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Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District can be found in the Langdale Valley, a collection of picturesque villages set in a dramatic landscape dominated by giant fells that are perfect for high fell walking.
The jagged outlines of Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell and the Langdale Pikes at the head of Great Langdale are an awe-inspiring sight when seen against the dramatic U-shaped trough of the valley. This stunning landscape was forged by an ancient volcano, sculpted during the Ice Age and slowly tamed by humans over the centuries. On the other side of Lingmoor Fell is the much gentler terrain of Little Langdale – a pastoral valley gently scarred by 18th-century slate workings. Imagine a scene of white-washed farmhouses tucked in at the bottom of the fells, valley fields encased by dry stone walls, pockets of coppice woodland and herds of Herdwick sheep contentedly grazing on the lush pastures. Yes, we like it too.
At the top of the volcanic Langdale Pikes is probably Europe’s largest Stone Age axe factory, the discarded chippings that make up the debris-strewn screes the most telling clue that Neolithic people valued the slate to make tools and weapons.
At the entrance to Great Langdale are the green-slate villages of Chapel Stile and Elterwater. Both villages developed on the back of gunpowder manufacture and slate extraction. Nowadays, Elterwater exudes the charm of a typical English rural village with a picturesque country inn overlooking an attractive green.
Formed by volcanic activity some 450 million years ago, the hard rocks of the Langdales were very much in demand during the Neolithic Age (roughly 4000 to 2000 BC). Extruded lavas overlain with ash deposits and squeezed into alternating bands of slate and tuff were easily ‘knapped’ into sharp edges, perfect for making stone axes and adzes.
Pieces of tuff were quarried from the rock face and roughly hewn into the approximate shape of an axe head. The rough-outs were then taken to coastal or lowland sites for fashioning into smooth axe tools. Examples of these rough-hewn and polished stone axes can be seen at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston and at Tullie House Museum in Carlisle. Neolithic people also carved the strange petroglyphs that can be seen at Copt How near Chapel Stile.
The Romans didn’t much in the area, but they did drive a road through Little Langdale that linked Hardknott Fort in Eskdale with Galava at Ambleside. It was the arrival of the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries that really had an impact. Their longhouses were the forerunners of today’s farmhouses, but perhaps their most telling legacy is a linguistic one: topographical features like pike, dale, beck, gill and how all come from ancient Norse. Behind Fell Foot Farm is an unusual flat-topped mound known as a ‘ting mound’ (or meeting point of a Norse council), conspicuously sited at a junction of ancient routes linking west and central Cumbria.
Slate was the local building material. Farmhouses, dry stone walls, packhorse bridges and even churches were all built out of this distinctive green stone. Quarrying started in earnest in the mid-18th century, and at its peak there were around 30 active quarries. Today, only Elterwater Quarry is still in production, but the scars of slate extraction are still visible on the southern flanks of Little Langdale giving rise to an almost alien world of massive spoil heaps, gaping tunnels and arching caverns. It was not only slate that was extracted but also copper and iron ore. At Greenburn mine in Little Langdale it is possible to wander among the remains of the copper workings and imagine how the mine operated.
Elterwater - Elterwater means ‘swan lake’ in Old Norse. This pretty little village is the gateway to Great Langdale. A recommended approach to the lake for walkers is through the forests that surround the western side, which leads downstream to Skelwith Force.
Skelwith Bridge - The village of Skelwith Bridge is situated between Ambleside and Elterwater. A well-trodden walking path runs parallel to the River Brathay providing a low-level and relaxing walk to Elterwater further into the Langdale valley.
Little Langdale - On the other side of Lingmoor Fell is the much gentler terrain of Little Langdale - a verdant, pastoral valley containing the softened scars of 18th-century slate workings.
Blea Tarn - This popular gentle walk is a favourite with visotrs and locals alike, who want to experience the beauty of the area.
Did you know?
This traditional slate Inn was built in 1872 near the meeting point of the old counties of…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Challenge yourself and have a go at Rock Climbing. We have a variety of options available to you…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere…
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978m. Its summit is marked by a huge cairn and…
Mountain Run offer a wide range of running guiding.
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm…
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a…
Langdale - Coniston - Langdale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can…
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…
National Trust property on main footpath up to Langdale Pikes. A lovely river walk past small and…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us? We have…
National Trust property in Great Langdale. 40ft vertical drop in spectacular scenery. Parking for…
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic…
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
The ultimate adrenaline rush! We'll take you on a 25-minute guided walk through beautiful…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
Beautiful 19th Century Lakeland inn set in quiet balley with stunning scenery. Lovely rooms,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 66
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Ambleside
This traditional slate Inn was built in 1872 near the meeting point of the old counties of Westmorland, Lancashire and Cumberland. The valley of Little Langdale is the most peaceful and unspoilt in the central Lake District.
Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Great Langdale
Come and enjoy a climbing experience with The Lakes Mountaineer. Led by a highly qualified and experienced Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, you'll climb multi-pitch routes and enjoy the views, solitude and challenge they provide. Multi-pitch…
Great Langdale
An ideal way for a group to try out rock climbing as part of your holiday, staycation or just because! No long walks to the crag (less than 15 minutes) and plenty of time for everyone to try out a range of climbs and an abseil. Although the location…
Langdale
Challenge yourself and have a go at Rock Climbing. We have a variety of options available to you from a half day Intro to Rock Climbing sessions to full day(s) private guided climbing on high mountain crags for the more advanced climbers. For…
Great Langdale
Whether it is memory fade after time off climbing recently, a return after many years, or if you want to move to the next level of knowledge, The Lakes Mountaineer can help you: Climbing MOT - correct your habits and memory fade; How to climb…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere from the road approaching Ambleside - an awsome sight.
Ambleside
Today, the Valleys are recognised as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District and in medieaval days, were home to a woolen mill.
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978m. Its summit is marked by a huge cairn and thousands of people!
Ambleside
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the heart of the Langdale Valley in the English Lake District.
Great Langdale
If you have your eye on walking up a Wainwright, maybe even all of them, or if you want to scale England's highest peaks, then you are in good hands with The Lakes Mountaineer. Guided by a highly-qualified Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and…
Grasmere
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm buildings nestling round a picturesque farmyard in the beautiful Vale of Grasmere.
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, archery, team building, raft building, bushcraft, and hill walking. We offer private group bookings in South Lakes Cumbria,…
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Ambleside
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a place to chill out for a few days. Located on Broadrayne Farm in the very heart of the Lake District National Park.
Langdale - Coniston - Langdale
Seascale
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can help you plan the perfect route to the summit based on where you’re staying and your previous experience.
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, archery, team building, raft building, bushcraft, and hill walking. We offer private group bookings in South Lakes Cumbria,…
Throughout Cumbria
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills and mountains of the English Lake District. We specialise in designing bespoke days out that are tailored to meet your goals and aspirations.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL