14 Feb 2024: Please note there are unauthorised forestry works taking place in the woodland just west of Basebrown Farm which may impede usage of this route for one week.This route is also being updated to a 'for some' route with 'challenging' sections. The challenging section is from above Base Brown Farm heading west until the steep slope indicated by an arrow, just past Hag Wood.
A stunning walk (6km each way) along the beautiful Great Langdale valley taking in the upper rugged valley, a working quarry and wooded riverside. The first section to the footbridge over Great Langdale Beck is suitable for all, after which this route is for some, with a challenging section in the middle.- OS Explorer Map OL7
From the back of the LDNPA car park take the Old Langdale Road down the valley. After 1.6 km the track bends sharp left, but instead take a right, through a gate onto a field edge path. Pass through three more gates to another track and a footbridge over Great Langdale Beck.
From here to Elterwater there are some steep sections at the 'challenging' grade. Turn right after crossing the footbridge and go past a cottage. Descend slightly and turn sharp left before a long uphill stretch (1:5) into Hag Wood. Go through the wood and down another steep slope (1:6) to Baysbrown Farm. Head through the farmyard and continue uphill and along the farm’s road.
Immediately after a house on the left, turn left onto a track towards Elterwater Quarry. Follow the signs carefully through the quarry. Look for a sign pointing you left down a steep track between quarry spoil heaps. Take care.
Follow the river to Wainwright’s Bridge - cross this if you want to visit Chapel Stile. To carry on, stay on the same side of the river and follow the path up to the quarry road. Continue along this - watch out for quarry traffic, then turn left over the road bridge into Elterwater Village.
This route can be combined with Miles Without Stiles Route 11 (Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge, Route For Many) for a longer excursion (16km round trip).
Please note the map below is yet to be updated. This is a 'for some' route with a 'challenging' section near Base Brown Farm in the middle.
New Dungeon Ghyll
Postcode: LA22 9JX
Grid reference: NY 295064
W3W: ///responds.gains.essays
Grid reference: NY 328048
W3W: ///hikes.recline.polka
Public toilets at Stickle Barn (accessible) and Elterwater. Slates Cafe in Elterwater also has an accessible toilet when open. Refreshments at New Dungeon Ghyll, Wainwright’s Inn, Chapel Stile and Britannia Inn, Elterwater
Bus: Langdale Rambler service 516 runs from Ambleside to New Dungeon Ghyll. This bus stops at Elterwater, Skelwith Bridge and Dungeon Ghyll so you can shorten the walk route if you want. Car: A593 from Ambleside or Coniston and turn at Skelwith Bridge on the B5343. It is 6.9 km or 4.2 miles to New Dungeon Ghyll.
