For todays walk I met up with Andrew Leaney and David Hall at Stickle Barn car park. The weather was lovely with clear blue skies. The initial part of the walk was a steep climb up the rocky Mark Gate path which was actually quite slow progress in the warm weather conditions. The first fell we climbed was Thorn Crag which is not one of the Wainwrights but is in fact a Birkett. There were good views to Harrison Stickle as well as Loft Crag and Pike o'Stickle from here. The next two fells of Loft Crag and Pike o'Stickle both have steep and rocky tops and both look over Mickleden. Great views over to Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Rossett Pike from these summits. There seemed to be several routes off the summit of Pike o'Stickle.

We then continued across Harrison Combe to Thunacar Knott with it's picturesque tarn. The views to Harrison Stickle from here were unfortunately looking into the sun. Had to wait while a walker moved out of the way to take some photos (I thought he was never going to move). It was then a trek across Martcrag Moor to find the start of the Stake Pass. The pass heads down Langdale Combe and passes/follows Stake Gill. Great views into Mickleden from the descent of the Stake Pass. We returned to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Stickle Barn via Mickleden. It was then drinks and ice creams. A really fabulous day out.