 
 
|
|
 |
Borrowdale to Langdale
High Level Route
|
 |
(Use Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 4 map - The English Lakes NorthWestern Area and Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 6 map - The English Lakes South Western Area). To view a cross-section of the route click here
After a long drive, we recommend an overnight stay at the Scafell Hotel for a welcome rest, refreshments and to allow for an early departure the following morning.
There are several different routes from Borrowdale to Langdale. We chose the high level route for the scenic beauty and have focused on this route in our notes. However, in the event of bad weather, we have provided details of a lower level route through to Langdale.
Leave the Scafell Hotel entrance and turn right back through Rosthwaite village. Take a right turn and go over Rosthwaite bridge. Turn right again and follow the path walking next to Stonethwaite Beck on the right. After approximately one third of a mile, join the Cumbria Way path. Ahead, you will see the start of the Langstrath valley and to the left, the towering cliffs of Eagle Crag. At that point see the beautiful clear waters of the Beck and the water falls at Galleny Force where swimming is possible in the summer we are told! Keep to the left and then start the long climb up to Greenup Edge with the path following alongside Greenup Gill. See the water falls to the right and underneath Eagle Crag.
The path presses on steadily gaining height. The objective is to reach the really prominent towering peak of Lining Crag standing aloft from the track. There is a hard hike to the top of the crag but well worth it for the views when you turn back and look down towards Borrowdale.
After a well earned rest, follow the boggy path until you reach the outcrop of rocks over Greenup Edge. From here look eastwards and see the Helvelyn range and south east down towards Grasmere. Looking south you will now see Lake Windermere. From here climb up towards Low White Stones to your right. From here, turn back and get a wonderful panoramic view of the Borrowdale Valley before pressing on to arrive at High Raise (762 metres) and the Cairn which many call the hub of the Lake District with a virtual 360° stunning panorama. In particular, look northwards to the North Lakes peaks and see Borrowdale, Skiddaw and even the Solway Firth (on a clear day).
From here walk across fairly level terrain towards the Langdale Pikes and heading firstly to Thunacar Knott before coming onto Harrison Stickle. Here there are many fine views down Dungeon Ghyll and the Langdale valley. To the south see Blea Tarn, to the south west Crinkle Crags and to the west, the Bowfell range. Harrison Stickle is an excellent base to undertake further exploration of the Langdale Pikes such as walking over to Pike of Stickle to the west.
There are several descent routes such as walking down to Stickle Tarn and seeing the impressive Pavey Ark to the left. We recommend walking on down following Stickle Ghyll. From Harrison Stickle, take the popular and impressive Dungeon Ghyll route. Continue the steep descent between Thorn Crag and Loft Crag heading towards the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Before reaching the Hotel watch out for the track heading right which is part of the Cumbria Way Trail. This follows a fairly level route. From the right turn and less than a mile away, you will reach the comfort of the ODG and well earned refreshment in the Walkers Bar!
Total Route Mileage - approx 8 miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
