Walking Britain Lake District Walk
Pike o' Stickle, Harrison Stickle & Pavey Ark
Walk Route Description
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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.
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL6 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 90 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 90 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
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Recommended Reading
Lake District: High Level and Fell Walks
This guidebook describes 30 graded fell walks on the ridges and high peaks of the English Lake District, the UK's most popular national park. Reaching some of England's finest and highest mountain scenery, this guide leads readers to classic horseshoes and traditional ascents as well as lesser-known routes to quieter summits.
More information
