Lake District Walk
Pike o' Stickle, Harrison Stickle & Pavey Ark
Maps

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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.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1144 | Lingmoor Fell from Blea Tarn, Langdale | moderate | 8.0 miles |
Walk 1171 | Pike o' Blisco from Blea Tarn, Langdale | moderate | 5.0 miles |
Walk 1132 | The Crinkle Crags from Great Langdale | mod/hard | 7.0 miles |
Walk 1157 | Bowfell and Esk Pike from Old Dungeon Ghyll | hard | 8.8 miles |
Walk 2037 | Bowfell & Rosset Pike via the Climber's Traverse | hard | 7.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
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.
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Walking the Lake District Fells - Keswick
Part of the Walking the Lake District Fells series, this guidebook covers a wide range of routes to 30 Lakeland summits that can be climbed from Keswick, Whinlatter, Bassenthwaite, Caldbeck, Mungrisdale and Threlkeld, with highlights including Skiddaw and Blencathra. Includes suggestions for longer ridge routes.
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The End to End Trail
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Walk Location Map
Lake District Walking
The Lake District National Park is seen by many as one of the scenic gems of the British Isles. The natural beauty has attracted many artists and writers through the centuries and today the same scenery provides the perfect backdrop to a wide variety of walks. The National Park is located wholly within Cumbria with Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick the main tourist towns. For many this is the finest area in England for walking with a wide variety of scenery. Even on the busiest weekends it is possible to get away from the crowds by carefully selecting one of the less-visited fells. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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