The Langdale Pikes

The Langdale Pikes is a group of four fairly lofty mountain summits that are perched high above the Great Langdale valley. They make for an iconic display, the shapely silhoutte if the Langdale Pikes is instantly recognisable above the skyline. 

While the ground around the Langdale Pikes can provide quite challenging walking conditions, it is possible to get around the four tops of Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike 'o Stickle and Loft Crag in a reasonably short time frame. Pavey Ark is known for having a rather challenging scramble ascent via means of an exposed "chimney" called Jack's Rake, but we will be avoiding any such tricky and potentially dangerous terrain. 

Our route will utilise the standard ascent of Stickle Ghyll, which is a beautiful ravine with gushing cascades and babbling pools. Stickle Tarn is soon reached which makes for a nice spot to have a rest before continuing over some boggy ground to Easy Gully that leads to the top of the first summit, Pavey Ark. If there are devoted Wainwright "Baggers" in the group and both time and weather are on side, I am happy to include the bonus summit of Thunacar Knott. There isn't much to see from here but it's another to tick off the list for those who are collecting summits.

Otherwise, from Pavey Ark there is quite a simple traverse across the surrounding moor before a steeper climb onto Harrison Stickle, which arguably offers the best view of the day and will be our highest point of elevation at 736m.

There is a steep descent on a loose path and then an easy and more level path will take us to the foot of Pike 'o Stickle, which is my personal favourite summit. The rocky dome is fun to scramble up and, again, offers fantastic views. Our fourth and final peak, Loft Crag, will be "bagged" on the way over to the top of Dungeon Ghyll. Some people I have spoken with do not count Loft Crag as one of the "official" Langdale Pikes as it is not such a prominent summit. But, it's counted as a Wainwright and I think it's nice enough so we're going to move with the notion that Loft Crag IS an official part of the Pikes haha.

From Loft Crag, our route is direct but steep, taking us straight down the mountainside, eventually passing Dungeon Ghyll Force and back to the valley bottom.

Overall, this walk is suitable for anybody with a good level of hill fitness. There is loose and uneven terrain throughout the duration of the walk. We will be covering ground that has very steep uphill or downhill slopes. Stickle Ghyll is a strenuous climb in places and requires some hand-on techniques to climb over boulders and rocky protrusions. Easy Gully has a loose surface of scree. There is a steep and loose descent from Harrison Stickle. The summit of Pike 'o Stickle is a very rocky climb. Our return route down Dungeon Ghyll is steep and can be slippery in wet weather. The total length of the walk is 7.5km, or 5 miles, with almost 700m ascent, and is expected to take around five hours at a leisurely pace. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss this before making a booking.

Places are available on this walk at £36.00 per person.

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned this is a mountainous walk, a good level of hill fitness is required.

It should be mentioned that weather in the hills of Britain can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to share my knowlege of each area we visit and engage all participants in interesting conversation. I always make a point of providing a friendlyand welcoming experience for all my clients

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.  I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other items listed under Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements (please click link to view).

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.