Great Langdale and Little Langdale
Langdale is split into two valleys, Great Langdale and Little Langdale.
Great Langdale is the larger of the two, running from the village of Elterwater into the centre of the Langdales where there is no further road. Little Langdale is almost parallel to Great Langdale, on the southern side of Lingmoor Fell.
Great Langdale
Langdale is split into two valleys, Great Langdale and Little Langdale. Great Langdale is the larger of the two, running from the village of Elterwater into the centre of the Langdales where there is no further road. The iconic Pike O-Stickle can be seen from across the lake District at over 2,300 ft high. Whilst there are plenty of fell routes to walk for the experienced hiker, the Cumbria Way runs through Great Landgale for a lower-level, but still challenging, walk. There are a handful of pubs to enjoy after exploring, or for a relaxing day.
Little Langdale
Little Langdale has lower level public footpaths to enjoy, with surrounding views to take in. Skelwith Bridge is a characterful village at the eastern end of of the Valley and can be easily reached by bus.
The Landgale Valley usually gets busy. Planning your journey with public transport is a great way to enjoy the Lake District stress-free.
Elterwater
This small, reed-fringed lake often has fantastic reflections of the Langdale Pikes. There is a relatively flat walk from Elterwater village past the lake towards Skelwith Bridge. As one of our Miles Without Stiles Accessible routes, you can find full route details below.
Routes
The Langdale Valley has a range of routes from challenging to accessible for many.
Find one of our accessible Miles Without Stiles routes, join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Langdale area has 2 easy-access routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
Travelling to and around Langdale
The Langdale Valley is well connected by public transport.
The Langdale Valley is popular spot year round. Take in the incredible scenery on the bus or check out our cycling, walking and Miles Without Stiles routes above to make travel an exciting part of your day.
Bus services
Operated by Stagecoach, bus number 516 runs between Ambleside and Dungeon Ghyll at the head of Great Langdale every day of the week. By travelling by bus, you have no worries about parking, it gives you the freedom to start and finish your walk at different places and you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular views. You are also helping this special place by reducing traffic and carbon emissions.
The bus calls at Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater, New Dungeon Ghyll and Old Dungeon Ghyll and all stops in between.
Links for connecting services
From Ambleside Bus Station there are direct buses linking you to Keswick, Grasmere, Coniston, Windermere, Bowness, Kendal and Lancaster.
Cycling to Langdale
Bring your own bike, or hire an electric or mountain bike in Hawkshead and cycle a mostly off-road route into Langdale.
Follow the off road Langdale Trail (National Trust) from Ambleside to New Dungeon Ghyll, a scenic ride on bridleways with some steep and rough sections.
Confident road cyclists will enjoy the challenging hills on the roads past Blea Tarn and Red Bank, it’s best to go early or late in the day or out of season if you can to avoid the traffic.
