Langdale Skyline Challenge
Linking the classic summits of the Langdale Valley
The much loved Langdale valley gives easy assess to a number of classic mountains, with their rocky and rugged peaks, being deservedly popular with walkers and rock climbers alike. It is home to the Langdale Pikes, a group of summits which provide a well known and easily identifiable skyline, even from far way. This challenge aims to complete a circuit around the greater part of the valley, ascending all of these classic peaks.
The Langdale Skyline Challenge represents a medium level of challenge for a one day event if the full circuit is undertaken, being suitable for a mixed ability groups who have completed a good degree of training before hand, with a good level of fitness. Expect to be walking for around 8 hours, with the chance of experiencing Lake District weather at its best and worst.
A shorter circuit is available, creating a slightly easier challenge for those who are a little less fit, but prior training is still needed to increase your chances of success. This would provide around 6-7 hours of walking with 2 less summits. Previous mountain walking experience is not essential as the technical level of the challenge are moderate, including man made and rough mountain paths with some steep ascents.
This challenge could be included as part of a 2 day weekend along with one of the other Skyline, Scrambler, or challenge events.
We recommend that in the lead-up to this challenge, participants work on building up their stamina with weekly cardio-vascular exercise of a minimum of 1 hour per day, 5 days per week to build up their calf + quad muscles. We can help you prepare for this event – for information about our pre-selection / training day click here.
Itinerary
Arrival day
Check into your accommodation in Ambleside, Keswick or Langdale followed by early evening team briefing. Alternatively, we can arrange transfers from Penrith Rail Station.
Second day - Walking
Starting from the National Trust car park in the middle of the Langdale Valley, we ascend up the side of Stickle Ghyll to reach the tranquil Stickle Tarn surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Pikes behind, and beautiful views of the valley. A steep climb leads to the first summit of Harrison Stickle (736m). Continuing west leads to the rounded rocky dome of Pike of Stickle (709m), before a long very gentle decent takes us to Stake Pass. A gradual ascent traverses over the minor peak of Rossett Pike (650m) before a short drop to Angle Tarn, then its a steeper climb up to Bow Fell’s summit (902m). Descending down Bow Fell’s south side leads to the col of ‘Three Tarns’, where the longer and shorter circuits now split.
Shorter Circuit: From the Three Tarns, turning east we head down the large broad ridge of The Band, following it until it brings us back to the head of the valley, where a flat walk through a farmyard and some farmland brings us back to the starting point.
Full Circuit: From the Three Tarns, we continue south, ascending along the main ridge of the mountain range until reaching Long Top (859m), the summit of Crinkle Crags. Following the descending ridgeline south-eastwards , avoiding the ‘Bad Step’ on its crest, until reaching Red Tarn at the foot of the Pike of Blisco. Now starts the last climb of the day, steep and rocky in places, up to the top of the Pike of Blisco (705m). Heading down the north-east flanks of the mountain brings us to a single track road, followed downhill back into the bottom of the valley, were a short walk through farmland takes us back to the start.
Shorter Circuit – Total distance 15.5km, Total Ascent 1242m, Total Descent 1242m, Target Time 6-7hrs
Full Circuit – Total distance 17.7km, Total Ascent 1572m, Total Descent 1572m, Target Time 8hrs
Duration: 1 Day
Activities: Walking
Suitable for: Charity fundraising and/or team building groups.
Comments: Prior mountain walking experience is not essential and ideally suited to mixed ability groups offering superb panoramic views and classic summits in the Langdale Valley
Prices from: £275
Call: 017687 75337
Booking Enquiry
Package Prices
Standard
Guest House – bed & breakfast + packed lunch
15% off Cotswold voucher
Head torches and Trekking poles included
Price is per person
Budget
Hostel – bed & breakfast + packed lunch
15% off Cotswold voucher
Head torches and Trekking poles included
Price is per person
Premium
Hotel – bed & breakfast + packed lunch
15% off Cotswold voucher
Head torches and Trekking poles included
Price is per person
