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Lake District Walking Weekend - The Langdales

Explore the Langdale valley and its surrounding peaks on this Lake District guided walking weekend, with active walks and relaxed social time with meals included.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel (all twin rooms)
Group Size: Maximum 10 (accommodation shared with others)
Level: Active Plus
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Explore the untouched Langdale valley and its surrounding peaks on two full-day guided walks.

  • Discover why the Lake District is a considered a true walkers’ paradise as you relax in tranquil surroundings.

  • Stay in cosy local accommodation (with twin rooms) that’s right in the heart of the stunning landscape - and a short distance from some fantastic local pubs!

  • Enjoy the company of a group of like-minded walkers over tasty meals prepared by your Large Outdoors host.

 

How do we grade our walks?

 

High peaks and peaceful valleys in the heart of the Lake District.

Join a group of fellow walkers and our friendly Large Outdoors team for a sociable guided walking weekend as we explore the best bits of Langdale, all from a comfortable and cosy hostel nearby (shared with other accommodation users throughout the weekend). This weekend is graded as Active Plus (see how we grade our walks here).

Right in the centre of the Lake District lies the valley of Langdale. Meaning ‘long valley’, this pristine landscape is an exceptional walking destination perfect for exploration, whether you’re keen on walking high or low. There are dozens of famous peaks peering into the valley, from the Langdale Pikes, Bow Fell, and the Crinkle Crags, alongside many beautiful smaller hills and easy stream-side strolls that are just as satisfying to walk.

You’ll be taken care of by a Large Outdoors host for the weekend, who’ll organise the days out and make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy the relaxing walking weekend you deserve.

Suggested Itinerary

Day One
Welcome to the Lake District!

You’re welcome to arrive at our accommodation for the weekend from 5pm, where your Large Outdoors host will meet you and introduce you to your fellow walking companions. Your mission this evening is simple: kick back and shed the stresses of the week, as you relax in great company.

Dinner, prepared by the hostel team, will be served at about 7pm. There’ll be a full briefing while we eat about the plans for the weekend and what the walk options for the coming days are.

Day Two

Enjoy a cooked breakfast this morning before picking up a packed lunch for the day.

Our walks, as always, will be led by friendly, qualified Large Outdoors guides. They will introduce you to the scenery and majesty of the Lake District, keeping you walking safely, comfortably, and on-track!

Today we are offering one walking route, aiming to take in a local summit or two. This walk is graded as Active Plus (see Large Outdoors experience levels here). There are loads of fantastic walking options to choose from, which could include:

  • Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags - Towering above the end of Langdale, these peaks are classic Lakeland giants and make for a brilliant day out. We’ll begin by heading up Oxendale before following paths that take us up to the Crinkle Crags. From here, we continue along the crags to the high lakes at Three Tarns, before summiting Bow Fell. Our descent will be down The Band. For the whole walk, the views of Langdale, and the knotted landscapes of the surrounding peaks, will be outstanding.

  • The Langdale Pikes - One of the most photographed peaks in the Lake District and instantly recognisable from as far away as Windermere, the Langdale Pikes are a set of rocky towers jumbled together above the torrent of Dungeon Ghyll. We’ll approach them from Langdale, climbing Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark before descending via Stickle Tarn. A great walk if you think a hill only has one summit!

  • Lingmoor Fell - A more gentle walk would be to head up Lingmoor Fell, a lower hill which stands over the village of Elterwater. After summiting the hill, we’ll descend via woodland and the lake of Elterwater, perhaps stopping in the village pub for a drink! This is one of those lower walks that provides exceptional views of the surrounding valleys and higher peaks, showing that you don’t need to go high to have a great day out.

After we’ve finished our day out walking, there’ll be plenty of time to relax and re-live the day’s adventures. You’ll enjoy another delicious dinner prepared by the hostel team tonight, but other than that the evening is yours - take it easy in our accommodation’s lounge with your fellow walkers, or head out to one of the fantastic local pubs to celebrate an awesome day out!

Day Three
Goodbye to Langdale…but first, more exploring!

After a leisurely cooked breakfast, it’s time to pack up and leave the hostel. Unlike many of our other weekend trips, today we have lined up another full day walk - we’ll choose the route for today based on the weather. Some of the possible routes today include:

Silver Howe - Spanning the gap between Langdale and Grasmere, this small hill is often overlooked, but gives excellent views over lansdale and also up to Helvellyn. With flowers and nature all around us, we’ll be able to stroll along the grassy ridge and head back down to Langdale from one of the Lake District’s best small hills.

Pike of Blisco - If we fancy another of the higher peaks, the Pike of Blisco is a great choice. Standing on its own over Langdale, it looks like the cone of an ancient volcano, and therefore provides an exhilarating ascent. We’ll head up on a loop from Oxendale (part of Langdale) and enjoy some time by the pretty lake of Red Tarn before returning down.

We will aim to finish today’s walk around 4-5pm.

Please note: on some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm.
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 7pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Elterwater Hostel
    Elterwater
    Ambleside
    LA22 9HX

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    Parking: There is a National Trust car park less than 100m away – free to National Trust members (bring your membership card) or £8.50 per day. Additional roadside parking may be found in the village of Elterwater, but please ensure you do not block any driveways or access points.

    Public Transport: Elterwater is located 8 miles from Windermere Train Station, with services to/from Oxenholme and Manchester Airport. Local bus service 516 connects with Kendal, Ambleside and Windermere (please check service/timetables before booking).

    Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive to the start of the walks, we don't include transport and people normally car share. 

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day by 5pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or meal together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • You’ll stay in the lovely Elterwater Hostel for this trip. An independent, family run hostel, the Elterwater Hostel boasts comfortable rooms and excellent social areas for relaxing after a day out (shared with other accommodation users throughout the weekend). There’s Wi-Fi throughout and a great drying room, in case we get caught in a shower and need to dry our gear.

    There is a small shop at the hostel, which stocks snacks, local beer, wine, cider and soft drinks. Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    Elterwater Hostel
    Elterwater
    Ambleside
    LA22 9HX

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room (bunk beds)

    At this hostel we have booked Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - with bunk beds - with just one other participant (bathrooms are shared with other rooms). There are also some Twin Rooms - with bunk beds - which sleep up to two participants booking together (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at Elterwater Hostel.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.

    • 2 full days (Days 2 & 3) of guided walks around the Langdales area of the Lake District.

    • 2-course dinners - prepared by the accommodation - on both evenings.

    • A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Packed lunches for Day 2 & 3’s walks, prepared by the accommodation. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed shop if you wish to purchase alcohol.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    • Can I attend on my own?
      Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
      Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this experience?
      We do not provide any transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
      Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

  • Right in the north-west of England, the Lake District is a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes, rivers and woodland. One of the UK’s first National Parks, it’s scenery has been appreciated for hundreds of years, and is still the number one destination for many outdoor enthusiasts today.

    Sculpted by volcanoes and ice over millions of years, the Lakes is now the site of sheep farming, mountaineering, and a very popular spot for those with an all-round love of nature!

 

 Book your Lake District Walking Weekend - The Langdales