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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?
These two traditional Lakeland cottages are beautifully situated in Great Langdale valley in the…
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic…
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Langdale suit most fitness…
Helm Crag is a famous fells in the central Lake District situated to the north of Grasmere. It sits…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
We offer a range of private group experiences across the county, including ghyll scrambling,…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere…
Stickle Ghyll is a fantastic ascent of a gorge in the Langdale valley. The location is stunning and…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
This traditional slate Inn was built in 1872 near the meeting point of the old counties of…
Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg…
Buses to and through Grasmere: 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere -…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
Develop outdoor skills with us - we offer abseiling and navigation courses in Langdale, Coniston…
Spend an action packed day learning the essential skills needed to successfully survive and thrive…
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a…
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Great Langdale
These two traditional Lakeland cottages are beautifully situated in Great Langdale valley in the heart of the Lake District where there are numerous walks to suit all abilities and ambitions.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
637 reviewsThroughout 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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsSeascale
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 ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Langdale suit most fitness levels. Experience exhilarating waterfalls, canyons, and water challenges on our guided private sessions.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsAMBLESIDE
Helm Crag is a famous fells in the central Lake District situated to the north of Grasmere. It sits prominently at the end of a ridge, easily seen from the village of Grasmere. One of the Wainwright's and one of the most recognised hills in the Lake…
Ambleside
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Hotel and is reserved for adults only, and considered is one of the best spa’s in The Lake District. It is a place to relax and revive with seven…
Picturesque Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth and famed for its annual sports, is the northernmost village in the southern Lake District.
We offer a range of private group experiences across the county, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsFor many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere from the road approaching Ambleside - an awsome sight.
Langdale
Stickle Ghyll is a fantastic ascent of a gorge in the Langdale valley. The location is stunning and parking is plentiful. If you are in the National Trust the parking is free, otherwise expect to pay. There are toilet blocks in the car park and two…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1051 reviewsGreat Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Ambleside
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593 (direction Coniston) Turn for Elterwater and Wrynose. Limited parking by stream at bottom of hill. Less than 0.5 mile through oak woodland.
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.
Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg and Silver How, at the entrance to Great Langdale.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Grasmere:
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle.
599 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Lakeside (summer). Open top service during good weather.
599 Kendal - Windermere -…
Ambleside
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern and traditional dishes featuring seasonal and the finest local produce are created by Scott and his team, you are able to get…
Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
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.
Develop outdoor skills with us - we offer abseiling and navigation courses in Langdale, Coniston and South Lakes. These instructed courses are a great way to see the landscape, all while building confidence and skills in the outdoors.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL