Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn is a small but beautiful mountain lake located in the Langdale area of the Lake District, England. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The lake is fed by a number of streams and waterfalls, which add to its natural charm and beauty.

The history of Stickle Tarn dates back to the 19th century when a stone dam was built to enlarge the natural lake and provide a year-round supply of water to power the gunpowder works in the Elterwater valley. Today, the lake is used to supply water to the inhabitants of Langdale and is also a popular spot for fishing and swimming. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake, or explore the surrounding mountains and valleys on one of the many hiking trails in the area.

Location and Access

Stickle Tarn is a beautiful glacial lake located in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The tarn is situated at an elevation of 1552 feet and is surrounded by high fells, waterfalls, and rockpools. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while hiking around the lake.

Getting to Stickle Tarn

The easiest way to get to Stickle Tarn is by car. Visitors can park at the Stickle Ghyll car park, which is located off the B5343 in Great Langdale. From the car park, visitors can follow the Stickle Tarn trail, which is a challenging but rewarding walk up Stickle Ghyll to the lake above.

Alternatively, visitors can take public transportation to the nearby town of Ambleside and then take a taxi or hire a car to reach Stickle Tarn. The nearest train station is Windermere, which is approximately 8 miles from Ambleside.

Trail Information

The Stickle Tarn trail is a 2.6-mile circular walk that takes approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete. The trail is rated as moderate and includes some steep sections and rocky terrain. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and clothing and bring plenty of water and snacks.

There are several other hiking trails in the area that visitors can explore, including the Langdale to Coniston trail and the Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, and Stake Pass Circular trail. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and are suitable for experienced hikers.

Hiking to Stickle Tarn

Dungeon Ghyll to Stickle Tarn Walk

The Dungeon Ghyll to Stickle Tarn walk is a popular route for hikers who want to experience the beauty of the Lake District. The trail starts at the National Trust car park at Dungeon Ghyll and follows a well-maintained path that leads to Stickle Tarn. The walk is relatively easy and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on your pace.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The path is well-marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. The walk is suitable for hikers of all abilities, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery along the way.

Grasmere to Stickle Tarn Walk

The Grasmere to Stickle Tarn walk is a more challenging route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District. The trail starts in the village of Grasmere and follows a steep path that leads up to Stickle Tarn.

The walk is around 5 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Lake District, including rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and sparkling streams. The path is well-marked, but it can be steep and rocky in places, so it’s best suited to experienced hikers.

Despite the challenging terrain, the Grasmere to Stickle Tarn walk is a rewarding experience that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Lake District. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, this walk is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Swimming in Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn is a stunning location that offers a great opportunity for wild swimming. The tarn is located in the heart of Great Langdale and offers a dramatic and rugged swimming adventure. The tarn is surrounded by the Langdale Pikes and is a great spot for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

The water in Stickle Tarn is crystal clear, and the temperature is usually around 15°C, making it a great spot for a refreshing swim. The tarn is not very deep, with a maximum depth of around 20 metres, so it is suitable for all levels of swimmers.

Swimming in Stickle Tarn is a popular activity, and there are plenty of spots around the tarn where swimmers can enter and exit the water. The most popular spot for swimming is on the western side of the tarn, where there is a large rock platform that provides easy access to the water.

It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Stickle Tarn, so swimmers should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Swimmers should also be aware that the water can be very cold, even on a hot summer day, so it is important to acclimatize slowly and wear a wetsuit if necessary.

Overall, Stickle Tarn is a beautiful location that offers a great opportunity for wild swimming. With crystal clear water and stunning views of the Langdale Pikes, it is a must-visit spot for any keen swimmer visiting the Lake District.

Fishing in Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn is a small mountain lake located in the Lake District of England. It is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch brown trout. The lake is surrounded by high fells, waterfalls, and rockpools, making it a beautiful and serene location for fishing.

The best time to fish in Stickle Tarn is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the water is warmer, and the fish are more active. The best time of day to fish is early in the morning or late in the evening when the fish are feeding.

Anglers can catch brown trout in Stickle Tarn using a variety of methods. Fly fishing is the most popular method, and anglers can use dry flies, wet flies, or nymphs. Spin fishing is also allowed in Stickle Tarn, and anglers can use lures such as spinners and spoons.

Anglers are allowed to keep up to two fish per day in Stickle Tarn, and the minimum size limit is 9 inches. Anglers should be aware that Stickle Tarn is a catch and release lake, and all fish under the size limit must be released back into the lake.

Anglers should also be aware that Stickle Tarn is a remote location, and there are no facilities or amenities nearby. Anglers should bring all necessary equipment and supplies, including food, water, and appropriate clothing.

Camping at Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn is a beautiful spot to camp in the Lake District. Wild camping is not strictly permitted here, but campers who adhere to the Leave No Trace principles and follow the Countryside Code may get away with the odd night. The tarn is a popular spot for camping, so it’s important to arrive early to secure a good spot.

There are a few things to keep in mind when camping at Stickle Tarn. Firstly, campfires are not permitted. This is to protect the delicate ecosystem of the tarn and the surrounding area. Secondly, there are no facilities at Stickle Tarn, so campers must be self-sufficient and bring their own water and supplies.

Despite these restrictions, camping at Stickle Tarn is a rewarding experience. The tarn is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Here are a few tips for camping at Stickle Tarn:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot
• Follow the Leave No Trace principles and the Countryside Code
• Bring your own water and supplies
• Respect the delicate ecosystem of the tarn
• Take advantage of the many hiking opportunities in the area

Overall, camping at Stickle Tarn is a great way to experience the beauty of the Lake District. With a little planning and preparation, campers can enjoy a peaceful and rewarding experience in this stunning location.