Things to do in the Langdales

Path along mountain side with walkers — Walkers near Angle Tarn, Great Langdale, Cumbria | © John Malley

On a visit to the Langdales, you can take the tracks on a walk, cycle the Langdale Trail and discover over 1,000 years of fascinating history at High Close Estate and Arboretum.

Take a walk in Langdale

See the countryside in all its glory on a walk in the dramatic Langdale Valley, choose a short easy walk or a fell-top expedition.

See the unmistakable outline of the spectacular Langdale Pikes, plus rock pools and dramatic waterfalls on the challenging 1.9-mile (3-km) Stickle Tarn trail. Or why not take the family on the easier Mickleden walk (3.8 miles; 6.1km) to the bottom of two ancient mountain passes? Whatever your age or ability, there's a stroll to suit you and your walking companions.

Bike the Langdale cycle trail

This trail through Great Langdale valley runs away from the Pikes on the outward leg, through varied scenery of meadow, woodland, slate quarry and eventually along a riverside path from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge. Here you can stop off for refreshments before heading back up the valley to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Langdale Pikes. Take a look at the trail.

Visit High Close Estate and Arboretum

Discover 11 acres of rare trees and shrubs from around the world at High Close Estate and Arboretum. Originally planted in 1866 by Edward Wheatley-Balme, a Yorkshire merchant and philanthropist, High Close was designed in the fashion of the day using many of the recently discovered ‘exotic’ conifers and evergreen shrubs coming into Britain from America. The exposed location of the garden has resulted in some of the larger trees being lost, the majority falling in the winter storms of 1973 and 1983, but there are still many fine specimens including Douglas firs, Sitka spruce and giant redwoods. Explore High Close with the High Close Tree Trail.