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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?
Develop outdoor skills with us - we offer abseiling and navigation courses in Langdale, Coniston…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us? We have…
Sca Fell is a little lower at 964m than Scafell Pike and is 1 km away, but the direct route from…
Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg…
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a…
We offer a range of private group experiences across the county, including ghyll scrambling,…
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Buses to and through Grasmere: 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere -…
The abseil is around 100-120 feet and you also get to have an explore around Hodge Close Quarry.…
Buses to and through Langdale: Langdale Rambler 516 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Langdale suit most fitness…
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm…
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Rising at the head of Langdale, Bowfell is a beautiful conical peak that has commanding views all…
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can…
Langdale - Coniston - Langdale
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…
Join us for an incredible adventure in the Great Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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 reviewsAmbleside
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.
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!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
303 reviewsSca 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
Elterwater lies in an attractive setting, a few miles west of Ambleside, hidden behind Loughrigg and Silver How, at the entrance to Great Langdale.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
41 reviewsWe 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 reviewsElterwater, 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.
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.
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 -…
Langdale
The abseil is around 100-120 feet and you also get to have an explore around Hodge Close Quarry. It's a fascinating site to look around. Be prepared for a short, steep walk out the quarry on loose rock. There is a limited free parking area right…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1055 reviewsLangdale, Ambleside
Buses to and through Langdale:
Langdale Rambler 516 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
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 reviewsGrasmere
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.
Great Langdale
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. The Loop is approximately 69 miles long and takes in some of the finest views of the Lake District and some of it's most…
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…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Rising at the head of Langdale, Bowfell is a beautiful conical peak that has commanding views all around.
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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