Elterwater

Chapel Stile

Skelwith Bridge

BLEA TARN

ELTER WATER

GREAT LANG

DALE

MICKLEDEN

Langdale Pikes from Dungeon Ghyll The compact group of peaks that form the Langdale Pikes are amongst the most easily recognisable in the Lake District. This walk takes in the four main peaks that form the Pikes followed by a steady descent back to the start via the ancient packhorse route of Stake Pass and Mickleden.

Start/Finish: Bus stop near New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale (GR NY 456 040)

Distance: 7.8 miles (12.5km)

Time: 6 hours

Height gain: 860m

Grade: Difficult

Terrain: Steep-sided gill, tarn, craggy corrie, rocky summits, high-level moorland, broad col, steep bridleway and valley bottom track.

Refreshments: Dungeon Ghyll

Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Explorer OL 6; Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland Central (1:25 000); British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000).

From the bus stop follow the path to the left of the toilet block up the side of Stickle Ghyll to cross the footbridge. Continue along the path up the right-hand side of the beck (east) as it climbs to Stickle Tarn.

Skirt around the east side of the tarn and follow the path beside Bright Beck to the eastern extremity of Pavey Ark. Once around the side of Pavey Ark a grassy rake comes into view, this is North Rake, offering a simple path to the summit of Pavey Ark.

From the rocky summit descend southwest then south to the col below Harrison Stickle. Cross the col and make the short ascent on to Harrison Stickle. The summit is made up of a number of cairns so visit each one to get the best views.

To gain Thorn Crag descend the path west then south to cross the upper reaches of Dungeon Ghyll at a grass comb. Make the short ascent south on the other side to reach Thorn Crag’s summit cairn.

Loft Crag is reached by a simple 300m walk west northwest.

Continue west northwest from Loft Crag to the head of a steep walled gully. Pass the head of the gully and follow the path as it skirts right to gain the rocky summit of Pike of Stickle.

Descend northwest and follow the path over Martcrag Moor to the broad col at the head of Stake Pass.

Turn left and follow the bridleway southwest down into Micklelden. Join the valley track and follow it southeast to Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, passing below Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag and Thorn Crag.

At Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel a bridleway climbs slightly east behind the hotel to the bus stop. Alternatively take the valley road.

Top TipsAccommodation and tourist information

The website www.golakes.co.uk/stay shows a range of serviced and self-catering accommodation. Weather

The weather in the Lake District can change quickly, clear morning skies can rapidly give way to rain, sleet or even snow so be prepared! Changes in weather can dramatically alter the difficulty of a route so please consider this before setting off. Call 0844 846 2444 to check the forecast.

Practical information

Appropriate clothing can make all the difference. It is important to be warm, comfortable and dry when out exploring so make sure you have the appropriate kit and plenty of layers.

Your rucksack should hold everything needed and be carried comfortably. Have extra layers, a hat and gloves, enough food and drink, and a first aid kit. A compass, map and the knowledge to use them is invaluable.

Mobile phone reception isn’t always good in the Lake District. Leave details of your route and expected finish time with a buddy. If you are delayed please contact your buddy to let them know. This will prevent mountain rescue, a team of volunteers, being called out unnecessarily. If there is an emergency call 999, ask for Cumbria Police and give your location; an accurate grid reference is ideal.

Key for Maps Car & Bike Ferry

Parking

Ferry

Bus Stop

Public House

Café

Information

Elterwater to Dungeon Ghyll

Head into the heart of Great Langdale and experience the majesty of this secluded valley.

Start/Finish: Bus stop in Elterwater Village Centre

Distance: 3.2 miles (5km) return

Time: 3 hours

Height gain: 50m

Grade: Easy

Terrain: Well way marked valley bottom track

Refreshments: Elterwater, Chapel Style and Dungeon Ghyll/Stickle Barn

Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Explorer OL 6; Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland Central (1:25 000); British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000).

From the Bus stop in the centre of the village walk down the hill and cross the bridge, following signs for Coniston. Just across the bridge, join the obvious path which heads up-river.

Follow the trail, keeping the river on your right for a short while. The path leads through some quarries and you will be able to see the luxurious Langdale Hotel & Spa on the other side.

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Leave the traffic and crowds behind to discover the glaciated valley of Langdale. Follow the riverside path of the Cumbria Way to tranquil tarns and rushing waterfalls.

Start/Finish: Bus stop in front of the Skelwith Hotel

Distance: 3.2 miles (5km) return

Time: 3 hours

Height gain: 130m

Grade: Easy

Terrain: Well way marked valley bottom track

Refreshments: Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater

Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Explorer OL 7; Harveys’ Superwalker Lakeland Central (1:25,000); British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40,000).

Walk down the side of the road from the bus stop (be careful on the roads) and head towards Chesters by the River. Head towards the café and you will pick up the public footpath signs for the Cumbrian Way.

Follow the footpath down by the river. Look out for the dramatic Skelwith force on your left, before you meet a beautiful wrought iron bridge known as the Trevor Woodburn Memorial Bridge. Here the route 37 cycleway joins the path.

Continue straight ahead, through the gate, into open meadow. The path continues to follow the river until it opens out into Elter Water. “Elter” is the Norse word for swan, and this reedy water is still home to swans and many other birds.

Follow the path straight on and you will shortly arrive at Elterwater the village. From here you can either retrace your outward route, going downstream this time or catch the Langdale rambler back to the start. The bus stop is on the village green outside the Britannia Inn, you could even pop in for some refreshments whilst you wait.

Alternatively, for a longer route, you can continue on the Cumbria Way through to Chapel Stile or Dungeon Ghyll and catch the bus back from there.

Skelwith Force

Elter Water

Langdale Pikes

Langdale Twizy

You will meet a wooden footbridge which crosses the river and takes you up the road, past the Wainwright Inn for a short distance. You can follow this road further to enter the village of Chapel Stile for a break or catch the bus back from outside the School if you prefer. Alternatively pick up the Cumbria Way again, almost straight away, and follow this back down to the river.

Cross the river and the route will lead you by the Great Langdale Campsite and onwards to Oak Howe. Here the route splits, but keep on the Cumbria Way, following the river and skirting around the base of Oak Howe Needle.

The route strays form the river, but returns to cross for one final time, before you meet the road near the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. From here you can catch the Rambler back or reverse your route (if you have time). Be sure to visit one of the traditional Cumbrian Inns in the valley bottom before heading home.

This map is for guidance only. Always re-plot your route on an OS map before setting off.

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Walks from the Langdale Rambler #516

FREE

Guide

golakestravel.co.uk

Do in A DAy WALKSfrom the Langdale Rambler bus service plus inspirational days out 3

UsEFUL inFoThe current bus timetable is on the back of this leaflet but you can always visit www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 200 22 33 to check public transport information before you travel.

For times of the next bus while at your stop go to www.nextbuses.mobi or text the bus stop code (displayed on the bus stop flag or in the timetable case) and your bus number to 84268. The message you send will cost your normal text message charge. The reply will cost up to 25p.

For information and inspiration on how to drive less and see more in the Lake District visit www.golakestravel.co.uk

TicKETs and oFFERs

Stagecoach Explorer tickets

Stagecoach explorer tickets offer unlimited travel on Stagecoach busses in Cumbria and North Lancashire. They are accepted on this service

Central Lakes Dayrider tickets

Central Lakes Dayrider tickets offer good value for travel in the Central Lakes Zone, which includes the 516 service. Adult day tickets start from £8, family tickets from £20.

Concessionary tickets

English National Concessionary pass holders can travel free of charge after 9.30am Monday - Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.

Pick up a copy of the Lakes Connection leaflet for up-to-date fare information.

Scan this and go to the Traveline websitefor bus and train times

Scan this fora timetable

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aMbLEsidEStop here for: info, cinema, museum, walks, cafes, pubs, bike hire, shops.

sKELWiTh bRidGEStop here for: café, shop, pub,

walks, waterfall, start of walk 1

Skelwith BridgeThe hamlet of Skelwith Bridge is a fantastic start point for many walks, there is an easy route from here to Elterwater and you can even catch the bus back if you don’t fancy the return leg. Skelwith Force, near Skelwith Bridge is a well-known, local beauty spot. The waterfall drops a mere 15 ft (4.5 m), but does so with impressive power as it surges through a narrow gap in the rock. Whilst here be sure to stop in at the pub, café and shop for some tasty treats.

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Directions: Alight at the bus stop by the Skelwith Hotel the shop, café and hotel are just behind the stop.

ElterwaterThe rural village of Elterwater and Chapel Stile have a surprising industrial past linked with quarrying and gunpowder manufacture. ‘Elter' is Old Norse for ‘swan', and the nearby Elter Water still attracts migrating Whooper and mute swans during the winter months. The reedy shores are a haven for waterfowl including goosander, teal and little grebe. There are some great food and drink stops in the village including a traditional Cumbrian inn.

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Directions: Alight at the bus stop in the centre of the village.

www.golakes.co.uk

Ambleside Stop off in this vibrant, busy town, surrounded by magnificent Lakeland fells. Ambleside is a shopping heaven, with a huge range of outdoor equipment stores and an abundance of independent retailers showcasing local food, arts and crafts.

Ambleside is fantastic fun for all the family, with picnic spots and playgrounds, mini golf and an indoor climbing wall. Its location makes it a great base for walkers.

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Directions: Alight at Kelsick Road bus stop and follow the road up the hill. You will reach the main road through Ambleside centre. Tel: 0844 225 0544www.thehubofambleside.co.uk

Chapel StileChapel Stile sits by the side of the River Brathay and at the foot of great Langdale.

Its distinctive green slate houses were built to house the quarrymen from the nearby quarries. The pretty church, built in 1857, sits on the hillside overlooking the village and has some interesting stained glass windows. There are some good places to eat and drink or why not book into the luxurious Langdale Hotel and Spa for some pampering.

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Directions: Alight at the stop by the school.

www.golakes.co.uk

Dungeon GhyllDungeon Ghyll nestles at the heart of the Langdale Valley, not far from Dungeon Ghyll Force, which cascades an impressive 40 foot down a steep ravine. It is a great place to start a classic ascent and many people start the climb of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, from here. There is an abundance of traditional Cumbrian pubs in the area, so there is guaranteed to be great food, real ale and an inviting log fire, waiting for you on your return from the hills.

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Directions: alight by the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

www.golakes.co.uk

Walking in Langdale

Hire a bike

Langdale Tarn

Enjoying a meal in Chesters, Skelwith Bridge

Near Skelwith Bridge

The Langdale Pikes

Family Walking near Ambleside

Langdale Rambler #516

ELTERWaTERStop here for: walks, pub, public

toilets, start of walk 2

chapEL sTiLEStop here for: walks, shop, café, pub

dUnGEon GyhLLStop here for: pub, walks, waterfall, public toilets, electric bike hire,

start of walk 3

A well earned drink!

Hire an Electric Bike

Britannia inn, Elterwater

Summer's day, Langdale

Take a break