The Langdale Skyline is one of the ultimate challenges in the Lake District. A huge circular mountain journey taking in the spectacular fells surrounding Great Langdale, this is a big day of climbs, rocky ridges, dramatic summits and some of the finest scenery in the country. From the iconic Langdale Pikes to Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and Pike O’Blisco the route links together some of the Lake District’s most celebrated peaks to create one unforgettable mountain adventure.
It is long, it is demanding and it is absolutely worth it.
The Langdale Skyline demands commitment. There are no shortcuts once you’re high on the fells, and the combination of distance and ascent makes this a challenging undertaking. But that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding adventure. We’ll set a steady, sustainable pace and make sensible decisions throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy the route without having to worry about navigation or route finding. Your Mountain Leader will manage the route and continually assess the weather, terrain and conditions.
The Langdale Pikes. Few mountains in the Lake District have such an unmistakable character. The jagged outline of the Langdale Pikes is one of the defining sights of the valley, and getting amongst these rocky summits gives the route an incredible start.
Bowfell. One of the great mountains of the Lake District. Standing at nearly 3’000ft, Bowfell rises dramatically above Great Langdale and provides huge views across the surrounding fells. Reaching the summit after the miles already covered is a memorable moment on the route.
Crinkle Crags: A spectacular section of rocky high ground with a real sense of adventure. The ridge undulates across a series of rocky tops, with short steep sections and opportunities for some hands-on movement depending on the route and conditions.
Pike of Blisco: As the route continues around the valley, Pike of Blisco provides another fantastic high point and a fitting part of this huge mountain circuit. By this stage you’ll have earned the views.
This is a challenging mountain day and shouldn’t be underestimated. The distance and ascent require a good level of fitness, as well as experience of walking for long periods on mountainous and uneven terrain.
You should be comfortable with:
If you’re unsure whether the Langdale Skyline is for you, get in touch. We’ll talk through the route, your experience and your goals and help you decide whether it’s the right challenge.
Taking on a route like the Langdale Skyline with a qualified Mountain Leader means you can concentrate on the adventure. We’ll take care of the navigation and route finding, while sharing our knowledge of the mountains along the way. You’ll learn about the landscape, the terrain and the decisions that go into moving safely through the mountains. And if conditions change, we’ll adapt. A successful mountain day isn’t about sticking rigidly to a line on a map. It’s about making good decisions and getting everyone home safely.
