The Ultimate Guide to the Langdale Pikes

Made up of four summits, the Langdale Pikes are one of the Lake Districts more famous walking rounds.

Sitting in the iconic Langdale Valley, the Langdale Pikes offer unrivalled views stretching across the picture-perfect landscape of the National Park.

Aside from the views, you’re promised a day of outdoor pursuits with a two-foot adventure through the Langdales.

Continue reading to learn more about our guide to the Langdale Pikes…

What are the Langdale Pikes?

Lesser-known than the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes are one of the Lake Districts best kept secrets.

The Langdales are a collection of four peaks idyllically positioned amongst the rural greenery of Great Langdale.

Made up of pikes, knotts and stickles, the much-loved Langdale Pikes offer an array of outdoor adventures, including rock climbing, ghyll scrambling and hiking.

What is the difference between a pike, knott & stickle?

The term pike refers to a hill with a peaked summit, whilst a stickle is a hill with a steeper, rocky outcrop at the top.

The word “knott” is a traditional Cumbrian term translating to hill.

In simple terms, a pike, knott and stickle all refer to the towering hills that make up the wonderful landscape of the Lake District

Where are the Langdale Pikes?

The Langdale Pikes are found in the heart of the Lake District National Park, a short distance from the towns of Ambleside and Grasmere.

Sitting within the Great Langdale valley, visitors to the hilly area are rewarded with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

Views of Scafell Pike, Bowfell, Rydal Water and Lake Windermere can be seen from the summit of these iconic hills.

This Langdale Pikes map shows the locations of these four prominent peaks:

What are the Langdale Pikes called?

The peaks of Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle make up the Langdale Pikes.

The term ‘Langdale Pikes’ comes from their position in Great Langdale, surrounding the valley.

How tall are the Langdale Pikes?

Harrison Stickle is the tallest of the four, sitting at an elevation of 736 metres. Thunacar Knott takes second place, sitting at a slightly smaller height of 723 metres.

Pike of Stickle stretches 709 metres, with Pavey Ark sitting slightly behind at 700 metres.

Despite being the smallest of the four, Pavey Ark is only 278 metres smaller than Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England.

How long does it take to climb the Langdale Pikes?

There’s a number of different walks in the Langdales. Depending on your fitness and experience, you could be looking at a long day of walking.

The most popular Langdale walk typically takes between 4 – 6 hours to complete.

This Langdale Pike circular walk begins and ends at National Trust Stickle Barn and New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, where finishers can reward themselves with a well-deserved drink.

The circular trail stretches approximately 5 miles in length, with the highest point sitting at 2,440 ft. Summit Harrison Stickle, Pike O’ Stickle, Thunacar Knott and Pavey Ark along the way.

You might want to allow some additional time to stop for a picnic or to take in the breathtaking scenery en route.

For a longer walk, make a day of it and follow the Grasmere to the Langdale Pikes route. Stretching nearly 20km, you’re sure to see plenty of the Lake District along the way.

Along with all four of the Langdales, you’ll bag six world-renowned Wainwrights, climbing an elevation of 1,139 metres.

The Langdale Pikes Circular Walk

The well-trodden ground of the Langdale Pikes circular walk is one of the most popular ways to complete the pikes.

At 6 miles long, the trail opens up to breath-taking views of glistening waterfalls, vast, open moorland and craggy rock.

The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and National Trust Stickle Barn marks the starting point before climbing up Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn, then towards the summits of Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle and Pike O’ Stickle.

Look forward to marveling at the far-reaching views stretching across the Langdale Valley from the top of Pike O’ Stickle, the final peak along the trail.

When you can tear yourself away, a somewhat steep decent will bring you to Dungeon Ghyll Beck. The circular walk then concludes back at The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel a short distance further.

What is the Langdale Pikes weather like?

Thought to have around 200 wet weather days a year, it’s easy to assume you’ll need to pack a brolly on your visit to the Lake District!

Owing to their height, the weather on top of the fells can be much harsher than anticipated from ground level. Although the weather isn’t predictable, there is a good chance of rain, wind, and a chill.

Waterproof and weather-appropriate clothing and boots are essential, whatever time of year. Whilst it’s important to pack for the weather at the top, include essentials for the journey along the way, including extra food..

Cover all weather possibilities with extra layers, full waterproofs, water-tight walking boots, hat, gloves, shorts, sunscreen and protective sunglasses! Don’t forget, a map and compass..

Facilities near the Langdale Pikes

Despite their rural location, you wont need to look far for from the Langdale Pikes to reach all of your local amenities.

For parking, there is the main National Trust car park at Stickle Barn, (free to National Trust members), and a pay-and-display car park available across from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Spaces are limited, however, there is an overflow car park in operation at weekends and school holidays in the field next to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

© Sticklebarn, National Trust

Run by the National Trust, the pub at Sticklebarn is open daily. (Please check opening times as can be seasonal). Fuel a day of hiking with a hearty bite to eat or conclude an afternoon of adventure with a well-deserved pint.

Toilet facilities are available at Stickle Ghyll car park

Be sure to visit the Langdale Co-operative en route at Chapel stile, where you can stock up on food, water and walking essentials. There’s even an on-site cafe to pick up a coffee or hearty breakfast!

Fancy exploring the Langdale Pikes for yourself? Choose from our varying collection of Lake District Holiday Cottages and start planning your next adventure! 

For more inspiration on how to fill your thrilling holiday itinerary, give our guide to the best walks in the Lake District a read.