Langdale Pikes
The two main 'pikes' of Harrison Stickle (2414 feet) and Pike of Stickle (2326
feet) form a rugged and distinctive profile, rising abruptly to tower dramatically over the
Great Langdale valley. The Langdale Pikes provide the visitor with a great sense of
scale, and they are visible on the skyline from many miles away when approaching the Lake
District from the south.
'Once seen, never forgotten' wrote Alfred Wainwright, the Langdale Pikes are ever popular among fell-walkers and rock-climbers alike. The Pikes are irresistible to artists and photographers, and their appearance in view captures the imagination and interest of even those visitors who have no real passion for mountains.
that I have ever set foot or heart upon"
The summits are craggy and interesting, and there is a sizeable tarn, Stickle Tarn, into which plunges the sheer rock face of Pavey Ark, a dramatic scene which never fails to surprise and impress the climber on his or her first ascent of the Langdale Pikes. The commonest route of ascent is that which begins at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and climbs alongside the babbling course of Dungeon Ghyll, with its impressive waterfalls.
The discovery in 1947 of an axe-head in a wide scree gully on the Langdale Pikes, and further examples found since, show that this was once the site of a Neolithic axe-head industry.
And Dungeon-ghyll so foully rent,
With ropes of rock and bells of air
Three sinful sexton's ghosts are pent"
For details of a recommended walk up the Langdale Pikes click here