Langdale Valley cycle trail
Explore the Langdale Valley on bike with this linear trail. Head off from the Langdale Pikes on the outward leg and ride through meadows, woodland and slate quarries. The journey continues along a riverside path from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge. Stop off for refreshments before heading back up the valley to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Langdale Pikes.
Near to
The LangdalesStart point
Stickle Ghyll car parkTrail information
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Stickle Ghyll car park
Stage 1
Exit the car park and turn left along the B5343 for around 100 yards before forking right through the smaller car park opposite the Sticklebarn. Follow the white-on-blue cycle route signs pointing along the wide track towards Ambleside and Elterwater.
Stage 2
Take this byway down the valley until you reach the point where the track turns left up towards the road. Fork right here following the cycle signs to Chapel Stile. Turn right again at the next junction of paths and head over the bridge across the river and straight up through Oak Howe Farm. Around the back of the farm take the path to the left, signposted to Chapel Stile.
Stage 3
This is where the uphill section starts. The view back up the valley towards the Langdale Pikes gives you a good excuse to stop and take a breather before you head through woodland towards Baysbrowne Farm. After passing through the farm keep straight on along the road until you reach a house followed immediately by a cycle path sign to the left. Take this left turn down a bridleway and through Elterwater quarry. Beware of large vehicles as you pass through the quarry.
Stage 4
As you exit the quarry take the track to the left. This runs down to the riverside where there's a lovely stone seat overlooking Great Langdale Beck. The path then climbs a little until it joins the road down from the quarry. Go down this road and turn left at the T-junction over the bridge into Elterwater village.
View of Elterwater village | © National Trust Images/David Sellman Stage 5
Leave Elterwater village via the car park at the end of the bridge and follow the riverside path signed Ambleside, route 37. The path eventually leaves the crystal-clear river behind and heads off through woodland, reappearing into open meadow at the edge of Elterwater tarn.
Stage 6
Continue along the path across open meadow where you will soon approach a gate into woodland. Go through the gate and cross the wrought iron bridge known as the Trevor Woodburn Memorial Bridge. Cycle route 37 takes you across the bridge and continues to a short section of the busy A593 to Chesters by the River at Skelwith Bridge. If you prefer to avoid the road then do not cross the memorial bridge, but instead, dismount and push your bike along the path to the left down to Chesters by the River.
The memorial bridge over Skelwith Force at Elterwater | © National Trust Images/Melvin Jefferson Stage 7
Chesters is the turnaround point for the cycle trail. Simply retrace the route back up the valley taking in the far-reaching views of the Langdale Pikes as you head back towards the Sticklebarn and Stickle Ghyll car park.
End point
Stickle Ghyll car park
Trail map
Map for Langdale cycle trail route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Stickle Tarn trail
Take on a challenging and rewarding walk up Stickle Ghyll to the tarn above, surrounded by high fells, waterfalls and rockpools.
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.
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.
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.
Get in touch
Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
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