Bucket list experience:
The Langdale Pikes is a classic Lake District ‘round’, a multi-hill loop hike that allows keen ‘peak baggers’ to tick off several summits in a single walk.
The main route climbs up past the waterfall of Dungeon Ghyll Waterfall, then loops across the ‘Pikes’ – which can, depending on your chosen route, take in between three and six summits: Pike of Stickle, Pavey Ark, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle, Thunacar Knott and Thorn Crag. The route then loops back down via Dungeon Ghyll, or you can add on an optional descent via Martcrag Moor.
It offers wonderful views over the valley of Great Langdale, and is also a stiff workout – there’s plenty of ascent involved, and depending on your route, some airy drops too, but there are few walks in Lakeland that offer such drama and diversity of scenery.
Stop for a post-hike pint at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, (locally known as the ODG), one of the most iconic Lakeland inns – and much loved by many famous walkers and climbers.
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Destination Guide >The main route starts in Great Langdale next to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. There’s a large car-park, but it fills up quickly on busy days, so arrive early if you want to bag a spot. Occasionally extra parking is available in a nearby field.
It’s a well-trodden trail, but you’re on pretty high ground here, with a maximum height of 736m on top of Harrison Stickle. The paths between the Pikes can occasionally be indistinct – so a map and compass definitely comes in handy. Walk Lakes has a useful route description and map, or you can download a fun hand-drawn map and PDF guide sheet produced by the New Dungeon Ghyll.
Allow 4-5 hours depending on route (around 6 miles). As always, sturdy boots, wet weather gear and plenty of food and water are essential.
Walking is superb all year round. Summer (usually) brings good weather but crowds. Winter offers invigorating walking conditions and fewer crowds, but be prepared for snow on the Fells.
If you’re an inexperienced walker, it’s best avoided in bad weather as cloud and fog can make route finding very tricky.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Great Langdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[3.5 miles]
The Lakeland version of a deluxe ski lodge, offering supremely plush rooms, a lavish spa and a very private location on a Langdale estate. It’s also adults-only – making this an ideal place for couples looking for a place to pamper themselves.
Official star rating:
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.7 miles]
A large, lakeside hotel not far from Grasmere, with a variety of rooms to suit all kinds of visitors – families, couples, walkers and weekend breakers will all find a happy home here.
Official star rating:
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[5.1 miles]
One of the very best of the Lake District’s boutique hotels, a reinvented country mansion, brimming with wit, style and invention. In prime position for exploring the Lakes..
Official star rating:
Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[9.7 miles]
A charming, cosy boutique hotel, perched on a private hillside on a 67-acre estate, with an excellent restaurant and grandstand views across Lake Windermere.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.8 miles]
Take a guided tour around Wordsworth’s charming cottage near Grasmere to get a fascinatingly personal insight into the poet’s life and times – and don’t miss the brilliant museum next door.
Best for ages: 180+ | £12
Rydal, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[7 miles]
Wordsworth’s grand family home between Ambleside and Grasmere is an essential stop: it’s full of memorabilia, and offers an intriguing glimpse of the Wordsworth family’s daily life in the Lakes.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Wasdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[7.9 miles]
Climb up to the highest point in England for a memorable view of the Wasdale fells – and a special sense of achievement. But don’t expect to be on your own if the weather’s fine
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[9.9 miles]
Venture underground into the dark mines under Honister Pass to discover the history of Lakeland slate mining – and, if you’re feeling brave, tackle an underground climbing expedition.
Best for ages: 3+ | £18
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.4 miles]
Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread is an institution in Grasmere: it’s been made to the same recipe since 1854. It’s wonderfully quaint – the frilly outfits worn by the shop staff are something from a bygone age.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3 hours
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.5 miles]
The region’s most picturesque and charming village. Grasmere is set on the shores of its eponymous lake and cradled by green fields and fells. William Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s – you can see the poet’s tombstone.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[9.9 miles]
Thrilling rock climbing made more accessible – an adventure course of cables, rungs, ladders and bridges.
Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 3 hours
Hawkshead, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[10.1 miles]
This small gallery in Hawkshead is located in the old office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, solicitor William Heelis. It holds regular exhibitions of her work, including her beautiful botanical paintings.
Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 3 hours
