The Wainwright routes have continuously gained in popularity, ever since the eponymous Alfred Wainwright published his seven guides on the cumulative 214 walks in the Lake District in the mid 20th century. Since then, these books have seen a revival through the publication of the second editions. These document how best to approach Alfred’s routes today, as well as accounting for any changes made to the natural landscape by mother nature or man alike.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the Wainwright walks situated in the natural beauty that is Langdale. From most of our properties in the Lake District, Langdale is an atmospheric forty-minute drive through the center of Cumbria. Here, we’ll be focusing on two walks of differing difficulty.
Climbing Langdale can be a bit of a monster for the unprepared or unskilled fellwalker, but for the tried and tested, completing the Langdale Ten is the ultimate test of endurance. In this section, we’ll be looking at a circular route which can tick the box of three Langdale fells – including Harrison Stickle, Stickle Pike and Rossett Pike – all of which are certified Wainwrights.
Of Langdale’s greatest peaks, Pike O’ Stickle arguably provides the best view, as it looks across the neighbouring fells to Glaramara, Great Gable and Skiddaw. The views from the top are nice, but there are also some brilliant features at the lower levels of this adventure, most notably the starting and end point – The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. If you thought this friendly hotel and pub-restaurant was a friendly sight at the start of your journey, you’ll love it all the more at the end of your route, when you’re sat beside the fire with a hot dinner and a good drink.
The circular route for this fell is estimated to take no less than 5 and a half hours for an experienced walker. The difficulty varies at different points in the walk. The route begins with a series of steep inclines and rough screes that will impede travellers and slow progress. This is the section of the walk that will likely defeat any inexperienced walkers attempting to scale this height, but it also provides the most gratifying rewards once ascended.
On the other hand, once you’ve descended Rossett Pike, the hike turns into a gentle walk down the hill and back towards the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. This section of the trail wanders through the valley of Little Langdale and snakes between the high fells, reminding you how high you managed to ascend during your walk.
If you’re in love with Langdale like we are, but you’re either not confident in your hiking ability or want a walk that’s more suitable for children, then we recommend the hike to Stickle Tarn. This linear walk will take most families around 2 hours to complete, assuming that you don’t plan to take a dip in the lake.
You will pass Stickle Tarn at the start of the circular route around the Langdale peaks, so while it’s not an official Wainwright fell, it is a family-friendly section of a Wainwright walk that could lead you to Harrison Stickle, if you were willing to climb a further 250m.
Helm Mount Lodge is currently our closest property to the central lakes, situated in the peaceful village of Barrows Green, a stone’s throw away from Kendal. Helm Mount Lodge can be hired as the full lodge – comprised of both the Spring cottage and Autumn Cottage – or you can pay for an individual cottage. This makes Helm Mount the perfect solution for a large group getaway or a sophisticated hen party.
Overall, Helm Mount can comfortably cater for 14 people in 7 bedrooms. Spring Cottage is one of our dog friendly holiday cottages in the Lake District and permits one well-behaved, medium-sized dog.
Helm Mount is situated near Kendal, making it a prime location for enthusiastic walkers looking to take on some of the Wainwrights, but many of our other properties around Kirkby Lonsdale are only a short drive away from the best fells in Cumbria. If you’re interested in more of our luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District, we have plenty of properties to peruse on our website.
