The Langdale Pikes form a raised rocky parapet around the southern and eastern edges of a high tableland centred upon Thunacar Knott.

Pike of Stickle stands at the western end of this system and its crags fall south from the summit, presenting an arresting view from the valley floor 2,000 feet (600 m) below, or from further afield.

Westward the height of the land gradually falls away to Martcrag Moor, a wide plateau with a few small tarns near the summit 1,795 feet (547 m).

The Langdale face displays several strata: from the top The Lingmell Formation, Crinkle Member and Bad Step Tuff.

There are a number of routes, the most common ascent being a path that slants across the hillside from the New hotel passing between Thorn Crag and Gimmer Crag and then turning left at the col. A quieter route is by Troughton Beck; the walker starts from the Old hotel and goes four kilometres (2+1⁄2 miles) towards the head of the valley before bearing right and following a zigzag path at the side of Troughton Beck.