Exploring the Langdale Pikes
Climbing Harrison and Pike o' Stickle in the English Lake District
Sep 24, 2009
The Langdale Pikes are very distinctively shaped yet quite diminutive compared to their nearby neighbour, Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
The five mountains can easily be climbed together in a day, generally starting from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in the Great Langdale valley.
Harrison Stickle 2,403ft
A hike starting from Old Dungeon Ghyll will probably have Harrison Stickle as the main target. It is the highest of the Langdales and with a formidable square looking front, it catches the eye. The way to the top involves going round the back then scrambling up to the top.
Pike o' Stickle 2,323ft
From wherever you look, the pyramidal peak of Pike o' Stickle is unmistakable. There is an entertaining scramble up the final section and a great view from the top.
What makes this peak special is the arguably the largest stone axe factory in Europe on its south scree slope. There is a cave in the rock wall which may well have housed several prehistoric natives. This is the largest of many nearby factories found along a vein of hard stone in the surrounding volcanic rock
Loft Crag 2,270ft
For hikers this is an airy ridge walk between Harrison and Pike o' Stickle. It gives a good view of the stone axe factory when heading towards Pike o' Stickle.
Several hundred feet below, out of sight to the hiker lies Gimmer Crag, one of the classic Lakeland crags with numerous easy graded climbs such as Bracket and Slab, Ash Tree Slabs & 'C' route.
Pavey Ark 2,288ft
This is another mountain better known for the crag on its south east face of the same name. Rising from Stickle Tarn below is Jacks Rake, cutting across the steep face from bottom right to top left, almost reaching the summit. It is one of the finest scrambles in the Lake District, graded as an 'easy' rock climb, meaning it can be ascended with hands and feet. There are alternative routes to the summit but are far less enjoyable.
Thunacar Knott 2,351ft
After the excitement of the other 4 mountains, this is something of a letdown and unless the hike continues to High Raise and Sergeant Man, it is often omitted.
Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells - Book Three, Central Fells Frances Lincon 2003. Wainwright's guides remain favourites for hikers, many of whom aim to climb all of his 214 mountains.
The Lake District is in North West England. More general information can be obtained from the Lake District National Park website.
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