Langdale Valleys

The two dramatic Langdale Valleys lie to the west of Ambleside in the very heart of the National Park and include Elterwater, Chapel Stile, Little Langdale and Skelwith Bridge. Here you will find some of the most majestic mountain scenery in Britain and certainly some of the finest walking.

The Langdale Valley
The Britannia Inn, Elterwater centre

At the head of Great Langdale you will be surrounded by the great peaks of The Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Pike O'Blisco - dramatic crags, tumbling waterfalls and mountain tarns.

Take the tiny road over to Little Langdale via Blea Tarn and tackle the remote Hardknott and Wrynose Passes or venture up the highest peak in England - Scafell Pike.

Elterwater village and Chapel Stile have well-stocked village shops and good pubs whilst the hamlet of Little Langdale has The Three Shires Inn and the Great Langdale Valley has the New and Old Dungeon Ghyll Inns, Britannia Inn and Wainwrights Inn.

It's probably true to say that this area of the Lake District draws most of its visitors from those who are serious walkers and climbers. Nevertheless, its appeal is universal, and if a holiday among truly magnificent mountain scenery is what you are seeking then Langdale is the place for you.

There's hardly a shop in sight (apart from the local Co-op in Chapel Stile), but there are several interesting country pubs and hostelries in which you can really relax and unwind, leave your best clothes at home, meet the locals and you'll soon feel part of the countryside.

Based anywhere in Langdale a short walk or drive will take you to some of the most stunning viewpoints you'll find anywhere in the world. Although most of the walks in the area are demanding, there are some country strolls to be discovered through farms and valleys but always surrounded by those timeless mountain peaks - a truly worthwhile holiday at any time of year.

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