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The Langdales
An adventure playground of meandering trails, rugged slopes, craggy summits
Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
Important notice
Due to damage from storm Debi the footpath between Elterwater and Chapel Stile will be closed until Friday 8 December. There is a footpath diversion in place, please follow directions onsite.
Opening times for 3 December 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Great Langdale Campsite Open all day MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCar park
Parking at Stickle Ghyll (OS: NY294065) is pay & display (NT members free). Parking at Elterwater OS: NY328047 is pay & display (NT members free) Parking at Old Dungeon Ghyll OS: NY286061 is pay & display (NT members free)
Toilet
There are toilets at Elterwater next to the car park, and at Stickle Ghyll in the car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome, but due to livestock grazing please keep them on leads
Accessible parking at Stickle Ghyll, Elterwater and Old Dungeon Ghyll.
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet at Sticklebarn, located on the ground floor next to the side door entrance. (Not NT)
Level access/terrain
There is a wide, level footpath between Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge
Designated parking
One accessible parking space on the tarmac approach road outside Elterwater car park Four accessible parking spaces at Stickle Ghyll car park Two accessible parking spaces at Old Dungeon Ghyll car park
Steps/uneven terrain
There are a series of low-level paths that form a circular route, over rough terrain, from Elterwater to the head of the valley. Most footpaths in the area have rough surfaces and are uneven in places. High Close Estate: Sloping woodland paths and some steps. Level access to picnic areas.
By road
Junction 36 M6, then A591 from Kendal to Ambleside, A593 from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, then take the B543 to Great Langdale.
Parking: Stickle Ghyll car park and toilets, and Elterwater car park are open. Old Dungeon Ghyll car park is open. Further information can be found at <a href="http://www.saferlakes.co.uk">saferlakes.co.uk</a>
Sat Nav: For High Close Estate: follow SAT NAV, LA22 9HJ.
On foot
The Cumbria Way runs from Ulverston to Carlisle and through the Great Langdale valley; there is also a network of footpaths that run through the valley
By train
Windermere train station is 8 miles from Great Langdale. Catch 555 or 556 Keswick to Ambleside bus, then change to the 516.
By bus
Stagecoach 516 from Ambleside, alight at Langdale campsite.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Regional Route 37, then links from Skelwith Bridge all the way to Sticklebarn. For more information go to the Sustrans website
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Langdales with your dog
Find out which areas of the Langdale Valley you can explore with your dog. The Langdales is a three pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Langdale
Dramatic valley, forged by fire and ice. Home to the majestic Langdale Pikes and mountain tarns.
High Close
Eleven acres of tranquillity perched between Elterwater and Grasmere. Tree trail with exotic firs.
Stickle Ghyll Car Park
For Sticklebarn, steep footpaths to the Langdale Pikes, Stickle Ghyll or bike and walk routes on valley tracks.
Elterwater
A great parking spot for a riverside amble or bike ride to Skelwith Force with choice of moderate walks over Loughrigg to High Close and Grasmere.
Old Dungeon Ghyll
Ideal for accessing the high fells, Mickleden, the Pikes and long routes to Scafell Pike. This pay-and-display car park is located a further 400m along from Stickle Ghyll, just beyond the campsite
Dogs
Bring your dog on a short easy walk or a fell-top expedition.
Spotlight events
Kendal Mountain Events films at Lanty Slee's
We have teamed up with Kendal Mountain Tour to deliver an exciting collection of films to inspire and excite young and old adventurers alike. Choose from a selection of family adventure film afternoons or dinner and film evenings from December - April at Lanty Slee's in Langdale.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do in the Langdales
Head to the Langdales for stunning walking and cycling trails and discover rare trees and shrubs from around the world at High Close Estate and Arboretum.
Top trails
Trail
Langdale Valley cycle trail
Take a 11-mile cycle trail through Langdale Valley with views and opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.
Trail
Stickle Tarn trail
Take on a challenging but rewarding walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn above, surrounded by high fells, waterfalls and rockpools.
Trail
Mickleden Valley trail
Explore an easy route along the valley floor of Mickleden in the Langdales, taking in Neolithic history, looming crags and spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes.
Trail
Blea Tarn trail
Surround yourself with views of the Langdale Pikes and other Lake District fells, without the tough climb, as you explore tranquil Blea Tarn on this easy, well-made trail.
Trail
High Close tree trail
A 1.2-mile walk around the High Close estate that takes in many of the rare and endangered conifer trees planted here by Edward Wheatley-Balme during the 19th century.
Places to stay
Great Langdale Campsite
A relaxed, natural site in the Langdales, a paradise for all kinds of adventures, from meandering trails to major peaks.
Silverthwaite
An inspiring spot looking out over Langdale Valley with Arts and Crafts influenced detail inside.
Bird How
A remote cottage in the Eskdale valley offering a peaceful retreat in the Lake District.
Wasdale Campsite
A peaceful campsite less than a mile from the shore of Wastwater, perfectly placed for challenging bike trails and Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.
Rose Castle Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
Low Wray Campsite
Lakeside or mountain-view pitches for tents and campervans, along with pre-pitched tents and pods, on Windermere, England’s biggest lake.
Upcoming events
Event
Family Adventure Film Afternoons at Sticklebarn
Come and join Kendal Mountain Festival at Lanty Slee's (Sticklebarn) for an afternoon of family friendly adventure films.
Event
Adventure Film and Dinner Evenings at Sticklebarn
Our ever popular adventure film and dinner events in the Langdales are back!
About The Langdales
Forged by fire and ice, the Langdales are dramatic to say the least. Home to the majestic Langdale Pikes and mountain tarns, this is a natural playground. The ambitious can tackle the major peaks, but it’s not all about high-level scrambling. The circular route around Blea Tarn is easily accessible, with views of Little and Great Langdale. High Close Estate and Arboretum, between Elterwater and Grasmere, offers 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of tranquillity, 1,000 years of fascinating history and rare trees from around the globe.
Latest news
News
Lanty Slee's opens at Sticklebarn in Langdale
Sticklebarn barn has now reopened as Lanty Slee’s Langdale. We are delighted to wish the new leaseholders, Lanty Slee’s Liquor Company, the best of luck and success.
History
Article
The history of Langdale
Learn about the history of Langdale and the role of George Macaulay Trevelyan in shaping what you see today. Find out how William Wordsworth also played a part.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Sticklebarn and the Langdales.