Pike o'Stickle
Pike o'Stickle at 709 metres is the conical peak that makes the Langdale Pikes instantly recognisable from the valley floor. That distinctive pointed summit on the left of the skyline when you look north-east up Langdale — that is Pike o'Stickle. The summit is a narrow rocky top with a short scramble to reach it, and the views are disproportionate to the modest height. The top of Pike o'Stickle looks directly down into Mickleden and across to Bowfell and Crinkle Crags. On the eastern face, the gully below the summit is the site of the Langdale Axe Factory, a Neolithic stone axe quarrying site where volcanic tuff of exceptional quality was worked from around 4000 BC. The site is still visible and is a remarkable piece of prehistory in a stunning landscape. Summit cairn and trig point both exist, and the exposure on the summit proper is real — the narrow top requires care in strong wind. It is a short summit but commands its position on the ridge.
Walking
The Stickle Ghyll path from the New Dungeon Ghyll car park (LA22 9JX, pay and display) climbs steeply beside the gill through a series of waterfalls to Stickle Tarn. From the tarn the path continues west and climbs the steep gully below the summit. The ascent is around 600 metres over 2 miles each way. Allow 3 to 4 hours return. Pike o'Stickle is most naturally combined with Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark to make a full Langdale Pikes circuit — one of the most popular half-days in the Lakes. The circuit adds around 1.5 miles and 150 metres but gives a complete picture of the Pikes and is well worth it. The approach via Mickleden and Stake Pass gives a quieter ascent from the west, approaching Pike o'Stickle from below via the Neolithic axe quarry sites on the eastern face. This route is longer but less busy and passes the prehistoric quarry workings.
Routes
Stickle Ghyll from New Dungeon Ghyll
New Dungeon Ghyll car park
Tips
The Stickle Ghyll path is steep and eroded — descending it in wet conditions requires care. Combine Pike o'Stickle with Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark for a proper Langdale Pikes day. The Stickle Barn at the car park does food and is a reasonable option.