Gives a round of 5 miles, which will be enough to work up an appetite for the turkey!
"David Rose" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"Gordon Burns" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
A couple of months ago a poster asked what this was like, and had no replies. Yesterday I took a day off work and had a stroll up here, for the first time in over 25 years. I had forgotten how hard it was to get on to the rake itself, you have to go quite a long way to the north, or face execrable scree slopes. Finding the way down from the top could also be tricky in bad weather, with a descent into Sandbad Gill quite possible for the unwary. Other than that the rake itself is relatively trouble free.
Some photos for those who are interested are at :-
The original poster was, I think, me. My wife and I fell into the trap you mention, turning east long after we thought we needed too but long before we should have done. We hit the Rake half way up, after a lot of choice words amongst the scree. I was mad enough to descend, so that I could say I had done the Rake. My wife was, as always, far more sensible!
