Pike of Stickle

Pike of Stickle

Pike of Stickle, also written Pike o’ Stickle, is one of the Langdale Pikes in the Central Fells. Its rocky summit rises above Great Langdale, with Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle nearby. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The summit stands at 708.4 metres, with a cairn at NY 27399 07356. Pike of Stickle is listed as a Wainwright, Hewitt and Nuttall. Summit record.

In clear weather, the outlook takes in Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Great Gable, with Mickleden below. Harrison Stickle faces the summit across Harrison Combe, while Windermere appears beyond Loft Crag. Summit photographs.

Mark Gate out and back

Leave Stickle Ghyll car park through the upper gates and turn left. Cross the first wall and turn right uphill beside it. At the second wall, turn left across Dungeon Ghyll on the path. Climb its western bank via Mark Gate and through the gap in the crags. Lower approach.

At the cairned junction near NY 279071, take the left branch northwest. Stay on the main path past the optional Loft Crag summit diversion. At the next junction, turn left towards Pike of Stickle. Upper approach.

The final climb uses the broken northern side of the summit cone and needs hands-on scrambling. Descend by reversing that same scramble. Summit approach.

Retrace towards Loft Crag and the junction above Thorn Crag. Descend Mark Gate, recross Dungeon Ghyll at the same lower crossing, and reverse the wall-side path and gates to the car park. Avoid the gorge and southern scree gullies. Descent landmarks.

Rock and early axe-making

The mapped bedrock belongs to the Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. It includes layered sandstone and siltstone made from volcanic debris, with beds of tuff and other fragmental rocks. Local geology and BGS formation description.

Neolithic people collected or quarried fine-grained volcanic stone high on Pike of Stickle and shaped it into rough axeheads. These were taken elsewhere for finishing and polishing before being traded across the country. The surviving waste flakes are part of that archaeological record; leave stones where they lie. Axe-making history.

Access and preparation

Stickle Ghyll car park is at NY 294065, postcode LA22 9JU. It has public toilets, with refreshments nearby at Lanty Slee’s Langdale and New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Check charges and opening times. The 516 bus links Ambleside with New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel; check the return timetable for your walking date. Travel and facilities.

This is steep fellwalking with a rocky summit scramble. Wet rock, ice and strong wind increase the difficulty. Check the mountain forecast, carry navigation equipment and suitable clothing, and allow daylight for the whole return. Turn back if the conditions exceed your ability; snow and ice call for winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.