From near Blea Tarn

The serrated outline of the Langdale Pikes is one of the best-known mountain views in Britain. From Ambleside, the Pikes seem high and craggy, wild peaks rising above steep slopes. It's hardly surprising that the traverse of the Langdale Pikes is one of the most popular fellwalks in the Lake District.

Harrison Stickle is the highest of these mountains, a proud summit surmounting a steep and precipitous face. Its close neighbours are all members of the Pikes group: Pavey Ark to the north-east, Loft Crag and Pike of Stickle to the west. To the north, a dreary upland plateau extends as far as High Raise, the summit of which is the highest point in the Central Fells at 762m.

Harrison Stickle is best climbed from Langdale or, if you want to escape from the crowds, Grasmere. There are many routes to the summit, all of which are relatively short but steep and rough throughout. The most popular climbs the left bank of the Dungeon Ghyll ravine, then gains the summit from the broad and boggy col between the fell itself and Loft Crag. This path is also the route most climbers use to reach Gimmer Crag.

My choice would be the Pike Howe route, which follows the other side of Dungeon Ghyll to the splendid viewpoint of Pike Howe, a miniature Langdale Pike in itself, before scrambling through the boulder-ridden reaches of Dungeon Ghyll Upper Ravine. There is scope for a difficult scramble to the summit from this point, but most walkers will continue to the boggy col and make use of the regular path from that point onwards.

Whichever route you choose, the summit is spectacular. A small cairn is balanced on a narrow, rocky ridge, and you will often see many hikers already here, resting on the well-worn stone ledges or occasionally chatting with each other. Most, however, will be absorbed in silent contemplation of the beautiful view. Along with Pike of Blisco and Bowfell, this is one of the finest places for viewing the glorious curves of the Langdale valley. The drop to the valley floor is so steep that you almost appear to be flying ... it's what they call an airliner view.

The view is less good to the north, and nothing is seen of the Scafells due to the intervening bulk of Bowfell and the Crinkles, but this is probably one of the finest views of lower hills and valleys in the Lake District. It certainly gives the impression of being at a far greater height than 736 metres.

Harrison Stickle only has two disadvantages: high popularity, and a very dull north side.

The summit structure	Dungeon Ghyll ravine
View from the summit	Looking down into Langdale
The classic Pikes outline	From above Blea Moss
From near Tarn Hows	Looking up the valley