Iconic Peaks..Dramatic Skylines & Star Gazing

For the second leg of our photo shoot we chose The Langdale Valley another huge fave of ours, where the hubby and I actually spend most of our sneaky nights away as it is only approx a 40 minute drive from Lakes Escape HQ and ideal for a Friday night adventure 🙂 It is also a great place for a girlie van night 🙂

Langdale takes its name from the Old Norse term for ‘long valley’. Located right at the heart of the Lake District, this U-shaped glacial valley was described by John Ruskin as ‘…the loveliest rock scenery, chased with silver waterfalls, that I ever set foot or heart upon’, I couldn’t agree more and I find it hard to find an area in the Lake District that ticks all my boxes like the Langdale Valley.

When I hear the words ‘The Langdales’ I picture the iconic two pikes ( local word for peaks ) which stand tall at the head of Great Langdale and when I arrive on a Friday Evening I know I am in one of my ‘Happy Places’. It is easy to see why so many people fall in love with the area.

Great Langdale Campsite is an award winning site and is owned by The National Trust, it is situated in the heart of Great Langdale and is an excellent site to pitch up. There are 8 hard standing pitches with electric hook up so you need to book in advance.

Your spoilt for choice for food and drink with The Old Dungeon Gyhll and Stickle Barn Tavern only a 15 minute walk away from the campsite with The New Dungeon Ghyll further along the valley. Torches are a must for the way back as there is no street lighting and you will be walking ( or dancing ) on the road back. We have had many a night lying on our backs Star Gazing!!! ( Well thats my excuse anyway 🙂 )

A particular favourite of mine is StickleBarn whether it be for a post walk pint or an evening of live music and delicious food. They are a friendly bunch and dogs and well behaved humans are always welcome. This is also a popular stop over place for Campervans. As this is a National Trust Car Park they will allow you to stay overnight as long as you pay for parking. Its a good deal! and of course it goes without saying that you spend some of your holiday fund here as with most Brit Stops. As with all responsible camping, always make sure you are welcome, leave no trace, be discreet and be mindful of locals and fellow campers by not overstaying your welcome! We have only stopped over on a weekend night so we can sample the selection of ales and be bright and breezy in the morning for a walk ( Coffee always does the trick )

Whilst in the Langdales a drive up to Blea Tarn is a must! This is a 10 minute drive up the valley. The road is very steep and narrow so only confident drivers should attempt this. There are a couple of places to park up and take in the views so set up the table and chairs and experience Al Fresco dining at its finest one of the benefits of hiring a camper 🙂 Once up the Steep climb you will be rewarded with a view of Blea Tarn. I love to swim and paddle-board here ( Remember safety first! )

The Langdales are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering some of the best crag climbing in the UK. The walk from Langdale to Stickle Tarn is one of the most popular in the Lake District, and short enough to be a relatively easy outing for families, don’t hold me to this as my youngest has been heard across the fells shouting “Are we nearly there yet?” or is that just me? My hubby and eldest are like mountain goats, the youngest must take after me! I have to warn you that it is steep and there are lots of steps but it really is worth bribing the youngsters to go up to Stickle Tarn stopping on the way to take the best Selfie and have a choccie snack, when they get to the top they will feel on top of the world!!! You start the walk from StickleBarn Tavern and on the way back you will have deserved a cold pint or three… 🙂

For those who have more energy and want to go higher you can continue up from the Tarn to the Pikes with the most incredible Vistas. For those ticking off the Wainwrights you can bag at least 6 whilst up there ( think I did 7 or maybe it felt like it ) as you can tell I am more of a swimming kinda gal but if you want to take away a piece of the Lakes then a visit to the Langdales is a must!!!!!!!