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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?
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone…
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…
For many, Scafell Pike is the ultimate mountain day and presides high on the bucket list. We can…
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll…
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978m. Its summit is marked by a huge cairn and…
Buses to and through Langdale: Langdale Rambler 516 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic…
Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us? We have…
National Trust property in Great Langdale. 40ft vertical drop in spectacular scenery. Parking for…
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
Buses to and through Grasmere: 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere -…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the…
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Calling all engaged couples! We'd love to invite you to our Winter Open Day on Saturday 1st Feb!…
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm…
National Trust property on main footpath up to Langdale Pikes. A lovely river walk past small and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 39
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Sca 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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
337 reviewsGreat Langdale
The Lakeland Loop Cycle Sportive is a challenging ride which starts from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale. The Loop is 69 miles and takes in some of the finest views of the Lake District and some of it's most challenging climbs. The…
Picturesque Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth and famed for its annual sports, is the northernmost village in the southern Lake District.
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978m. Its summit is marked by a huge cairn and thousands of people!
Langdale, Ambleside
Buses to and through Langdale:
Langdale Rambler 516 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
728 reviewsAmbleside
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
728 reviewsFun, 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
367 reviewsAmbleside
National Trust property in Great Langdale. 40ft vertical drop in spectacular scenery. Parking for the walk up to Dungeon Ghyll is available at the foot of Harrison Stickle.
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.
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 -…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere from the road approaching Ambleside - an awsome sight.
Great Langdale, Ambleside
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away from it all.
Great Langdale
Rock climbing has increased in popularity recently, particularly since its introduction at the Olympic Games. Langdale, close to Ambleside and Windermere is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing. Not far from here…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviewsAmbleside
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 reviewsAmbleside
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the heart of the Langdale Valley in the English Lake District.
Throughout 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
79 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL