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. Here a rocky scramble takes you to the summit which is 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 via Mickleden and to approach Pike O’ Stickle from the more remote moors to the west.

The paths are so much more pleasant on this route, the scenery ever changing and a full perspective of the Langdale Valley can be 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 and better underfoot. These include an unexpected view into the proper Dungeon Ghyll (valley not pub).

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

Recommend

There are two possible extensions to the route described here. My favourite is to add Rossett Pike and thereby adding a pleasant undulating ridge between Rosset Pike and Mickleden. 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. It will be less easy but possible to descend.