Pike O'Stickle (Brutal)

The first day of our annual "Lads & Dads" weekend saw us do our "normal" - a "leg loosener" before we tackle the harder stuff.... Started off from NDG bunkhouse, having dropped off our kit and we thought we'd tackle Pike O'Stickle "from the back" and headed off up Mickleden. However, that route was looking a little too easy and as we were passing under the Pike, we noticed a possible route climbing straight up following a small stream; so we took it, amid much grumbling from certain quarters. It was pretty steep to be fair and the last few hundred yards or so was on loose scree - it took ages and a leg loosener it certainly wasn't! We topped out and climbed the final ascent onto the Pike - brilliant views. Someone mentioned that that particular route was "brutal" - a fine evaluation. A relatively gentle descent back to the bunkhouse via Gimmer Crag and Raven Crag and a welcoming pint at the Sticklebarn. A good first day - it can only get easier.......

nice day but did sound tough loose scree going down can be OK but going steeply up......3 steps forward, 2 steps back - cheers