Today’s image is of the Langdale Peaks – properly known as the Langdale Pikes – that lie on the northern side of Great Langdale in the Lake District. This group of three mountains can be seen from a considerable distance and are an instantly recognizable silhouette to those with knowledge of the Lakes.
Click on the image to see a better quality enlargement
I took this image from near Elterwater – the name of a tiny village and a small lake at the jaws of Langdale. From the left the peaks are named Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. Nestling in a hanging valley below the cliffs of Pavey Ark is a small lake called Stickle Tarn.
The images that you will see of these mountains on Postcards, Calendars and a host of other tourist memorabilia are always set against a perfect blue sky. But to my mind these mountains look better against a more sombre sky, provided of course, there are rays of light that turn the spotlight on the peaks. Then they seem to acquire a greater beauty.
LensScaper 
wow
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Wonderful landscape Andy. Like the layers of the grass, trees and mountains.
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Thanks Len.
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You’re right. This sky is perfect for this landscape. Well done.
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Thanks Ken. Good to hear your views coincide with mine.
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Great interpretation of a classic view, Andy.
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Many thanks Paul
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Great photo! And the geographical names are wonderful. I wonder if Stickle Tarn gave its name the stickleback fish which thrive in just this kind of location.
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Well, your comment sent me off to Google to find the answer. Tarn means ‘small lake’ – that’s familiar to anyone who visits the Lake District – there are loads of them. Stickle means ‘prominent or steep peak’. Stickle Tarn therefore means a small lake beside a steep or prominent peak. I’ve learnt something!
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And yours in turn set me off to google. It seems that Stickleback comes from the pointed aspect of the origins of the word Stick. There is a very interesting list of cognates for its root:
Listed cognates of steig (to stick; pointed) include: ASTIGMATISM, DISTINGUISH, ETIQUETTE, EXTINGUISH, INSTIGATE, INSTINCT, STEAK, STICKLEBACK, STIGMA, STITCH, TICKET and TIGER.
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Nice post! Cheers!
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