Tilberthwaite, Hodge Close & Little Langdale Loop

distance:

11 km

difficulty:

Moderate

ascent:

434 metres

duration:

1 hrs

Download
  • OS Map.

N/A

  • Route Map.

Click to enlarge

Summary.

This ride is a great way to see some of the finest and most interesting bits of the central Lake District. At Hodge Close and Tilberthwaite industrial heritage is on a grand scale while the woods at Colwith and the views of Little Langdale are a wonderful contrast. The hills are mostly short and not too steep with few technical sections. Points of interest. Hodge Close industrial heritage and big hole in the ground. Cathedral Quarry caves.

Route / description.

  1. Exit Langdale turn right, take next right into Elterwater, and straight ahead at junction by the Britannia Inn
  2. Continue past the right turn to Little Langdale then take the well-made track on the right when the road starts to climb.
  3. Follow through the woods and gates to a farm. Go through the farm and join the road, turn right.
  4. As you approach the river take the track on the left (the first one not the one alongside the river) then follow this track (cycle signs) to the next farm. Go through the farm and join the road down to a track on the left just before the T-junction
  5. Join the next road and follow left uphill (parallel to the one you just came down, where’s the bridge we all ask?)
  6. Take the bridal path on the right. This track follows up and down with a few small sections of rocks and roots which can be slippery in winter.
  7. At the gate where there is a T-junction with a wider track turn left and left again at the building. Between the two left turns there is an access point to Hodge Close quarry on the left which is well worth exploring (with care).
  8. Follow the track through more gates to the road and turn left. At the river cross the bridge or ride through the ford and continue up the hill to the T-junction
  9. At the T-junction turn left. Take the road on the right opposite the farm entrance and footpath to Slaters bridge (another great place to explore)
  10. Follow this road then track up and then down loose stones to Elterwater turning left at the road and then left again before the bridge
  11. Turn right opposite the closed up quarry entrance, along the river and across the bridge to Wainwrights’ Inn.
langdale active.

If you’re not already staying at The Langdale Estate or Brimstone Hotel … check us out for your next break in the Lakes.  Or, if you’re in the area call in to Wainwrights’ Inn or Stove for some well-deserved refreshments!