Harrison Stickle
Harrison Stickle at 736 metres is the highest of the Langdale Pikes, the summit that defines the Lake District skyline from the Windermere ferry or any high point to the south-east. The summit cairn sits on a broad rocky platform with Stickle Tarn directly below and the full Langdale valley stretching south. The view is the reward for the climb. The summit connects north to Sergeant Man and Thunacar Knott, giving a natural extension into the High Raise plateau — the broad central fells above Langdale that are less-visited than the Pikes themselves but offer some of the most expansive walking in the national park. Harrison Stickle is essentially the gateway to this higher country. Pavey Ark, the steep crag directly above Stickle Tarn and east of Harrison Stickle, is a different character entirely — one of the major rock climbing crags in the Lakes. Jack's Rake, a diagonal grassy ramp across the full face of Pavey Ark, is a famous grade one scramble that non-climbers can use to reach the summit. It is committing and brilliant.
Walking
The Stickle Ghyll approach from New Dungeon Ghyll (LA22 9JX) is the standard route, climbing beside the waterfall system to Stickle Tarn and then north-east to the summit of Harrison Stickle. Around 5 miles return with 650 metres of ascent. Allow 4 to 5 hours. The better approach combines Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark via Jack's Rake, and Pike o'Stickle to complete the full Langdale Pikes circuit. The Rake is a 45-degree ramp across Pavey Ark's east face — the holds are excellent but the exposure is significant. Descend to Stickle Tarn from Pavey Ark and then continue west to Harrison Stickle and Pike o'Stickle. Around 6 miles with 750 metres of ascent. Allow 5 to 6 hours. An extension north to Sergeant Man and High Raise gives a full mountain day with the Langdale Pikes as an appetiser and the central fells plateau as the main course. Allow 7 to 8 hours for this extended circuit.
Routes
Stickle Ghyll from New Dungeon Ghyll
New Dungeon Ghyll NT car park
Tips
Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark is one of the best things you can do on a Lake District fell day. It requires no technical equipment but demands a head for heights and confidence on steep ground. Not for wet or misty conditions. The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hikers Bar is more characterful than the Stickle Barn and well worth the short drive along the valley.