The Langdale Valley:
To many, the Langdales is the heart of the English Lake District and must be two of the most beautiful valleys, Great and Little Langdale.To many, the Langdales is the heart of the English Lake District and must be two of the most beautiful valleys in the whole of the Lake District.
In fact, Langdale is a byword for some of Lakeland’s most stunning views and hikes.
The two valleys, Great and Little Langdale are separated by Lingmoor Fell. ‘Lang’ means long – in ancient times this secluded part of the Lake District was often known as Langden.
This is walking territory par excellence; dozens of paths climb the steep fellsides, tarns glitter and waterfalls plunge through deep forbidding chasms.
The valleys are no secret, as you will discover if you make a circular route taking in Great Langdale and Little Langdale on a weekend in summer.
An easy flat walk, ideal for children and grandparents, is along the river from Skelwith Bridge to Langdale.
The reward at the end of this walk is the Wainwright’s Inn, where you can sit and have a drink and admire the beautiful surroundings.
The two dales join at Elterwater and are separated by Lingmoor Fell.
The road is very narrow, so it’s best to park at Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater and tackle the route on foot.
The valley floor is divided by stone walls, dotted with farmsteads and surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
It’s dramatic scenery as you drive along the valley road meandering past the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.
After a steep climb, the road drops with views of Blea Tarn into Little Langdale Valley.
One of the best walks in the valley begins at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. The route passes Dungeon Ghyll Force before climbing steadily uphill by the Stickle Ghyll waterfalls.
A surprise awaits you at the top – the still waters of Stickle Tarn, with vertical cliff-face of Pavey Arc behind.
If you are looking for further information or ideas on walks in the North West we recommend Walking-Books.com who are a small independent publisher of quality UK walking books and guides.
If you ar looking for a holiday cottage in the South Lake District with easy access to the Langdales enquire here.
