Langdale Pikes Walk
New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel - Stickle Tarn - North Rake - Pavey Ark - Harrison Stickle - Pike Of Stickle - Martcrag Moor - Stake Pass - Mickleden - Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel - New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
The Langdale Pikes mountains are popular with hill-walkers, as the scenery is dramatic and the walk is extremely interesting. Despite their imposing profile above the Great Langdale valley, the Langdale Pikes are not even in the top 50 highest Lakeland mountains, and as such they are a relatively easy climb. The highest point on this walk is the summit of Harrison Stickle, at 'only' 2414 feet, yet the walk still offers some challenge, as there are some steep elements.
Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (car parking available at the hotel or in the National Trust car park on the opposite side of the road), follow the path to the rear of the hotel and up the fellside, taking the left hand flank of Stickle Ghyll (also called Mill Gill), heading north west. The path is well marked for most of the way, and never gets too challenging. Upon reaching the dam at Stickle Tarn, enjoy the tranquility of the tarn and the imposing face of Pavey Ark by pausing for a drink and a bite to eat. Cross the Ghyll (there are plenty of suitable stepping stones even when the Ghyll is quite full), and follow the path along the south-eastern shore of the Tarn. At the end of the Tarn, the path heads north for a short distance and crosses the stream, before bending to the left, heading north west behind Pavey Ark. As you reach the base of Pavey Ark, take the direct route up North Rake, climbing fairly steeply west up to the summit, where there are good views across the fells to the East, including Fairfield. North Rake is by no means difficult, and not as fearsome as Jack's Rake, which traverses the face of Pavey Ark. From the summit of Pavey Ark, the path heads south west towards Harrison Stickle, where a short detour takes you to the summit, and the highest point on the walk. There are superb views down the Great Langdale valley to Windermere beyond, and also over to Pike O' Blisco.
From Harrison Stickle, take the path west to the second of the Pikes, Pike Of Stickle. Again, it is only a short scramble up to the summit, which offers excellent views across to Bowfell and Crinkle Crags. The route then takes you north west, with a gentle climb up to Martcrag Moor, and on to Stake Pass. At this point, the path turns sharply to the left, and heads south west over Langdale Combe toward Black Crags. From here the path takes you south, down the hillside along the west bank of Stake Gill and into Mickleden, which is a relaxing, flat walk south east beneath Pike Of Stickle and Gimmer Crag. Following the foot of the Langdale Pikes, the path curves east to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, which welcomes the walker with its 'minimalist' bar and open fire. Enjoy a drink in the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel before heading on along the valley to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, where you can enjoy another drink!
Approx. distance: 7.4 miles
Approx. total ascent: 2699 feet
Approx. time: 3.5-4.5 hours