Start point: New Dungeon Ghyll Car Park (NY 295 064)
New Dungeon Ghyll – Stickle Tarn – Pavey Ark – Thunacar Knott – Harrison Stickle – Pike O’Stickle – Loft Crag – Thorn Crag – New Dungeon Ghyll
Distance: 5 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 3 hours
Weather: Showers. 16oC.
The early bird caught the worm this morning! We were up at the crack of dawn today for a circuit of The Langdale Pikes. Setting off in the rain, I didn’t hold out much hope for any dry weather but fortunately it wasn’t too long before the skies cleared somewhat, although elsewhere – notably over to Bow Fell and the Coniston fells – the clouds remained down for most of the time during the morning.
Stickle Ghyll at the start of the walk...
...in the rain.
As we climbed, the rain stopped for a while and here the early morning sun catches Lingmoor Fell across Great Langdale.
Pavey Ark from the outflow of Stickle Tarn.
Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn.
Harrison Stickle reflected in Stickle Tarn.
Sergeant Man from the climb to Pavey Ark.
A shower coming over from Easedale from Pavey Ark. Time to get the jacket on again!
High Raise and Sergeant Man from Thunacar Knott. This photo doesn't convey how bad the conditions were - it was blowing a hooly, raining and absolutely freezing up here. Wish I'd packed some gloves.
Looking down on Stickle Tarn, crossing from Thunacar Knott to Harrison Stickle.
Pike o' Blisco from Harrison Stickle.
Another shower approaches the summit of Harrison Stickle, here looking towards Windermere.
Bow Fell and Esk Pike in the clouds with Rossett Pike centre and the next objective, Pike o' Stickle, from Harrison Stickle.
Mickleden from Pike o' Stickle with Bow Fell at its head, Esk Pike and Great End beyond. The prominent fork is the joining of the Rossett Gill and Stake Pass paths.
Looking across to Loft Crag with Windermere beyond.
Rossett Pike.
Casper on Pike o' Stickle.
Bow Fell, almost out of the clouds now.
The sun lights up Loft Crag with the familiar outline of Pike o' Stickle in shade and the dark silhouette of Glaramara beyond.
Tongue out on Loft Crag for Casper.
Harrison Stickle from Loft Crag.
Casper contemplates life from Dungeon Ghyll.
Looking across to the Coniston fells, The Old Man in cloud whilst Wetherlam remains clear. To the left is Blea Tarn.
The heathery slopes of Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike.
Looking back to Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle from the bottom of the Dungeon Ghyll path.