Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
Stickle Tarn, Langdale
Lake
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8The climb to Stickle Tarn is as memorable as the tarn itself: waterfalls and rock pools thread through a steep mountain ghyll before the path opens onto a rock-strewn lake beneath the Langdale Pikes.
A steep, stone-pitched climb beside Stickle Ghyll makes this more than a roadside viewpoint: waterfalls, rock pools and big mountain scenery build towards a striking tarn beneath Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. The approach is challenging, but the landscape rewards a deliberate, unhurried walk.
Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapGreat Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
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The experience
Walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn and return by the same challenging path. Allow about two hours for the 3.04 km out-and-back, and take time to pause at the waterfalls, rock pools and remains of the medieval fulling mill.
Things to do
Walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn
Follow the steep, well-defined stone path beside the stream to Stickle Tarn, then return by the same route. The way includes short, easy scrambles and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
About 2 hours
Pause at the waterfalls and rock pools
Look out for waterfalls and rock pools cut into the mountainside as the path climbs beside Stickle Ghyll.
Find the fulling-mill remains
Near the beginning of the trail, stone walls are identified as remains of a fulling mill built in 1453. The National Trust notes that a water channel further up the path would have supplied it.
Notice the stone-pitched path
The uphill trail is largely built from set stones. The National Trust describes stone pitching as a way to make a durable upland path and limit scarring of the hillside.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 2 hours
Quick escape: climb to Stickle Tarn
- 01
Start at Stickle Ghyll car park and follow the marked path uphill alongside the stream.
- 02
Pause to see the fulling-mill remains near the start, then continue past waterfalls and rock pools.
- 03
Reach Stickle Tarn, take in the views beneath the Langdale Pikes, and return by the same path.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: tarn and Langdale stop
- 01
Walk the Stickle Ghyll out-and-back to Stickle Tarn, allowing about two hours for the challenging route.
- 02
After the walk, take a break at Lanty Slee’s Langdale beside the car park, or visit the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel for pub food.
- 03
Check opening times and current travel details before setting off.
Verified history
The National Trust identifies stone walls beside the trail as the remains of a fulling mill built in 1453 to clean and felt wool. It was powered by a water wheel using water diverted from Stickle Ghyll; a channel further up the path is described as part of that system.
Hidden details
A medieval mill beside the path — At the start of the walk, look for the stone walls identified as a 1453 fulling mill. The trail information also points out a water channel that would have diverted water to power its wheel.
Stone pitching underfoot — Much of the steep path is made from stone pitching. The National Trust explains that this construction helps create a hardwearing route while limiting damage to the hillside.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear-weather window and allow time to climb at a steady pace; check conditions before departure.
The route is steep and rocky, and the National Trust warns that it can be slippery in wet or wintry weather. The supplied sources do not establish a particular seasonal wildlife or flowering highlight.
Mountain weather can change. The stone path may be slippery in wet or wintry conditions; wear suitable footwear and check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.
The route
- surface
- Steep, well-defined stone path with short, easy scrambles; rocky and uneven in places
- distance
- 1.9 miles (3.04 km) return
- duration
- About 2 hours
- difficulty
- Challenging
- route shape
- Out and back
- start point
- Stickle Ghyll car park, grid reference NY294065
- parking start
- National Trust pay-and-display car park at Stickle Ghyll; National Trust members park free. Check current arrangements.
- Stickle Ghyll stream
- Waterfalls and rock pools
- Remains of a fulling mill built in 1453
- Stickle Tarn beneath Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark
- Views across Great Langdale
Worth pairing with
Lanty Slee’s Langdale
A pub beside Stickle Ghyll car park serving cakes, coffee, snacks and meals, according to the National Trust. Check opening times before visiting.
New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
The National Trust lists pub meals at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel near the car park. Check opening times before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the fulling-mill remains near the beginning of the trail and the water channel that once supplied it. Higher up, watch for waterfalls, rock pools and the stone-pitched path built to help protect the hillside from erosion.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for more favourable walking conditions; winter can bring slippery paths. Check the weather and route conditions before travelling.
Choose a clear, settled day when the mountain views are more likely to open up. Avoid setting out without suitable footwear: the steep stone path can be slippery in wet or wintry weather.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Reach the tarn by a steep, well-defined stone path following Stickle Ghyll from Stickle Ghyll car park. The route includes short, easy scrambles and is unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Paths can be slippery in wet or wintry weather; check conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust pay-and-display car park at Stickle Ghyll; free for National Trust members. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Public toilets at Stickle Ghyll car park. Check availability before travelling.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Lanty Slee’s Langdale, next to the car park, serves drinks, snacks and meals; New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel also serves pub meals. Check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads because livestock graze in the area. Check current guidance before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The steep, rocky route has short scrambling sections and is unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Designated disabled parking bays and an accessible toilet are listed at the car park/Sticklebarn area; check current facilities and access details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Stickle Tarn, Langdale
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
