When approaching the Lake District from the south, the Langdale Pikes in the Langdale Valley will dominate the views to the north west. It is a magnificent valley located in the centre of the Lake District and therefore very popular with walkers and climbers alike who have a wealth of opportunities to walk and scale the highest mountains in England - the Scafell range.

There is a much smaller valley to the south called Little Langdale which runs more or less parallel with the main valley. It can be accessed off the main A593 road to Coniston and contains a few houses and the Three Shires Hotel and pub. Going through the village which can get very congested in summer leads you on to Wrynose Pass following the old Roman road, traces of which can be seen on the right. This road is renowned for its steepness and narrowness and leads on to Hardnott Pass and then to Eskdale. If you manage to park your car at Little Langdale, there are several pleasant walks across the fells and a very pretty stone bridge to visit called 'Slater Bridge'.

Back to the main valley where you will pass through the village of Chapel Stile. The main industries here were Gunpowder production and stone quarrying - indeed, there is evidence of the use of the local stone for stone axe production going back to Neolithic times. Continue on and you will find car parking available at the foot of Harrison Stickle (2,415 ft) and Pike o' Stickle (2,323 ft). The deep Dungeon Ghyll looking to the left of Harrison Stickle is the main high level down climb route of the Lakeland Way from Borrowdale to Langdale.

Here, there is an impression of remoteness and inaccessibility to the summits. Although Harrison Stickle is not one of the highest mountains in the Lake District, it is one of the steepest gaining over 2,000 ft of altitude in a lateral distance of only three quarters of a mile. The route up past Stickle Tarn onto the summit of Harrison Stickle and then down to the left of the deep Dungeon Ghyll ravine is one of the classic walks in the Lake District and not to be missed.

In the addition to the Lakeland Way, there are many other walks that can be done from this base. At the head of Great Langdale is Bowfell (2,960 ft) and to the south Crinkle Crags. There are also exciting routes through to other Lakeland valleys including, Grasmere and Eskdale.

From the Harrison Stickle car park, continue on to THE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL, (www.odg.co.uk) (the last before the head of the valley) for excellent accommodation, food and drink.