Langdale Valley

Many rock climbers like to climb in the Langdale valleys. In his poem ‘The Excursion,’ William Wordsworth mentions Blea Tarn, which is located in the hanging valley between Little and Great Langdale to the north. In another writing, he referred to it as a “must-see” valley.

The Langdale Pikes, a collection of peaks on the northern face of the U-shaped glacial valley Great Langdale, are one of its most famous features. Scafell Pike may also be ascended from Langdale, while Dungeon Ghyll is a gorge on the valley’s north side that begins on the slopes between Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag. The valley has two villages, Chapel Stile and Elterwater, as well as a tiny hamlet called High Close.

Great Langdale used to be a hub of the Lakeland slate industry.

Little Langdale, on the other hand, is characterised as a hanging valley and has the same name as a hamlet. It has a few stone homes, a tavern, and two tarns, Little Langdale Tarn and Blea Tarn. Swirl How and Wetherlam surround Little Langdale on the south. Over the previous several hundred years, the valley has seen substantial mining, mainly for copper and slate, but there has been little recent activity.

Lanty Slee, a 19th century smuggler, lived in Little Langdale and established Greenbank Farm in the valley around 1840.

Other notable structures are the 17th century Grade II listed Fell Foot Farm and High Hallgarth, a 17th century farmhouse overlooking Little Langdale Tarn.

Langdale Activities…

Langdale is well-known for its natural beauty, charming little cottages, and the unique Langdale pikes. It’s easy to lose track of time in Langdale, so here are the top activities to do and places to see that you won’t want to miss…

Cathedral Cavern

Cathedral Cavern, located in Little Langdale inside woods near the Three Shires Inn pub, is a magnificent cave popular with climbers. Walkers can also appreciate the cave provided they are prepared for rough terrain and slate-mining debris on the trails.

Skelwith Bridge

The river route that connects Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater is ideal for a day of trekking. A shorter, picturesque stroll from the bridge to Skelwith Force is just as delightful and lovely. The Skelwith Bridge café is an excellent place to stop for lunch before or after your walk, and it has an amazing range of cakes!

Mountain Biking

The Langdale valleys are popular among cyclists and mountain bikers due to their meandering character. You may borrow bikes at the National Trust Campsite in Great Langdale to explore the valleys and mountains on wheels.

Mountain Climbing

Langdale is bordered by popular fells such as Pavey Ark, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, and Harrison Stickle, as well as the famed Langdale Pikes. Why not visit Langdale and complete four Wainwrights? This wonderful 8-mile trek may be started from New Dungeon Ghyll.

Wild Swimming

There are several opportunities for natural swimming around Langdale, both lowland in lakes and high up in tarns. Stickle Tarn, Elterwater, Blea Tarn, and Rydal Water are all popular swimming places nearby.

Ghyll Scrambling

If you’re looking for some excitement, Langdale’s neighbouring gorges, ghylls, and rockpools give the ideal setting for ghyll climbing and diving. Stickle Ghyll is a popular location for this, with excursions led by professional guides from firms like Path to Adventure. The adventure organisation offers scrambling days for families with young children aged 4 and above, extreme ghyll leaping for adrenaline addicts, and ghyll scrambling and swimming for the more adventurous.

Fishing

In Langdale, there are several spots to go fishing, including Blea Tarn and Loughrigg Tarn. Before you go fishing, it is critical to investigate local fishing restrictions and obtain a rod licence, which may be obtained via post offices or online. Loughrigg Tarn is a popular all-year-round fishing area for roach, pike, perch, and eels; a permit may be purchased from Tarn End Farm.

Six Walks from Langdale…

It’s easy to understand why Langdale is popular with hikers; its rocky fell-tops give exciting alpine days, while its secluded, river-running valleys provide scenic lowland hikes. From Langdale, experience both gorgeous lowland valley hikes and more strenuous, epic mountain days.

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Time: 1 hour Distance: 4km Difficulty: Easy

This is a short, scenic walk along the river between Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge. The trail is well-maintained and simple to follow, with spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes.

Circular Walk in Great and Little Langdale

Time: 5 hours Distance: 15km Difficulty: Medium

If the mountains are foggy, this lowland walk across the Langdale valley is a terrific way to get in some kilometres without having to climb. The walk begins at the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park and includes portions of the Cumbrian Way, an exploration of Blea Tarn, and stunning vistas of the Langdale fells.

Great Langdale loop and Chapel Stile

Time: 1.5 hours Distance: 5km Difficulty: Easy

This easy lowland circle from Chapel Stile is great for a relaxing day with the family, providing mountain vistas while strolling by shimmering streams. The walk begins in Chapel Stile and follows the Cumbrian Way down the Great Langdale Beck, across the valley and returning to Chapel Stile via Baysbrown Wood.

Langdale’s Scafell Pike

Distance: 22 km Time: 7 hours Difficulty: difficult

Climbing Scafell Pike from Langdale is the most difficult yet epic hike on the list, and it is a less popular route to England’s highest peak, allowing you to avoid the throng. The tour concludes with a well-earned pint at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub.

The Langdale Pikes

Distance: 12 km Time: 5 hours Difficulty: Moderate

A trip to Langdale isn’t complete unless you tackle the area’s iconic Langdale Pikes. With their jagged summits dominating the skyline, they’re difficult to overlook from the valley. The walk begins at New Dungeon Ghyll and includes four Wainwrights: Pavey Ark, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, and Harrison Stickle. It is a wonderful day in the highlands.

Bowfell accessed via Three Tarns

Distance: 20 km Time: 7 hours Difficulty: Moderate

The most common approach to reach the pyramid-shaped summit Wainwright is to walk Bowfell from Great Langdale. This traditional round route begins at Old Dungeon Ghyll and travels via Bowfell, Esk Pike, Allen Crags, and Rossett Pike, as well as Three Tarns, which are located between Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

Langdale’s Best Wild Swimming Spots

Langdale has a number of enticing tarns, lakes, and rivers to swim in both winter and summer! Wild swimming may be exciting and rejuvenating, but it is critical to keep cautious and investigate the area before diving in. If you’re going for a winter swim, wearing a wetsuit will keep you warm.

Here are some of the greatest places to swim in and around Langdale…

Blea Tarn

Blea Tarn, one of the most popular wild swimming places in the vicinity, is a picture-perfect tarn with views of Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle. It is conveniently located at the top of the pass leading to Great Langdale. If you want to go for a walk and a swim, you may access the tarn by walking across the top of Lingmoor Fell.

Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn, overlooking the spectacular Langdale Pikes skyline, is a favourite swimming place for beginning wild swimmers. Because there are no significant rivers running into the tarn, it is a warmer place to swim. A walk or bike ride from The Three Shires Inn pub to Loughrigg fell leads immediately to the tarn, or a trail goes right below the mountain allowing direct access.

Tongue Pot

Tongue Pot is ideal for daring swimmers who enjoy exploring rock pools and diving from high places looking for a genuinely wild swim in the secluded River Esk. Return out of the valley via Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass (both thrilling drives!) to Eskdale, where you may park at the bottom of Hardknott. A trail then runs for about two miles through Brotherilkeld Farm alongside the River Esk. The big lagoon is difficult to miss; it is shaded by a tree and features a little waterfall with crystal pure water.

Rydal Water

Rydal Water is a lovely site for an open water swim and a favourite place to meet other wild swimmers. Because of the surrounding fells, the water is frequently motionless, tranquil, and slightly warmer than in other places. Rydal Water isn’t as secluded as other natural swimming holes, and it’s only a short walk from White Moss Car Park.

Lake Holme Fell

This little lake, an ancient reservoir on the way up to Holme Fell, is great for a wild swim. The water is deep enough for a daring jump from the ancient dam wall, or the calm water is ideal for a leisurely swim. To get to the lake, start at Hodge Close quarry and take a trail up through the woods to ancient mine ruins, then carry on to the lake.

Langdale Beck and Elterwater

Elterwater through Langdale Beck is perfect for wild swimmers who prefer a bit of diversity, combining a river and tarn swim. A short walk from the former quarry at Skelwith Bridge leads to the route that runs alongside Langdale Beck. The slow-moving river that flows out of Elterwater makes for a lovely small river swim. Once reaching Elterwater, enjoy a peaceful dip in the tarn’s crystal blue waters.

Stickle Tarn

Stickle Tarn, a little tarn located below Pavey Ark, is suitable for a harsh wild swim high up in the highlands. The tarn may be reached by following Stickle Ghyll all the way up the valley from the Sticklebarn pub.

What makes Langdale so well-known?

There are numerous reasons why the Lake District is famous, but Langdale, in particular, has a few distinctive assets that make it remarkable…

The Langdale Pikes

The Langdale Pikes are arguably one of Great Langdale’s most well-known features. Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, and Pavey Ark, a collection of peaks on the northern side of the dale chosen by Wainwright and climbed by countless, dominate the skyline above Langdale, making themselves unforgettable in the thoughts of every visitor to the valley. In his Central Fells visual guide, Wainwright stated, “No mountain profile in Lakeland arrests and excites the attention more than that of the Langdale Pikes,” which led to the Langdale Pikes’ popularity.

Stickle Ghyll and Dungeon Ghyll

Dungeon Ghyll, a well-known ravine on the valley’s north side, inspired the names of two prominent pubs and hotels in Langdale, Old New Dungeon Ghyll and New Dungeon Ghyll.

The Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel has been around for for 300 years and is popular with traditional climbers and hikers. Sir Chris Bonnington and others from the outdoor sector have stayed and drank here.

Although Dungeon Ghyll is inaccessible to walkers due to its tight location on the slopes between Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag, Stickle Ghyll, one of the Lake District’s most popular becks, and Stickle Tarn are much more open and accessible. Stickle Ghyll inspired the name of the Sticklebarn, a neighbouring National Trust pub.

The Slate and Axe Industry in the Past

The Lakeland slate industry was originally centred in Great Langdale and Elterwater. Many quarries in the vicinity, including Lingmoor, Banks, Thrang Crag, and Colt Howe, are now closed. Elterwater Quarry and Spout Cragg Quarry, on the other hand, are still in operation today utilising contemporary technologies. The business Burlingston Stone presently owns and operates both quarries.

In addition to slate quarrying, the Langdale region is well-known for its robust stone axe manufacturing during the Neolithic period. Fine-grained greenstone was discovered in the region and was used to produce polished axes seen all across the British Isles. The greenstone is said to have been mined or gathered from the scree slopes of Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle in the Langdale Valley.

When touring Langdale, you may still see relics of historic slate mining.

Langdale’s Hidden Treasures

Langdale is a famous tourist destination, but why not explore some of these lesser-known hidden treasures…

Ghyll Force Dungeon

This deep ravine was well loved by Victorian poets including Wordsworth, who mentioned the waterfall in his poem ‘The Idle Shepherd- Boys’- “It was a spot which you may see if ever you go to Langdale; Into a chasm a mighty block Hath fallen, and make a bridge of rock: The gulf is deep below; And, in a basin black and small, receives a lofty waterfall.

The Stickle Ghyll car lot leads to Dungeon Ghyll Force.

Jack’s Rake

Jack’s Rake, a less popular path up to Pavey Ark, is a steep struggle described by Wainwright as ‘just about the limit’ for a fell-walker. If you’re searching for an adrenaline-pumping experience, this is a terrific option!

Wainwrights Tarn

Wainwrights Tarn, situated behind the Wainwrights Inn bar in Chapel Stile, is a wonderful area to rest with Great Langdale Beck running past. Take a stroll, picnic, or summer BBQ along the tarn’s shimmering shoreline.

Rainy day activities in Langdale…

The Lake District is famous for its rain, with rainy days being the norm! Although we advise you not to be discouraged by the weather, here are some suggestions for things to do when heavy rain is seriously thwarting your outdoor plans…

A day at the spa

Langdale and the surrounding environs include a few hotels with spa facilities for those days when you’d rather be watching the rain from a lounger in flip-flops than muddy hiking boots…

The Brimstone Spa at the Langdale Hotel

The Brimstone Spa is a luxurious spa experience exclusively for adult visitors staying at the Langdale Hotel, providing thermal pools, relaxation pools, spa services, and sumptuous meals from the Spa Deli.

Family movie night

On wet days, usually Saturdays or during school vacations, the National Trust will play a family film in the Sticklebarn. The films are free to view, and board games are also available.

Waterfall hikes

It won’t make much of a difference if it’s already pouring, because waterfalls are typically bigger and more impressive when it’s raining…

Stickle Ghyll Falls

Stickle Ghyll Falls, a succession of waterfalls alongside the route leading up to Stickle Tarn, are best observed after rains, with the greatest cascade being seen from the wooden bridge approximately a mile up the Ghyll. The falls continue up the valley side, into a series of rock pools carved into the slope.

Ghyll Force Dungeon

Dungeon Ghyll Force is a 40-foot waterfall; viewing this waterfall after a big rain will be much more stunning. The lovely setting has inspired Victorian poets such as Wordsworth. Stickle Ghyll car park provides easy access to the waterfall walk.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in Langdale

Langdale, like the rest of the Lake District, is ideal for families and children. Here are some of the greatest family activities in Langdale…

Camping

Langdale has a superb range of family-friendly campsites with lots of area for youngsters to play ball and spend the night beneath the stars…

National Trust Great Langdale Campsite

Prices start at £20 per pitch and vary in size, with a two-night minimum stay.

This National Trust campground in the heart of the Great Langdale Valley provides tent and campervan spaces as well as a choice of wooden camping pods. The Sticklebarn tavern, which serves kids meals and has a small outdoor play area, is a 10-minute walk away.

Bays Brown Farm

£10 per person, per night, first come, first served

BaysBrown is a relaxed working sheep farm and family campsite in Chapel Stile, available for tents and campervans. A 10-minute walk from the campground, the Wainwright Inn pub serves a range of kid’s meals.

Small hikes for small legs

When hiking with children, find a path that is easy to navigate and has a variety of entertaining attractions. To begin, here are a few Langdale family walks…

Mickleden Path

This short, low-level hike follows a gravel trail to the bottom of two historic mountain passes in the secluded valley of Mickelden. The two-hour trek begins and ends at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (a laidback bar ideal for muddy footwear and dirty youngsters). The valley boasts plenty of picnic sites and open room for youngsters to run about in.

Skelwith Force stroll

Families will enjoy an easy out-and-back trek to Skelwith Force. Starting at Elterwater Hostel, a 3 mile trail runs from the parking lot to the waterfall. The route is simple to follow and leads to a stunning succession of waterfalls; a lovely feature that people of all ages may enjoy.

Blea Tarn

Hiking to Blea Tarn is a short but rewarding trip that ends with a magnificent tarn that reflects the neighbouring Langdale fells. It’s ideal for families because it allows for a quick (supervised) swim and a lunch along the coast. The hike begins at the National Trust Blea Tarn parking lot and lasts around 2 kilometres, taking about an hour.