Blea Rigg - High Raise and the Langdale Pikes

Joe Jackson

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The Langdale Pikes is one of the most iconic fells in the whole of Lakeland. Starting off at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, the route follows a pitched footpath alongside Stickle Ghyll up to the peaceful and tranquil Stickle Tarn, set below the imposing face of Pavey Ark. The cliffs stand about 400ft high and appear to plunge deep into the still waters below. The route then heads away from the crowds of people heading for the tarn and follows a faint path east up to the first peak of the day: Blea Rigg. At around 550m Blea Rigg is not by any means the highest point reached today, but the view east along the ridge is spectacular.

A fine ridge route then follows as you head north-west in the direction of Sergeant Man. With breathtaking views off to the right down to Codale Tarn, Easedale Tarn and the Vale of Grasmere, this is one of the most enjoyable sections but steep in places! Sergeant Man is the next Wainwright and looks back down a long valley to Great Langdale and Stickle Tarn. The unique perspective of the tarn and Pavey Ark makes this an enjoyable peak to visit. When at the top, can you find an old Ordnance Survey Arrow on the summit rocks? It's hard to find but still just about visible when the light is at the right angle.

The short section up to High Raise and onto Thunacar Knott is the easiest section and mostly flat over boggy moorland. Do spend some time at the summits, especially High Rise (being the highest point on the walk at 2,500ft) as the 360-degree panorama is absolutely breathtaking. As one of the most central fells in Lakeland there are excellent views in all directions. Heads down takes you to the last Wainwright for the day which is Pavey Ark (unless you take an optional detour to three other Wainwrights, which are the rest of the Langdale Pikes). Pavey Ark offers a dramatic view down plunging cliffs with most of Great Langdale opening out in front - an amazing place to be. The path then descends quite steeply below Harrison Stickle back down to the tarn and then along Stickle Ghyll to the car.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East