Mickleden to Pike O’Stickle

From Langdale head up the Mickleden valley to Pike O’Stickle. The climb is quite straightforward to the foot of the pike which does involve a rocky scramble to the summit perched dramatically over the valley.

The Walk

Many thousands of walkers trail up the steep eroded path to Stickle Tarn and complete a circuit of Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle before heading back down the steep eroded path. As worthy a walk as this is much of the appeal of the Langdale Pikes is missed. I prefer a leisurely ascent up Mickleden and approach Pike O’ Stickle from the more remote moors to the west.

The paths are so much more pleasant, the scenery ever changing with the full perspective of the Langdale Valley witnessed and enjoyed. The dramatic rock scenery is viewed rather than risked. The descent between the underrated Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle offering some dramatic views. These include an unexpected view into the proper Dungeon Ghyll (valley not pub).

My most recent completion of Mickleden to Pike O’Stickle walk was in the snow which adds drama and excitement to the route.

Recommend

There are two possible extensions to the basic circuit. My favourite is to add Rossett Pike although the climb up Rossett Gill is tortuous. Alternatively a full circuit of the Langdales can be made by continuing over Pavey Ark with an easy descent to the east.

Navigation Tips on Pike O’Stickle

On a map when contours lines merge it means the land is too steep to move up or down. This happens if you ever decided to descend direct from Pike O’Stickle to the valley floor. Don’t! If there is a gap you can see between contours, even if it is small it should be safe to climb, less easy but possible to descend.