Stickle Tarn trail
This steep out-and-back path follows the Stickle Ghyll stream all the way up to Stickle Tarn, with striking views across Great Langdale. Take a breather to wonder at dramatic waterfalls and rock pools cut into the mountainside.
Near to
The LangdalesStart point
Stickle Ghyll car park, grid ref: NY294065Trail information
*Steep, well-defined stone path with some short, easy scrambles. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Route unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Accessible facilities and trails nearby. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome on leads. For futher details, please see section marked Facilities.
Rocky and uneven terrain
The stone path is well-maintained with some easy rocky scrambles, but it can be slippery in wet or wintry weather. Please take care with your footing and wear suitable footwear for the conditions.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Stickle Ghyll car park, grid ref: NY294065
Stage 1
Leave from the top end of the car park by the welcome hut. Follow the path along the wall and head through a wooden gate. Pass between stone walls on the left and a bird feeding station to the right.
Stage 2
The trail very quickly heads uphill along a well-defined path. An enormous amount of work has been done over the years repairing this much-used path. The majority of the route is constructed using a technique called stone pitching.
Stone pitched paths on the trail up Stickle Ghyll | © National Trust/David Hamer Stage 3
The trail continues onwards and inevitably upwards. The scenery is dramatic so take every opportunity to pause, catch your breath and take in the views.
Waterfalls and rock pools on the path up Stickle Ghyll | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris Stage 4
After a while you'll approach a wooden footbridge over the stream. Cross the bridge and continue up the other side of the stream. This is the location of the Stickle Ghyll hydro-electric scheme, which is helping us to become a greener, more sustainable organisation.
Crossing the bridge over Stickle Ghyll | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris Stage 5
Once you're over the footbridge you'll start to gain height fairly rapidly as the path becomes steeper and, in places, turns into short scrambles over rocky outcrops. Eventually, as the top ridge comes into view, you'll cross back over the stream onto its left side. Large stepping boulders make this second crossing of the stream almost as straightforward as the first.
Stage 6
A few minutes later, as you come over the final rise, you'll see the rewarding sight of Stickle Tarn below the stunning backdrop of Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. These summits, together with Pike O' Stickle, once formed part of the outer rim of a massive volcano.
Stickle Tarn with the rocky outcrops of Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark above | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey Stage 7
Stick around for a while and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Stickle Tarn. It's a great spot to dangle your feet in the water before retracing your steps down the same path to your start point.
End point
Stickle Ghyll car park, grid ref: NY294065
Trail map
Map of the Stickle Tarn trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Mickleden Valley trail
Explore an easy route along the valley floor of Mickleden in the Langdales, taking in Neolithic history, looming crags and spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes.
Blea Tarn trail
Surround yourself with views of the Langdale Pikes and other Lake District fells, without the tough climb, as you explore tranquil Blea Tarn on this easy, well-made trail.
High Close tree trail
A 1.2-mile walk around the High Close estate that takes in many of the rare and endangered conifer trees planted here by Edward Wheatley-Balme during the 19th century.
Langdale Valley cycle trail
Take a 11-mile cycle trail through Langdale Valley with views and opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.
Get in touch
Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in the Lake District
From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to do in the Langdales
Head to the Langdales for stunning walking and cycling trails and discover rare trees and shrubs from around the world at High Close Estate and Arboretum.