The Langdale Pikes (Cumbria)

The builders are in, the house is a tip, the dog is stressed, so a day off and a trip to the Lakes seemed like a good idea yesterday.

The dog hadn't been up a "real" mountain before so after stopping for a bacon sandwich in Ambleside we headed up Langdale and parked at the Stickle Barn NT car park.

Our route followed Dungeon Gill, past Loft Crag (which I decided was a little rough for the dog) and to the top of Pike o'Stickle. The scramble to the top of Pike o'Stickle was a little steep too but we found a reasonable ascent, turning up a short way before the main path reached the cliff edge.

Reaching the top, I caught my breath whilst the dog (still not panting) drooled pathetically at the sight of the egg and cress sandwich I retreived from my rucksack.

Refreshed, and having shared the egg sandwich, we crossed the marsh and up to Harrison Stickle and onwards to Pavey Ark before decending steeply to Stickle Tarn. Here the dog had a game of fetch and a cold swim before the final decent back to the car park.

All in all this was an enjoyable day. The dog was, in the main, on the flexi lead but seemed to enjoy it none the less.

It should go without saying that this is a serious walk in the mountains. Make sure you check the weather forecast are well prepared and leave notice of your route. For further information look at the Langdale/Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team website

Doggy rating 7/10