Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn sits beneath Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle above Great Langdale. The climb beside Stickle Ghyll brings waterfalls, rocky scenery and a dramatic mountain backdrop at the water.

Last updated: 25 October 2026

Plan your visit

A tarn walk above Great Langdale

The tarn is a rewarding destination in its own right. Plan enough time to pause at the water and return comfortably, with a route that suits the whole group.

A short distance on the map can still mean a demanding climb. Choose the outing around the terrain, forecast and daylight, rather than assuming a mountain tarn will be a gentle lakeside stroll.

The National Trust’s Stickle Tarn trail

The National Trust’s out-and-back trail starts at Stickle Ghyll car park and climbs beside the stream to the tarn. It lists the complete return walk as 1.9 miles / 3.04 km and around two hours, graded challenging.

The stone-pitched path is steep and uneven, with short scrambling sections and a crossing on large boulders. Follow the detailed guide and retrace the route for the return.

Allow extra time for rests and photographs. If water levels, slippery ground or the weather make progress uncomfortable, turn back while you can still return safely.

Pavey Ark, Jack’s Rake and higher walks

Continuing above the tarn needs a separate route decision. Do not follow a line up the crags simply because other walkers are using it.

The British Mountaineering Council describes Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark as a Grade 1 scramble that still needs appropriate skills. It is a different undertaking from the tarn approach, with exposure and consequences that require careful judgement.

Read the BMC’s Jack’s Rake guidance →

For any higher fell circuit, check the entire route, descent and weather before leaving the valley. Plan an outing that you are prepared to turn back from.

Access and mountain preparation

The National Trust describes the route as unsuitable for people with limited mobility. It is not a wheelchair or pushchair walk. Dogs are welcome on leads because of grazing livestock.

Wear suitable footwear and carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, drinking water, a torch and navigation equipment you can use. Tell someone your route and expected return time.

Check the mountain forecast before setting out. Snow, ice, strong wind and poor visibility can change the difficulty considerably; choose a lower outing or another day when necessary.

Parking, transport and facilities

The National Trust lists pay-and-display parking and public toilets at Stickle Ghyll, with parking free for members. Check current signs and terms on arrival.

Its directions identify the 516 bus from Ambleside, alighting at New Dungeon Ghyll. Check the timetable for your date and leave a margin before the last return service.

Use valley facilities before climbing. Keep gateways and passing places clear, and check opening hours before relying on a meal or refreshments after the walk.

Places to stay for a Langdale walking break

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel offers a Great Langdale base near the approach. Rothay Manor in Ambleside and The Daffodil Hotel in Grasmere are wider alternatives, with a separate journey to the start.

Compare locations, facilities and booking terms before checking availability. Staying for several nights gives you more flexibility to choose suitable weather for the fells.

Great Langdale

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

Hotel · Great Langdale — Gardens, fell views and a base for Langdale walking routes.

Ambleside

Rothay Manor

Hotel · Ambleside — Individually decorated rooms and suites in a country-house setting.

Grasmere

The Daffodil Hotel and Spa

Hotel · Grasmere — Lakeside setting, contemporary rooms and spa facilities.

Do I have to climb a summit?

No. You can make the tarn your destination and return by your planned approach. Continuing onto higher fells adds distance, climbing and navigation that should be planned before starting.

Can I swim or fish?

Check current permissions and restrictions with the landowner or fishing-rights holder before planning either activity. Mountain water can be cold even in summer. Do not assume clear-looking water is safe or that a rod licence grants fishing permission.

Can I wild camp beside the tarn?

The National Park says prior landowner permission is needed. Its guidance describes limited tolerance for small, discreet, one-night high-fell camps away from lake shores. This is not guaranteed permission beside Stickle Tarn. Do not light fires or camp in car parks or roadside verges.

Check the National Park’s current guidance → See also our wild-camping guide.