South East Ridge: Grade 1
Route: The start can be indentified by a prominent large boulder at the base of the ridge, half way up the hillside. Start from behind the boulder on an initially steep but technically easy face moving left away from the vegetation as you gain height. Continue left on reaching easier angled slabs which are easily identified by a covering of spherical nodules which provide good grip. As you regain the edge the route develops into a sereis of steps and short walls along the crest, avoiding the grass to either side for the ascent to the final summit approach. As you reach the last large block take the groove on the right hand side to emerge on the summit of Harrison Stickle and superb views of Langdale far below.
East Ridge, Grade 3
Route: This is a zig zagging route that winds its way up the left hand side of the view from Stickle Tarn. The start is grassy and less than inviting, but a short walk left around the nose leads to a large terrace which angles back right onto bare rock. Gain the main ridge on an easy slope and continue to a diagonal groove leading to a grass covered ledge below a steep crag. A series of ledges traverse right along the base of the steep section before intersecting an obvious zig zagging rake.Follow this rake up to the ridge crest where a series of steps on the same nodule covered rock as on the South East ridge leads to another steep wall. As you approach the wall move diagonally left with one interesting step where the floor falls away. A good groove , polished by the passage of boots, on the right eases you up the final slopes for the easy finish - or take the final summit block directly for a stiffer, grade 3 finish, tom emerge by the summit cairn.
Descent: From the summit of Harrison Stickle you get a multitude of choices for the descent. Either turn North East to take in Pavey Ark and a descent alongside Bright Beck, or South West to drop down between Loft Crag and Pike Of Stickle for the short options or continue west beyon Pike of Stickle to Stake pass and the descent into Mickleden.
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