A short and scenic circle through this quiet offshoot of Little Langdale, in which beautiful woodland now clothes the old quarries and slate spoil heaps of Lakeland’s bygone industrial age. The outward leg is very straightforward, on bridleways and green lanes. The homeward half of the walk includes short sections of ascent and boggy stretches, and requires more careful routefollowing.
This is a walk of two contrasting halves: the dramatic but popular Stickle Ghyll and Tarn, and the relative peace and solitude of Blea Rigg. There are sweeping views from the ridge in all directions. The ascent alongside Stickle Ghyll is steep and sustained but mostly on well-pitched paths. The tracks on Blea Rigg are less well travelled, and so a little more care in route-following is needed. The descent back down to the valley is steep, stony and loose in places, requiring a steady approach.
This walk starts with a steep ascent of the ridge dividing the valleys of Langdale and Grasmere. The views from the ridge can be superb, and nowhere more so than from the rounded top of Silver How. The walk then explores Grasmere – the heart of Wordsworth Country – before winding back to Langdale by a gentler route. A certain degree of fitness and route-finding ability are required for the first half of the walk.
Dividing the valleys of Great and Little Langdale, Lingmoor Fell gives magnificent views across both, and over a panorama of the high fells. Route-finding is straightforward but beginning the ascent of Side Pike is awkward – particularly in the wet – requiring a degree of sure- footedness and a head for heights. The route brings you back through the beautiful mixed woodland of the lower valley slopes.
This walk explores one of Lakeland’s most well-known mountain landmarks – the Langdale Pikes. These hills are justifiably well-walked: their cliffs, craggy buttresses and river-gorges give them the feel of much bigger mountains, and the views from their summits are superb in clear weather. However, they are considerably higher than the fells covered in other walks of this series, and some sections are rocky and steep; this route is suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped walkers with a degree of sure-footedness, who are able to accurately navigate with map and compass, should the weather turn.
This straightforward circular walk explores the beautiful wooded south-western edge of the valley floor, before circling back through sheep pastures and along the river. Paths are well-defined and, apart from the initial climb through the quarry, gradients are gentle throughout.
This short walk takes in some of the area’s most beautiful woodlands, with good views across the neighbouring valley of Grasmere and its surrounding fells at several points. Although the first half of the walk is all uphill, the climbing is gradual with few steep sections.
This is a walk full of variety, from the sweeping views of the high fells and crags at the head of Great Langdale, to the gentler beauty of Little Langdale and Blea Tarn. Despite its length, it is mostly straightforward with only a modest amount of uphill walking. There are one or two rocky or boggy sections of path, but nowhere are these on steep ground.
Fuelled by The Langdale Estate & Brimstone Hotel
Luxury Hotel & Self Catering Accommodation, Spa and Dining in the Lake District
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!