Pike of Stickle

The Pike of Stickle rises sharp and proper from Great Langdale Valley, a craggy summit that catches your eye from miles away. At 2,323 feet, it's not enormous, but the mountain has real character - steep enough to earn respect, distinctive enough that you'll recognise it again. The walk up from the valley floor takes two to three hours depending on fitness, climbing through Stickle Ghyll alongside a proper fell beck. The terrain's rocky and rough in places, particularly higher up where the path gets scrambling-adjacent, so it's not a casual stroll.

Historia nerds will appreciate that this wasn't just a random peak - the quarrying scars you'll spot on the way up are from a slate mine that supplied slate to the whole region. Medieval builders used stone from these fells. On clear days the summit views sweep across the Langdale Pikes and out towards the larger peaks beyond. Overcast days? The cloud can close in fast, so bring a map.

This suits strong walkers and experienced hillwalkers rather than families with young children - the scrambling and exposure aren't forgiving. Allow four to five hours round trip including stops. Hit it early morning if you can, especially in summer when the valley car parks fill quickly.

Stay at Great Langdale Campsite just 1.3 miles away and you're perfectly placed - you could knock this out before breakfast or tackle it as an afternoon adventure. The campsite puts you in the heart of proper fell walking territory. From Ambleside it's a straightforward drive up the valley.