Pike o' Stickle, Harrison Stickle & Pavey Ark

Lake District Walk

Maps

Walk Route Description

This Lake District walk in Langdale was undertaken in fresh snow, up to three feet deep in places, which made it all the more spectacular, and is a variation to the usual 'tourist route' which starts with Pavey Ark. In good conditions I would allow a comfortable 5 hours to take in the tremendous views.

Parking across from the Stickle Barn pub at New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and walk directly up the road opposite, passing through the gate behind the pub and on to the well marked path. Follow this to a stile and with the wall now on your right, ascend towards Thorn Crag. In terms of navigation, this is the trickiest bit of the day.

Pass between Thorn and Gimmer Crags, with the conical Pike o' Stickle as the first target of the day. From here the views across to the more famous Peaks are incredible, but this walk itself is not without it's spectacular scenery.

Coming off the Pike, follow the well trodden path to cross a stream before climbing steadily to the summit of Harrison Stickle. From the cairn, the third summit of Pavey Ark can be seen atop an impressively rugged face, with the Tarn glimmering way below. If you're feeling energetic, continue NNE to Thunacar Knott, otherwise bear NNW along the ridge to Pavey Ark. In the snow this was quite a scramble through the outcrop that forms the summit.

Rather than descending via the North Rake, skirt the rocks towards the gully which conducts Bright Beck to Stickle Tarn. Attaining the Tarn, follow the path which borders it and leads to the dam wall. From here there is a well trodden path passing under Tarn Crag, which follows the Ghyll down to the welcoming warmth and fine ale of the hotel.

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