Hiking the Langdale Pikes – A Classic Lake District Walk
- Kate
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
Langdale Pikes Hike Overview
Location: Great Langdale Valley, Lake District, Cumbria
Route Type: Circular walk
Distance: ~13.5 km (8.5 miles)
Time: 5–7 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Wainwright Summits: Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, Thunacar Knott, Pavey Ark
Terrain: Rocky, sometimes boggy, with steep ascents and optional scrambling sections
Start/Finish Point: Stickle Ghyll Car Park (LA22 9JU) - click to see on Google Maps.
Facilities: Toilets, Sticklebarn pub now known as Lanty Slee, nearby National Trust campsite
The Langdale Pikes are one of the most iconic groups of peaks in the Lake District National Park, and hiking them is a must for anyone looking for a challenging but rewarding day in the fells. These dramatic summits dominate the Great Langdale Valley, offering rugged ridges, steep ascents, and panoramic views across the Cumbrian countryside.
This circular route takes in five Wainwrights — Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, Thunacar Knott, and Pavey Ark — making it one of the best hikes in the Langdales. Below, I’ll share the route details, parking information, step-by-step trail description, and my own experience tackling these legendary peaks.
Parking & Starting Point
The best place to start the Langdale Pikes hike is Stickle Ghyll Car Park (LA22 9JU). This National Trust pay-and-display car park is free for National Trust members and has public toilets. It’s also conveniently located right next to the Lanty Slee's (Sticklebarn) pub, perfect for a post-hike pint or meal.
More Hiking Routes
If you’re staying overnight, the Great Langdale National Trust Campsite is just up the road. Another alternative is parking at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, which is a little further along the valley (a great pub post-hike, I highly recommend it).
Hiking the Langdale Pikes: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gentle Start Through Langdale Valley
From the National Trust car park, pick up the trail behind the pub and follow the Cumbria Way west through the Langdale Valley. This 4 km section is a pleasant warm-up on relatively flat, rocky paths, heading towards Stake Pass.
2. Climbing Stake Pass
The gradient soon ramps up as you tackle the climb to Stake Pass. It’s a steady ascent with clear paths, and the higher you climb, the better the views back down the valley towards Great Langdale. I will add that this path may look tough, but if you take it slowly, it's actually quite manageable.
3. Across Martcrag Moor to Pike of Stickle
At the top of the pass, turn right at the crossroads towards Martcrag Moor. From here, continue across open terrain to reach Pike of Stickle. A short scramble is required for the summit, but it’s accessible for most walkers and rewards you with spectacular panoramic views.
4. Loft Crag & Harrison Stickle
From Pike of Stickle, continue to Loft Crag and then up to Harrison Stickle, the highest of the Langdale Pikes. The plateau here is a joy to walk, dotted with tarns and boggy patches, so waterproof boots are recommended. Harrison Stickle offers some of the best summit views in the Lake District.
5. Thunacar Knott & Pavey Ark
Next, head north to Thunacar Knott before looping east towards Pavey Ark, another striking peak. The ground here is rocky and uneven, so be cautious with your footing.
Experienced scramblers may choose to descend via Jack’s Rake (a Grade 1 scramble), but for a safer alternative, follow the path east of Stickle Tarn. While steep and demanding on the knees, it avoids the exposure of Jack’s Rake.
6. Descent via Stickle Tarn & Stickle Ghyll
Arriving at Stickle Tarn, pause to enjoy the scenery — this high mountain lake is popular with wild campers. From here, descend via the well-maintained Stickle Ghyll path, a popular trail with families and school groups. You’ll often see gorge walkers and wild swimmers here.
Finishing the Walk
The circular route returns you to Stickle Ghyll car park, where you can reward yourself with a drink and a meal at the Lanty Slees (Sticklebarn) pub. Alternatively, head to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel — another classic Lake District walkers’ pub with plenty of character.
My Experience of the Langdale Pikes Hike
I’d rate the Langdale Pikes walk as moderate to challenging. The route is long, with steep ascents, rocky ground, and a demanding descent — but it’s absolutely worth the effort. I would go so far as to say that this is my favourite hike in The Lake District!
The combination of valley walking, mountain passes, dramatic summits, and the stunning Stickle Tarn makes this one of the best circular hikes in the Lake District. If you’re comfortable with height gain and uneven terrain, the Langdale Pikes hike is an unforgettable day out.
Important Hiking Advice
Always check the weather forecast before setting out. MWIS is the best for mountain forecast — conditions can change quickly in the Lake District.
Carry a map and compass (OS Explorer OL6 covers this area), even if you’re using a GPS.
Wear sturdy walking boots — the paths can be steep, rocky, and boggy.
Take plenty of water and snacks, especially if tackling this as a full-day hike.
Navigation & GPX Download
I used the Ordnance Survey Maps app to follow this route, which can be downloaded from the link above.
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