How To Hike the Langdale Valley (Map & Instructions)
This exceptional hike takes you through one of the Lake District’s most dramatic valleys, surrounded by rugged fells and iconic peaks. It’s a rewarding day in England’s most beloved National Park.
The Langdale Valley is nestled between some of the Lake District’s most recognizable peaks. The Langdale Pikes dominate the skyline with their distinctive rocky summits, while Bowfell and Crinkle Crags form an impressive backdrop to this glacially carved valley.
This stunning valley sits in the heart of the central Lake District, surrounded by some of England’s most dramatic mountain scenery. The area is characterized by steep-sided fells, cascading becks, and traditional Lakeland stone walls that have stood for centuries.
This excellent circular hike winds through verdant meadows, climbs alongside tumbling waterfalls, and traverses high moorland paths with commanding views across the valley.
The views throughout are spectacular. The Langdale Pikes steal the show, but you’ll encounter craggy ridges, sweeping fellsides, and glimpses of distant tarns throughout this walk.
Two of the most traditional pubs in the Lake District can be found along the route. They are both excellent places to stop for a hearty meal and a well-earned pint.
The walk is graded medium-difficult. You’ll need to navigate some steep ascents and have a reasonable level of fitness.
In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about hiking in Langdale, including how to get to the trailhead, a map, and detailed instructions for the hike.
LANGDALE VALLEY HIKE OVERVIEW
- Start / Finish: Old Dungeon Ghyll Car Park
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation gain: 650 meters
- Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
I’m usually not a huge fan of circular routes that feel contrived, but the natural flow of this valley loop makes it absolutely worthwhile.
The hike begins at the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park in Great Langdale. It follows the valley floor initially, passing through traditional farmland and beneath ancient oak trees.
The trail then climbs steadily beside Stickle Ghyll, a dramatic waterfall that cascades down from the high fells. The ascent rewards you with stunning views from Stickle Tarn.
A traverse across the lower slopes of the Langdale Pikes brings you beneath towering crags and through a landscape of scattered boulders, before descending back into the valley via the hamlet of Chapel Stile.
I’ve rated the hike as medium-difficult for two reasons.
Firstly, the hike involves 650m of ascent and descent. The climb up to Stickle Tarn can be relentless, and the descent requires careful footing on rocky sections.
Secondly, the path alongside Stickle Ghyll can be slippery when wet, and there are some rocky scrambles that demand attention. The traverse beneath Harrison Stickle crosses steep ground where care is needed.
I strongly suggest wearing proper hiking boots with good ankle support and grip for this route.
It took me 4 hours 15 minutes of active hiking, but in total, I spent about 6 hours on the trail, taking photographs, enjoying lunch at the pub, and soaking in the magnificent scenery.
LANGDALE VALLEY HIKE MAP
Below is a map of the Langdale Valley hike with key landmarks and facilities marked along the route.
The walk begins at the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park (marked in brown) at the head of Great Langdale.
Car parks and bus stops are marked in blue throughout the valley.
If you prefer a physical map, I recommend: Ordnance Survey OL6 – The English Lakes South Western Area.
For digital maps, the OS Maps app is excellent for the Lake District. It has all the trails marked, and you can track your position in real-time. The area has good mobile coverage for most of the route.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD
This Langdale hike starts at the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park in Great Langdale. The car park is open year-round and costs approximately £8 for a full day (prices may vary seasonally).
The car park is located at the western end of Great Langdale, near the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.
BY CAR
Great Langdale is a 15-minute drive from Ambleside, 30 minutes from Windermere, 45 minutes from Keswick, and about 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester.
From Ambleside, take the A593 towards Coniston, then turn right onto the B5343 signposted for Great Langdale. Follow this scenic road through the valley to reach the car park at the western end.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll car park fills up quickly on weekends and holidays, especially between 9 AM and 11 AM. Arrive early or consider the National Trust car park at Stickle Ghyll, which is a short walk away.
BY BUS
The 516 bus (Langdale Rambler) runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley. It operates daily from Easter to October, with reduced service in winter months.
The bus stops at several points in the valley, including the Old Dungeon Ghyll. The service runs approximately every hour during peak season.
You can also use the 555 bus from Kendal, Windermere, or Keswick to Ambleside, then connect to the 516.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
OLD DUNGEON GHYLL TO STICKLE TARN (1 hour 30 minutes)
From the car park, walk towards the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and pick up the well-marked path for Stickle Ghyll. The path is clearly signposted and impossible to miss.
The initial section is relatively gentle as you cross a stone bridge over Mickleden Beck and head through a meadow dotted with sheep.
Soon, you’ll hear the roar of Stickle Ghyll waterfall before you see it. The path begins to climb steeply beside the beck, with the white water tumbling dramatically over rocks and boulders.
The path is well-maintained with stone steps in places, but it’s relentless. Take your time and turn around frequently – the views back down the valley towards Windermere improve with every step.
After about 45 minutes of steady climbing, the gradient eases as you approach the bowl that holds Stickle Tarn. This beautiful tarn sits at 485m, cradled beneath the imposing cliffs of Pavey Ark.
Stickle Tarn is a perfect place for a breather. On calm days, the still water reflects Pavey Ark’s crags perfectly. I spent a good 20 minutes here, just taking in the dramatic scenery.
STICKLE TARN TO HARRISON STICKLE BASE (1 hour)
From Stickle Tarn, take the path that heads southwest, contouring around the lower slopes beneath the Langdale Pikes. Don’t take the path that climbs steeply up towards Pavey Ark unless you’re planning to summit.
The path traverses across a boulder field and scree slopes. It’s rocky underfoot, so watch your footing. The views across the tarn and down the valley are superb from this elevated position.
You’ll pass beneath Harrison Stickle, the highest of the Langdale Pikes at 736m. The path here crosses steep ground, but it’s well-defined and perfectly safe if you take care.
The landscape is wild and rugged, with scattered rocks and hardy mountain grasses. Ahead, you can see the distinctive profile of Pike of Stickle, another of the famous Langdale Pikes.
Continue on the main path as it begins to descend gradually towards Dungeon Ghyll Force, another impressive waterfall that marks your return to lower ground.
HARRISON STICKLE BASE TO CHAPEL STILE (1 hour)
The path descends more steeply now, zigzagging down the fellside with increasingly good views down the valley. You’ll pass some fascinating glacial erratic boulders that were deposited here thousands of years ago.
As you lose height, you’ll join a wider track that leads down into the hamlet of Chapel Stile. This is a working quarrying community with traditional Lakeland character.
Chapel Stile has a village shop and the Wainwright’s Inn, another excellent pub if you need refreshment. The local slate has been quarried here for centuries.
CHAPEL STILE TO OLD DUNGEON GHYLL (45 minutes)
From Chapel Stile, follow the valley road eastwards back towards Great Langdale. There’s a pavement alongside the road for most of the way, making this section safe and easy.
Alternatively, you can take the riverside path alongside Great Langdale Beck for a more scenic return. This path runs parallel to the road and is marked on OS maps.
The flat valley floor walk is a pleasant cool-down after the day’s climbing. You’ll pass through traditional farmland with the Langdale Pikes now behind you, looking even more impressive from this angle.
Pass the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (another refreshment option) and continue the final stretch back to the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park where you started.
PUBS AND REFRESHMENTS ON THE ROUTE
One of the great joys of Lake District hiking is having lunch or a pint at a traditional Lakeland pub. This route has two of the best.
THE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL
Located right at the trailhead, the ODG (as locals call it) has been serving walkers and climbers since the 1860s. The walkers’ bar has stone floors, low beams, and feels authentically rustic.
They serve hearty pub food including local Cumberland sausage, Herdwick lamb, and proper chips. Opening hours are typically 12 PM to 11 PM. It gets busy on weekends, especially in summer.
The ODG also offers accommodation if you’re planning a multi-day hiking trip in the area.
THE NEW DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL
Despite the name, the NDG is also historic, just slightly newer than the Old. It’s more modern inside with a larger restaurant area.
They serve excellent food including vegetarian options and afternoon teas. The bar has a good selection of local ales from Cumbrian breweries.
Open daily from 12 PM, with food served until 9 PM. The outdoor seating area has fantastic views up to the Pikes.
CHAPEL STILE
Wainwright’s Inn in Chapel Stile is named after the legendary fell walker Alfred Wainwright. It’s a traditional village pub serving local food and ales.
The village shop here is also useful for picking up snacks or supplies.
BEST TIME TO HIKE IN LANGDALE
The best time to hike in Langdale is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). The weather is at its warmest, the days are longest, and all facilities are open.
I hiked this route in early June, and the conditions were near-perfect. The valley was lush and green, wildflowers were blooming, and the waterfalls were full without the paths being muddy.
Summer (July-August) is busiest, especially weekends and school holidays. The car parks fill up quickly, and the path up Stickle Ghyll can feel like a procession. Start early (before 9 AM) to beat the crowds.
Autumn (September-October) offers quieter trails and spectacular colors as the bracken turns golden. However, days are shorter, and weather becomes more unpredictable.
Winter hiking in Langdale is beautiful but demands proper equipment and experience. Ice on the paths, especially beside Stickle Ghyll, can be treacherous. Snow on the higher sections requires winter navigation skills.
Spring (April-May) sees the valley coming back to life with lambing season and longer days, though paths can be muddy from winter rain.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE
Hiking Boots: This route covers rough terrain and steep sections, so proper waterproof hiking boots are essential. The Lake District is infamous for being wet underfoot.
Hiking Poles: I found poles particularly useful on the descent from Stickle Tarn and the rocky traverse beneath the Pikes. They save your knees and provide stability.
Waterproofs: Lake District weather changes rapidly. A full waterproof jacket and overtrousers are essential, even on sunny days. Afternoon rain is common.
Layers: The temperature difference between the valley floor and the higher sections can be significant. Bring warm layers, including a fleece or down jacket.
Sunblock/Hat: When the sun does shine, reflection off the rocks can be intense. Bring sun protection and a hat.
Water and Snacks: Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person. There are streams, but I prefer not to rely on them. Energy bars, chocolate, and trail mix are useful.
Maps and Compass: Even though the paths are well-marked, proper navigation equipment is essential in the Lake District. Mist can descend quickly. The OS OL6 map is what I use.
First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit with blister plasters, bandages, and pain relief.
Phone with GPS: Download the route beforehand as mobile signal can be patchy in the valley. The OS Maps app works offline.
Emergency Shelter: A lightweight bivi bag or emergency shelter is good practice in the Lake District’s unpredictable weather.
EXTENDING YOUR HIKE
If you’re feeling strong and want more challenge, consider these extensions:
Summit Pavey Ark: From Stickle Tarn, add 45 minutes to climb to the summit of Pavey Ark (700m). The views are outstanding, though the final scramble up Jack’s Rake is only for experienced scramblers.
Harrison Stickle Summit: Add an hour to bag the highest Langdale Pike. The path is steep but straightforward from Stickle Tarn.
Pike of Stickle: This distinctive summit takes about 30 minutes from the main path and offers unique views across to Bowfell and the Scafells.
Full Langdale Pikes Circuit: Experienced hikers can complete all the main Langdale Pikes (Harrison Stickle, Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, and Pavey Ark) in a challenging 5-6 hour circuit.
WILDLIFE AND NATURE
Keep your eyes open for the Lake District’s wildlife. I regularly see:
Herdwick Sheep: These iconic Lakeland sheep with their grey fleeces roam freely on the fells. They’re hardy and have grazed these mountains for centuries.
Ravens and Crows: These intelligent birds are common around the crags. Listen for the raven’s distinctive deep croak.
Peregrine Falcons: These magnificent birds of prey nest on Pavey Ark and can sometimes be spotted hunting above the crags.
Red Squirrels: Though rare, red squirrels can be spotted in the woodland sections near Chapel Stile.
The flora includes hardy mountain plants, including saxifrage, moss campion, and various grasses adapted to the harsh conditions.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Parking: Arrive before 9 AM on busy days or consider parking in Ambleside and taking the bus.
Toilets: Available at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (for customers) and at the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads around livestock. The steep sections beside waterfalls require extra care with dogs.
Fitness Level: Be honest about your fitness. The climb to Stickle Tarn is relentless and gains 400m in less than 2km.
Weather Checking: Always check the mountain weather forecast before setting out. The Met Office and MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) provide detailed Lake District forecasts.
Mountain Rescue: The Lake District has an excellent volunteer mountain rescue service. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for mountain rescue.
WHY I LOVE HIKING IN LANGDALE
I’ve hiked all over the Lake District, and Langdale remains one of my favorite valleys. The combination of dramatic scenery, accessible paths, and traditional Lakeland character makes it special.
There’s something magical about standing beside Stickle Tarn with Pavey Ark towering above, or watching the Langdale Pikes glow in the evening light from the valley floor.
The valley has attracted walkers, climbers, and artists for over 200 years. Following in the footsteps of Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Wainwright adds a sense of history to every step.
Whether you’re a seasoned fell walker or tackling your first Lake District hike, Langdale offers an unforgettable day in the mountains. Just remember to respect the landscape, follow the countryside code, and leave no trace.
Happy hiking!