LAKE DISTRICT / STRENUOUS MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT
Langdale Pikes Circular Walk from Great Langdale
Climb beside Stickle Ghyll to the tarn, cross the open fells of Sergeant Man and High Raise, then link the rocky Langdale Pikes. This extended circuit is a full mountain day with steep ground, summit scrambling and a long descent.
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At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
The Langdale Pikes make a demanding day out from Great Langdale: a steep start beside running water, a pause at Stickle Tarn and a succession of rocky tops above the valley. This guide follows the extended route shown on our map, adding Sergeant Man and High Raise before the main Pikes.
Choose it if you already enjoy long hill days and can navigate across open mountain ground. The distance alone understates the effort: repeated climbs, uneven rock and careful descending all slow the pace. Clear weather makes the route easier to follow and gives the views that justify the climb.
For a shorter visit, make Stickle Tarn your destination and return by the ascent path. That is still a steep hill walk, but it avoids committing to the full summit circuit. For other days nearby, browse our Lake District walks.
The mapped circuit: New Dungeon Ghyll → Stickle Ghyll → Stickle Tarn → Sergeant Man → High Raise → Thunacar Knott → Pavey Ark → Harrison Stickle → Pike of Stickle → Loft Crag → Mark Gate → New Dungeon Ghyll.
The supplied track measures approximately 12.34 km, rounded to 12.3 km here. The route source estimates about 830 m of ascent; different mapping tools may give different totals. Allow 5–7 hours with stops, and longer if the ground is wet or your group needs a slower pace.
This route approaches Pavey Ark from the upland side. It does not use Jack’s Rake. It still includes steep rocky ground and hands-on moves around the summits, particularly Pike of Stickle. The numbered stages are a planning companion to the map and route file, not a substitute for mountain navigation.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
New Dungeon Ghyll to Stickle Tarn
Leave the car park for the fell path beside Stickle Ghyll. Climb on the constructed path, following its steps and crossings uphill to Stickle Tarn. Take the ascent steadily; the steep start is only the first part of the day.
Route advice: At the tarn, assess the weather and the group’s energy before continuing onto the higher fells.
Stickle Tarn to Sergeant Man
Follow the mapped line around the eastern side of the tarn and onto the upland paths towards Sergeant Man. Confirm your position at path junctions rather than assuming every uphill path reaches the same top. The final approach becomes rockier.
Route advice: The route leaves the obvious valley-to-tarn path here. In poor visibility, turn back unless everyone is equipped and able to navigate.
Sergeant Man to High Raise
Leave Sergeant Man on the mapped north-westerly line towards High Raise, crossing more open fell ground. This section is less enclosed than the tarn approach and can feel very different in cloud. High Raise is the northern turning point of this circuit.
Route advice: Use bearings and terrain features to confirm direction; cairns alone do not identify your intended route.
High Raise to Thunacar Knott
Turn south from High Raise and follow the mapped fell paths towards Thunacar Knott. Check the change of direction before leaving the summit area: the outward route to Sergeant Man lies off to the south-east.
Route advice: Expect wet patches on the upland ground. Keep to the established path where practical rather than widening boggy sections.
Thunacar Knott to Pavey Ark
Head south-east towards Pavey Ark using the upland approach shown on the map. The ground becomes broken and rocky near the top. This brings you to the summit from behind the crag, without climbing Jack’s Rake from Stickle Tarn.
Route advice: Keep well back from the eastern cliff edge. Do not follow routes dropping into the face or gullies.
Pavey Ark to Harrison Stickle
Leave Pavey Ark away from its cliff edge and follow the mapped south-westerly connection to Harrison Stickle. Allow time for the uneven rock and the climb onto the summit. Pause only where you can stand or sit safely, clear of the drops.
Route advice: The summits are close together on the map, but the rocky ground makes this slower than a flat walking section.
Harrison Stickle to Pike of Stickle and Loft Crag
Descend onto the connecting paths and follow the mapped westward line towards Pike of Stickle. Its rocky summit requires hands-on scrambling; use the established approach on the northern side and reverse it carefully. Continue towards Loft Crag on the mapped path.
Route advice: Skip the final summit scramble if anyone is uncomfortable. Do not descend the steep scree gully beside Pike of Stickle.
Loft Crag to New Dungeon Ghyll
Follow the mapped line towards the Thorn Crag area, then descend by the Mark Gate path to the valley. Stay on the established route as it drops through steep terrain; the car park’s position below is not a safe direct bearing to follow. Rejoin the valley paths to the start.
Route advice: Keep time and energy for this descent. Wet steps and tired legs need as much care as the summit sections.
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Before you go
Practical information
Plan the whole day before leaving the valley. Download the map and route file, check the mountain forecast and agree a turnaround time that leaves daylight for the descent. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, a headtorch and a charged phone with backup power, plus a map and compass you know how to use.
Use Stickle Tarn as an early decision point. If the climb has taken longer than expected, the summits are in cloud or anyone is uncomfortable, return down the known ascent route. Do not press on simply because the first summit is still ahead.
Make the next day gentler. Our Easedale Tarn walk offers another tarn outing, while the Lake District waterfall road trip helps you plan a wider stay.
Route provenance: this guide follows the linked Days Out Now My Maps circuit, imported from the Hikes.guide Langdale Pikes round. It is researched route guidance, not a report of a recent on-foot inspection. Visitor details checked September 2026; check current conditions before setting off.
Cover photograph: Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash.
Parking
National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park; charges apply, members park free
Tickets and booking
No walking ticket is needed. Budget for parking; check the National Trust’s current payment arrangements and member check-in instructions.
Seasonal considerations
Choose a clear day with light winds and enough daylight. Rain makes rock slippery and cloud can hide the next path. Snow or ice changes this into a winter mountain undertaking requiring appropriate skills and equipment; this guide describes snow-free conditions.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets at Stickle Ghyll car park; refreshments around New Dungeon Ghyll and Sticklebarn. Check opening hours and carry everything needed for the hill.
Terrain
Steep stone steps, rocky fell paths, rough open ground, wet or boggy sections and short summit scrambles.
Accessibility
The full circuit is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It involves sustained climbing, uneven steps, exposed mountain ground and hands-on rock moves. Accessible parking in the valley does not make the mountain route accessible.
Facilities
Car park, toilets and places to eat near New Dungeon Ghyll; no serviced facilities on the summit circuit.
Dogs
The National Trust welcomes dogs on leads around livestock. This full circuit has rocky scrambling and drops, so it is not a straightforward dog walk; choose a shorter route if your dog cannot negotiate the terrain safely.
Public transport
Stagecoach 516 serves Dungeon Ghyll from Ambleside; use the New Dungeon Ghyll stop. Check the current timetable and last return before committing to a 5–7 hour walk.
Safety
Check the MWIS Lake District forecast, including wind, cloud base and visibility. Navigate with a detailed topographic map and compass, with the downloaded route as support. Mobile coverage cannot be relied on. For a mountain emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue, and give your location.
Important cautions
Jack’s Rake is not part of this route. Keep away from cliff edges on Pavey Ark and other tops, especially in cloud. Do not descend scree gullies or follow a straight line towards the valley. Wet rock and strong wind can make summit sections unsuitable.
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Useful answers
Langdale Pikes Circular Walk from Great Langdale FAQs
How long is this Langdale Pikes circular walk?
The mapped extended circuit is approximately 12.3 km (7.7 miles). It includes Sergeant Man and High Raise as well as the main Langdale Pikes, so it is longer than some walks sold under the same name.
How long should I allow?
Allow 5–7 hours with stops in suitable conditions. This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed finish time; wet rock, navigation and the pace of your group can make the walk longer.
Where does the walk start and finish?
At Stickle Ghyll car park near New Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale, LA22 9JU. The route returns to the same place. Use the start pin on the map rather than navigating only by postcode.
Does this route include Jack’s Rake?
No. It approaches Pavey Ark from the upland side. Avoiding Jack’s Rake does not make this an easy walk: the circuit still includes steep paths, rocky summit ground and scrambling at Pike of Stickle.
Is it suitable for beginners or young children?
This full circuit is best for people already comfortable with strenuous hillwalking and mountain navigation. It is not a first mountain walk or an easy family outing. Suitability depends on experience, fitness, conditions and confidence on rock.
Can I shorten the walk?
Yes. A clear shorter option is to walk to Stickle Tarn and return by the ascent path. The National Trust’s Stickle Tarn trail is about 3 km overall, but remains steep. Decide early rather than improvising a descent from the summit plateau.
Can I take a dog?
Dogs are welcome in the Langdales, with leads required around livestock. The full route has exposed rocky sections and scrambling that may be unsuitable for your dog; a shorter walk may be the better choice.
Can I reach the start without a car?
The 516 bus links Ambleside with Dungeon Ghyll. Check the New Dungeon Ghyll stop, current service times and the last return before travelling, leaving a margin for a slow descent.
Where are the toilets and food stops?
Use the facilities around Stickle Ghyll car park and New Dungeon Ghyll before starting. There are no serviced stops on the summit circuit, so carry sufficient food and water. Check local opening hours for your return.
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