Parking for Langdale Pikes Walk: New Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park LA22 9JX
Distance: Approx. 5.5 miles
Langdale Pikes Ascent: 869m
Difficulty: Challenging
Time: Approx. 4-6 hours
Watch the Great Langdale video
This epic Langdale Pikes walk takes you on a challenging yet exhilarating adventure among some of the Lake District’s most dramatic fells. Not only will you bag five Wainwrights, but you also get to witness the most breathtaking views over the Langdale valley, making it one of the most impressive of all Great Langdale walks. Discover the rugged peaks of Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle.
Langdale Pikes Walking Route
- From the New Dungeon Ghyll car park, follow the path that runs up the back of the hotel. Go through the first gate on the right then turn left at the next gate. Cross over the stile and wooden bridge, with the beck on your left.
2. Begin the steep ascent along Stickle Ghyll. As you climb, the scenery unfolds, revealing the imposing Pavey Ark ahead and stunning scenes over to Lingmoor Fell. This climb isn’t recommended after heavy rainfall as the steps become extremely slippery.
3. After approximately 40 minutes (depending on how many times you stop for photos or to catch your breath), you reach the magnificent Stickle Tarn, which lies in the shadows of Pavey Ark. This is a great place for enjoying a cold water swim and taking in the incredible scenery of this Langdale Pikes walk.
Pavey Ark Walk
4. If you prefer a more challenging route, tackle the Grade 1 scramble up Jack’s Rake, however, this is not for the faint hearted or inexperienced walkers. For the less technical route, follow the trail along the right of Stickle Tarn and bear left towards the east ridge of Pavey Ark.
5. Begin the steep climb and bear left along the well-trodden path, using the several cairns as waymarks. While there is loose scree and rocky terrain, the climb isn’t considered technical. After the gully on the left, you soon reach the summit of Pavey Ark. The views of Stickle Tarn and the Langdale Pikes are phenomenal, so it’s well worth stopping for a while to take it all in.
Thunacar Knott Walk
6. From the summit of Pavey Ark, you initially follow the intermittent path towards Harrison Stickle (approximately 50 metres), then veer right. Thunacar Knott has two summits which lie either side of a small tarn, however, it’s the northern one that is more often considered the main summit.
Pike of Stickle
7. The intermittent path over to Pike O’Stickle is usually very boggy so you’ll need sturdy, waterproof boots. Head for its distinctive peak and make your way up the steps. There is some hands-on scrambling in parts, but it isn’t quite as daunting as it looks from a distance and the views from the summit certainly reward your efforts.
Loft Crag
8. Descend Pike O’Stickle following the same route of ascent, turn right over the gully and follow the path up to the right, which leads you onto the ridge of Loft Crag. Soak up the views of the Langdale valley and Harrison Stickle on your left.
Harrison Stickle Walk
9. From Loft Crag, head across to Harrison Stickle, crossing above Dungeon Ghyll. Follow the path, passing several cairns leading the way, before a short scramble onto the summit ridge. Veer left towards the summit cairn. The 360-degree views from Harrison Stickle really do take your breath away and the sense of achievement certainly adds to the feeling of exhilaration.
10. Take the path that runs between the two ridges overlooking Stickle Tarn then keep left on the track that begins to descend. Drop down onto the rocky terraces and follow the path leading to Stickle Tarn.
11. Make your way back to the path that runs down along Stickle Ghyll. Cross over the ghyll and continue down the stone steps before crossing back over the wooden bridge. Return to the New Dungeon Ghyll for a well-earned drink!
