Mickleden Valley trail
Walk into the wilds of Mickleden, a Langdale valley where clues to Neolithic and Norse settlers lie beneath dramatic views of pikes and crags. This easy out-and-back route follows the bridleway along the valley floor, on a section of the Cumbria Way.
Near to
The LangdalesStart point
Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park, grid ref: NY286061Trail information
Stony terrain
The track is easy to follow but stony in places. Wear sturdy footwear suitable for the weather conditions.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park, grid ref: NY286061
Stage 1
Leave the car park and walk behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, through a gate and onto the stony track heading left. You'll follow this path all the way along the valley.
Stage 2
Begin your walk along the stony track, looking up to see the rocky outcrops of Raven Crag above you on the right.
Stage 3
Continue along the main track, ignoring any small paths climbing up the fell to your right. With navigation easy, keep an eye out for wildlife around you. The surrounding crags provide nesting for the peregrine falcon and the lower, rock-strewn valley is home to the migrating wheatear.
Juniper trees on the fellside in Mickleden | © National Trust/David Hamer Stage 4
The valley opens up in front of you as you pass the last sign of habitation on the left of the valley, Stool End Farm. As you admire the views of Gimmer Crag and Pike O’ Stickle, close your eyes and imagine the sound of rock cracking against rock, as Neolithic workers made stone axes. The rock in this area is perfect for stone tools, because of its very hard yet easily workable nature. Rejected axe heads have been found on the slopes of Pike O’ Stickle.
Pike O'Stickle, seen from the trail through Mickleden | © National Trust/David Hamer Stage 5
As you near the head of the valley, look out for the strange lumps and bumps on the valley floor. These are glacial moraines.
Moraines at the head of the Mickleden Valley trail | © National Trust/David Hamer Stage 6
Continue on the path past the glacial moraines until you reach the wooden bridge across the stream, near the walled sheep pen. This is the turnaround point for the walk. Take time to rest and enjoy the views before heading back along the same route to your start point at the Old Dungeon Ghyll.
The sheep pen at the head of Mickleden | © National Trust/David Hamer End point
Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust car park, grid ref: NY286061
Trail map
Map of the Mickleden Valley trail | © 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.
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.
Langdale Valley cycle trail
Take a 11-mile cycle trail through Langdale Valley with views and opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.
Get in touch
Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
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