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Langdale The Lake District
Langdale The Lake District
Langdale The Lake District

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Langdale

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.

Culture & Heritage

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. 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.

Surrounding Areas

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?

LANTY SLEE

Lanty Slee, a quarryman at Tilberthwaite, was notorious for running several illicit whisky distilleries – the best-known being at Betsy Crag Quarry above Little Langdale Tarn. He was caught on several occasions, but continued to supply his customers with high quality whisky until his death at Greenbank in Little Langdale in 1878.

CONVERGED COUNTIES

The counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire once converged at the summit of Wrynose Pass, each county identified by stones marked with a C, W and L. In the centre of the three stones is a vertical monolith to William Field of Cartmel, a staunch Lancastrian, who inscribed one side with ‘Lancashire’ and inserted his initials and the date of 1816 on the other.

TING MOUND

An unusual raised mound behind Fell Foot Farm that functioned as a ‘thing moot’ or meeting point of a Norse council. The flat-topped mound with terraced sides is the only surviving example of a ‘moot’ in England.

HARDKNOTT AND WRYNOSE PASSES

The famous mountain passes of Hardknott and Wrynose are two of the steepest in England with gradients along this winding pass reaching 1 in 3 in places. There are parking spots along the route, enabling you to take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Highlights

Elterwater Hostel

This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…

Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street

We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…

Lake District White Water Rafting

Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us? We have…

Colwith Force

On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…

Breakfast with Santa & His Reindeer

Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start…

The Langdale Pikes

For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere…

Stove Bar & Restaurant at Langdale Hotel and Spa

Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…

Floating Sound Bath Experience

A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District. Renew your mind, body and soul…

Little Langdale

Langdale - Coniston - Langdale

The Yan at Broadrayne

This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere. The…

Elterwater

Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg…

Stickle Ghyll

National Trust property on main footpath up to Langdale Pikes. A lovely river walk past small and…

Bowfell

Rising at the head of Langdale, Bowfell is a beautiful conical peak that has commanding views all…

Britannia Inn

The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…

Helm Crag

Helm Crag is a famous fells in the central Lake District situated to the north of Grasmere. It sits…

Brimstone Spa at Langdale Hotel and Spa

Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…

The Yan at Broadrayne

Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic…

The Yan Cottages

The Cottages at Broadrayne Farm are all just full of character having been converted from former…

Scafell Pike Hikes with Mountain Journeys

For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can…

Dungeon Ghyll Force

National Trust property in Great Langdale. 40ft vertical drop in spectacular scenery. Parking for…

Langdale Hotel and Spa

The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…

The Yan Glamping

Our luxury accommodation has been hand built for our bespoke design for couples wanting a romantic…

More Than Mountains

More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…

Scafell

Sca Fell is a little lower at 964m than Scafell Pike and is 1 km away, but the direct route from…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Breakfast with Santa & His Reindeer

Address

Chapel Stile, Ambleside, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
015394 38088

marketing@langdale.co.uk

Ambleside

Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start your day with a hearty full English breakfast with unlimited tea, coffee and juice. Then head out to meet the big guy himself, Father Christmas! …

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Lake District White Water Rafting

Address

Various locations across Cumbria, Cumbria

Telephone
07970 063 381

lakedistrictwhitewaterrafting@gmail.com

Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!

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450 reviews
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Wreath Making Workshop with The Floralistas

Address

Wainwrights' Inn, Chapel Stile, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
+441539438014

reservations@langdale.co.uk

Great Langdale, Ambleside

Join Ashley from The Floralistas at Wainwrights' Inn for a festive escape into nature and creativity. In this hands-on workshop, you'll craft a wild and whimsical wreath using sustainable British foliage and Cumbria-grown willow. Enjoy mulled wine…

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Langdale Christmas Lights Switch On

Address

The Langdale Hotel and Spa, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
015394 38014

reservations@langdale.co.uk

Great Langdale, Ambleside

FREE EVENT! Join us as we light up The Langdale Estate for Christmas like never before!
A family friendly event that's free to attend. Get in to the Christmas spirit with Carols, Christmas Snack Menu and plenty of festive cheer around the Stove…

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Little Langdale

Address

Cumnbria

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Langdale - Coniston - Langdale

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Scafell Pike Hikes with Mountain Journeys

Address

Scafell Pike, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1EX

Telephone
07971 622616

mountain.journeys@yahoo.co.uk

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.

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358 reviews
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Bowfell

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

Rising at the head of Langdale, Bowfell is a beautiful conical peak that has commanding views all around.

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Dungeon Ghyll Force

Address

Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU

website@cumbriatourism.org

Ambleside

National Trust property in Great Langdale. 40ft vertical drop in spectacular scenery. Parking for the walk up to Dungeon Ghyll is available at the foot of Harrison Stickle.

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Scafell

Address

-, LA23 3BX

website@cumbriatourism.org

Sca Fell is a little lower at 964m than Scafell Pike and is 1 km away, but the direct route from one to the other is a bit tricky -the views are great

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Rock Climbing in Langdale near Ambleside with More Than Mountains

Address

Stickle Ghyll car park, Great Langdale

Telephone
07878 471253

info@morethanmountains.co.uk

Great Langdale

Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…

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79 reviews
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Elterwater Hostel

Address

Elterwater Hostel, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HX

Telephone
015394 37245

bookings@elterwaterhostel.co.uk

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.

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Bat Walks in Langdale

Address

Stickle Ghyll, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU

Telephone
0344 249 1895

langdales@nationaltrust.org.uk

Ambleside

Join the National Trust rangers for an evening adventure in Langdale as the sun sets and the bats come out to play.
Just after dark—when Langdale's bats begin to fly and feed—our Ranger team will guide you on a fun, family-friendly walk. You'll…

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Yoga, Floating Sound Bath & Spa Experience

Address

Brimstone Spa at Langdale Hotel and Spa, Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
015394 38014

events@langdale.co.uk

Great Langdale, Ambleside

A restorative wellness experience in the heart of the Lake District.
Slow flow yoga, seasonal canapés, thermal spa journey, floating sound bath and an optional three-course dinner to complete.
Step into a sanctuary of stillness and sensory renewal…

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Stickle Ghyll

Address

Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU

website@cumbriatourism.org

Ambleside

National Trust property on main footpath up to Langdale Pikes. A lovely river walk past small and larger falls.

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Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street

Address

Wistaria Cottage & No.3 Main Street, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9HP

Telephone
01782 783170

gd.beardmore2@gmail.com

Elterwater

We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.

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Wreath Making Workshop with The Floralistas

Address

Stove Restaurant & Bar, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
+441539438014

reservations@langdale.co.uk

Great Langdale, Ambleside

Design your own bespoke wreath. A wonderfully sociable event, perfect for connecting with others and celebrating the season together! Join Ashley from The Floralistas in Stove Restaurant & Bar and step into a world of festive artistry!
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The Yan at Broadrayne

Address

Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9RU

Telephone
015394 35055

info@theyan.co.uk

Ambleside

Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.

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849 reviews
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Grasmere

Address

Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

Picturesque Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth and famed for its annual sports, is the northernmost village in the southern Lake District.

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Floating Sound Bath Experience

Address

The Langdale Hotel and Spa, The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD

Telephone
+441539438014

reservations@langdale.co.uk

Great Langdale, Ambleside

A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District.
Renew your mind, body and soul with our evening ritual at Langdale. This intimate one-hour ritual invites you to slow down, reconnect, and restore. Float effortlessly in the indoor…

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Britannia Inn

Address

The Britannia Inn, Main Street, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HP

Telephone
015394 37210

info@britinn.co.uk

Elterwater, Ambleside

The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.

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Langdale

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LANTY SLEE

CONVERGED COUNTIES

TING MOUND

HARDKNOTT AND WRYNOSE PASSES

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