Langdale Pikes 25th August 2013

Up at 4 AM and off to the Lakes again.

 

I wanted to do some of the peaks that I missed on my last visit. Parked at the National Trust car park next to the Stickle Barn pub.

 

Weather – clear , sunny with a light breeze. Perfect walking weather.

 

The last time I had ascended the path alongside Stickle Ghyll, but hadn’t got as far as Stickle Tarn.  This time (with fresh legs) I as soon at Stickle Tarn dominated by Pavey Ark. I followed the path around the tarn towards the North end of Pavey Ark, and took (I think) the North Gully, which was a steep gully with the occasional scramble the top.  Great feeling to get to the summit after the last aborted attempt.

Stickle Ghyll

Stickle Tarn

 

This was my first time in this area and although the footpaths are clearly marked on the map it wasn’t too clear and it took me some time to get my bearings so I was headed for High Raise via Thunacar Knott. Thunacar Knott was really just the high ground on the plateau marked by a couple of cairns – not sure why it is considered a fell in its own right. Once on this summit a mist descended limiting visibility. It was quite strange as there was clear blue sky above me. Fortunately, the mist soon cleared and I could see the cairned path leading of the summit towards High Raise.

 

High Raise Summit

I followed the path which dropped down to a boggy dip before gradually climbing up again. I missed the main path and ended up on what was not much more than a sheep track headed towards Sergeant Man. I backtracked and picked up the correct path up to High Raise. I was soon there on the wide summit where I stopped for a bite to eat and a drink. Unfortunately, the views were not very good due to the haze. I could just make out Bowfell and Crinkle Craggs.

 

From High Raise , I retraced the path back towards Thunacar Knott. Not sure where the path went as I seemed to end up nearer to Pavey ark, with Harrison Stickle in view (my next target). The path dipped down to a small hause, and then steeply (but not for long) up to the summit of Harrison Stickle. There were lots of folk on this summit as it was now around 1.30 in the afternoon. The views form the top were starting to improve as the haze was lifting.

 

I then realised what a daunting prospect Pike O Stickle appeared – a great dome shaped fell with steep sides a short distance away across the valley at the top of Dungeon Ghyll. I set of and was soon at the foot of Pike O Stickle where the ascent started with a clearly defined stepped path climbing steeply up the fell. As this wound around the side of the hill the path stopped abruptly and I was then faced with a steep scramble. I made a start and got about thirty feet up but began to worry how I would get down.  Couple who had arrived just after me took one look ad decided it wasn’t for them. I also decide, as I was solo that  I could got into trouble coming down, so decided to go no further.

 

View from Harrison Stickle summit

Pike O Stickle

The walk along the ridge to Loft Cragg was quite easy with the one problem of millions of flying ants just hatched out on the summit. I had been warned by a group on their way down, but being so close I had to visit the summit…..for all of 10 seconds before I was eaten alive!!

 

The path down to Great Langdale form Loft Cragg was steep but well defined, so I just had to take it easy (especially after battering my big toes and the descent from Grisdale Pike). I tried the first part of the descent in sandals which I had packed in my rucksack to try out. This helped my feet cool down a bit , but as the path got even steeper I put my boots back on.

 

A fabulous walk with dramatic views (when the haze cleared). Yet another beautiful corner of the Lake District.

 

About 6.5 miles , and 2500 ft of ascent.

OS OL 6