The Langdales

The valleys of Great and Little Langdale lie in the shadow of the mighty Langdale Pikes. A series of soaring, jagged volcanic peaks, they are the backbone of the Cumbrian Mountains that form one of the most iconic images of the Lake District.

There is a host of walks, treks, scrambles and climbs, which take you through green valleys, by tumbling becks and waterfalls, across woodland, little tarns to up high on rocky peaks. To get the best from this majestic range of mountain and fell, buy some local guides and maps to pick your route and see our Lake District Guide for some basic safety tips before preparing to set off into the wilds.

There are nine hills and mountains in this range:

• Pike O 'Stickle 709m
• Harrison Stickle 736m
• Loft Crag 630m
• Pavey Ark 700m
• Thunacar Knott 723m
• High Raise 762m
• Sergeant Man 730m
• Blea Rigg 541m
• Crinkle Crags 859m

Gentle Walks

For those that like to keep things a bit easier, you can drive to the start of some gentler walks. A favourite with visitors is Blea Tarn. Set off the narrow road between Great and Little Langdale, there is a handy car park above the tarn. A panoramic location, beneath the shadows of the rugged Langdale Pikes, the tarn stands 700 ft above sea level.

Alpine Flowers

The surrounding meadow is a carpet of wild alpine flowers throughout the spring and summer. The tarn is quite small, with a circular footpath, however you can wander off track, exploring some of the rocky outcrops.

The Hard Knott & Wrynose Pass

Driving the Hard Knott and Wrynose Pass is the closest to mountaineering in your car that England has to offer, and that’s no small boast. Running through and over the Langdales, this most dramatic road snakes its precipitous route through the craggy mountains, offering breath taking views and picture-book moments.

Parking

There are plenty of parking spots where you can simply wander off and explore the rocky heights and breathe the fresh mountain air.

The Duddon Valley

Dropping down from the Wrynose Pass to the Wrynose Bottom, you can either carry on to the Hard Knott for more steering pleasure or turn left and enter the Duddon Valley. From the Langdales, west of the Three Shires Stone on Wrynose Pass, the river heads south from Pike O’ Blisco, beginning its ten-mile journey across the valley floor, down to the Duddon Sands, its course flanked by impressive fell and woodland.

To the sea

Harter, Dunnerdale and Ulpha all offer challenging high-level treks, along with many low-level paths and trails over moorland, through woodland and by the river banks. Finally, the river reaches the salt marshes of the Duddon Estuary, emptying into the Morecambe Bay. The estuary is a wildlife and bird sanctuary and winter home to many different species.

Stay in the Langdales

If you're looking to scale these dramatic mountains and soak up their stunning vistas for yourself, our Lake District holiday cottages are perfect for a break exploring the Langdales as well as the Duddon Valley. Wonderful walks await from the doorstep, with the area's famous lakes, mountain scenery and charming towns all a stone's throw away.