EVERYTHING FROM GENTLE VALLEY WALKS TO CUMBRIA'S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN, SCAFELL PIKE...

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Explore Langdale, Ambleside

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When approaching the Lake District from the south, the Langdale Pikes in the Langdale Valley dominate the views to the north west. It is a magnificent valley located in the centre of the Lake District and therefore very popular with walkers and climbers alike who have a wealth of opportunities to walk and climb some of the highest mountains in England and specifically the Scafell range.

 

Proceeding up the valley, you will pass through the village of Chapel Stile. The main industries here were Gunpowder production and stone quarrying – indeed, there is evidence of the use of the local stone for stone axe production going back to Neolithic times. Continue on and you will find car parking available at the foot of Harrison Stickle (2,415 ft) and Pike o’Stickle (2,323 ft).

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Here, there is an impression of remoteness and inaccessibility to the summits. Although Harrison Stickle is not one of the highest mountains in the Lake District, it is one of the steepest gaining over 2,000 ft of altitude in a lateral distance of only three quarters of a mile. The route up past Stickle Tarn onto the summit of Harrison Stickle and then down to the left of the deep Dungeon Ghyll ravine is one of the classic walks in the Lake District and not to be missed.

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There are too many walks to mention here, but at the head of Great Langdale is Bowfell (2,960 ft) and to the south Crinkle Crags (2818 ft). There are also exciting routes through to the other Lakeland valleys including, Grasmere, Borrowdale, Wasdale and Eskdale. Visit our Activities page for more information.

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The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (the last before the head of the valley) is the original Langdale Hotel and a classic walking and climbing haven. All the main Langdale Valley peaks can be accessed from the Old Dungeon Ghyll without needing a car to get to the start of the walk. Not just for walkers though, there are some seriously good climbs near the Old Dungeon Ghyll, you can even enjoy a sedate glass of “real ale” in the beer garden and be entertained by watching climbers on the crags behind the hotel.

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We offer excellent value for money accommodation, traditional food and drink, relaxing home comforts and an informal atmosphere in a spectacular setting which rivals the best in the Lake District, that of the famous Langdale Pikes. There is a public car park close to the hotel for ongoing exploration of the area. There is also an abundance of historic and cultural sites in the Langdale Valley and the main town of Ambleside is well known as THE outdoor capital of the lakes. We are sure you will enjoy your trip to the Langdale Valley and would love to welcome you to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.