Scafell Pike via Great Langdale

The classic, long, and demanding valley approach

Route Overview

The Langdale route is the longest and most physically demanding of the traditional walks up Scafell Pike. Beginning at the iconic Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, the route heads straight down the flat, dramatic valley floor of Mickleden. From there, you ascend the steep, rocky zig-zags of Rossett Gill, climbing up to the beautiful Angle Tarn nestled under Bowfell. After crossing the high col at Esk Hause, the route traverses the high, rocky plateau crossing the boulder fields of Ill Crag and Broad Crag before reaching the summit of Scafell Pike. The return journey traces the same path back down, offering stunning views of the Langdale Pikes.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Oxenholme, connect to Windermere, then board direct Stagecoach 516 bus to Old Dungeon Ghyll. (Station: London Euston to Oxenholme / Windermere, then Bus 516 to Langdale, duration: 3h 40m train to Windermere + 45 min bus).

By Bus: Take National Express coach from Victoria to Windermere, then board direct Stagecoach 516 bus to the Old Dungeon Ghyll bus terminus. (6h 30m - 7h 45m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Stickle Ghyll / Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust Car Park (LA22 9JU). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 5h 00m - 6h 00m from London Victoria (278 miles via M1, M6 (J36), A591 past Windermere & B5343). From London Victoria, drive north via M1 and M6 to Junction 36 (Kendal), follow A591 past Windermere and Ambleside, and take B5343 westbound directly into Great Langdale.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Scafell Pike via Great Langdale trail:

• ☕ The Hikers Bar at Old Dungeon Ghyll: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Sticklebarn Cafe: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Scafell Pike via Great Langdale from London?

Take Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Oxenholme, connect to Windermere, then board direct Stagecoach 516 bus to Old Dungeon Ghyll. (Station: London Euston to Oxenholme / Windermere, then Bus 516 to Langdale, duration: 3h 40m train to Windermere + 45 min bus).

Where is the closest car park for Scafell Pike via Great Langdale?

Nearest car park is Stickle Ghyll / Old Dungeon Ghyll National Trust Car Park (LA22 9JU). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 5h 00m - 6h 00m from London Victoria (278 miles via M1, M6 (J36), A591 past Windermere & B5343). From London Victoria, drive north via M1 and M6 to Junction 36 (Kendal), follow A591 past Windermere and Ambleside, and take B5343 westbound directly into Great Langdale.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Scafell Pike via Great Langdale covers 17.8 km (11.1 miles) with an estimated duration of 6.5 - 7 hours, graded as Challenging. Starts at Old Dungeon Ghyll and finishes at Old Dungeon Ghyll.