Tag: Walking England

The Langdale Pikes – 7 Wainwrights in 7 miles

The Langdale Pikes, is an iconic walk in the Central Lake District.
And for those bagging Wainwrights, this hike takes in: Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, Sergeant Man, Stickle Tarn

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate + to strenuous
Length	7 mi – 11.3 km
Total elevation	2,960 ft – 620m
Highest point	2,500 ft – 762m
Walking time	c. 5h00
Terrain	Hiking paths, footpaths and some light scrambling
Equipment	Layers, layers, layers ! The top can get exposed to wind-chill and plenty of water (Although You will cross some ghyll / stream after c. 2 miles, 4.5 miles, 5 miles, 5.5 miles, and will be following the ghyll again from the 6th mile onward) – Good sturdy shoes as some parts are bit scrambly (no technical skills required) and some parts can be muddy.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: The National Trust car park at the Langdales is free to members but expensive otherwise. The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel has a spill over in its adjacent field that is the cheaper than the NT car-park and open to anyone (you don’t have to be a guest)
Public transport: Sadly, the walk is not easily accessible by public transport.
It takes about an hour and 2 busses from Windermere

Watering Holes

The New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdale – at the beginning or end of the walk.
Owned by the Red Cat Pub Company
For sunny days; there are some seating in front of the hotel and further seating in the 6 acres garden with some deck chairs and stunning views of Crinkle Crags. For the cooler day; the Walker’s bar is open to non-residents and has a wood-burning fire.
It serves its own branded ales as well as other locally brewed ales. And the food is locally sourced.
Expect pub classics as well as gastro-pub type dishes served from 12:00 daily
You can also grab breakfast or a cup of coffee before setting off as Stickle Barn does not open before 10 am.
Stickle Barn – Langdale – at the beginning or end of the walk.
Taken over from the National Trust by Lanty Slee in May 2024; the company has spent renovating the property.
They have a free tuk-tuk service from 16:00-21:00 to the NT campsite. And live music on some nights.
Some local ales served in the bar, the beer-garden or the cute and shaded family friendly outdoors area.
Delicious cakes throughout the day and American type menu.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

The Langdales is walker’s paradise for a week-end. You could enjoy this particular hike on one day, and take it easy the next day with my low-level walk around the Langdales the next day: https://peregrinatenw.co.uk/2024/08/13/great-and-little-langdale-a-low-level-lake-district-walk-with-4-pubs-1-swim-and-a-cathedral/
But you will find countless other options if you fancy something easier / shorter or more technical (like Jack’s Rake or rock-climbing).
Unlike Ambleside or Keswick; this would be an outdoor pursuit only week-end. There are a few options nearby for food and drinks but no shopping there.

For a luxury stay: The New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdales
It offers comfortable rooms in a mix of double, twins and family rooms.

For groups: The Great Langdale Bunkhouse – behind the New Dungeon Ghyll
Sleeps 18 divided into 3 twin rooms and two rooms of 6 (all bunk beds).
Equipped with biomass central heating and hot water with powerful showers.
Separate male and female shows and toilet facilities.
There are no self-catering options but a tavern, the New Dungeon Ghyll and Stickle Barn on its doorstep.

For a cosy B&B or self-catering for up to 6 people: Millbeck Farm – Langdale
A beautiful 17th centrury farm-building. (Actually still a working farm!) And the owners breed Herdies.
Basic rooms with shared bathrooms at the B&B. With delicious and substantial breakfast.
They also rent 2 rustic cottages that can accommodate 6 in total (Double, twin and bunk room)

September 7, 2024

Another Place: a sunny coastal walk in Merseyside with Anthony Gormley’s statues

A fab walk whether you live in Liverpool or visiting from further away. It is accessible by public transport.
Mixing sandy beaches, enchanting woodlands and art just a stone-throw from Liverpool city centre.

A very sunny day walking from Formby to Crosby in Merseyside. A mix of sandy beaches and dunes, some woodland and the wonderful art of Anthony Gormley's 100 statues ! Nearly 12 miles but flat. Accessible by public transports. — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate
Length	11.5 mi – 18.7 km
Total elevation	673 ft – 205m
Highest point	44ft – 13m
Walking time	4h20
Terrain	Sand, paths and Streets
Equipment	Water-shoes if you fancy walking in the water. Beware it some places are more mud than sands. Enough water to last you 11 miles or 5 hours. There may be an ice-cream van half way but it is not a guarantee.

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: Park at Formby Merseyrail station (free for rail users; and you will be getting the Merseyrail back)
Public transport: Formby Merseyrail station
From Preston: X2 bus to Southport then merseyrail to Formby (c. 1h45)
From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Lime Street, then Merseyrail from Central to Formby (c.1h40) or Train from Victoria to Southport then Merseyrail to Formby
From Chester: Merseyrail to Moorfields then to Formby

Watering Holes

Unfortunately, there are no pubs en route of this walk. You may find an ice-cream van about half way through.
However, make a long day or week-end of it and get into Liverpool. The world becomes your oyster !

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Liverpool is an amazing city with everything you could wish for: beaches (along this walk), vibrant culture and history, plenty of options to wine and dine. And most important of all: it’s people ! I have worked in Liverpool and always loved the Scouse mentality. Very down to earth, welcoming and friendly.

For the small budgets: YHA Albert Dock
I am often reluctant to stay in YHAs in city-centre. But this particular one is fab. It offers dorm rooms as well as comfortable doubles. The kitchen is usually very clean, the staff incredibly welcoming and it is located in a fab part of the centre. There is a comfy TV room if you are exhausted at the end of the day and the bar is usually quiet.
The reason I usually avoid city-centre hostels are party-groups. I know this one can get a bit more rowdy at week-ends but is a haven of peace during the week. You will mostly find school-groups and families staying there.

To combine with a night out at the Rope Walk: The Resident Liverpool
At the heart of the trendy Rope Walk the place remains a heaven of peace.
Excellent value and rooms have kitchenettes; allowing you to stock your packed lunches and cold drinks for the walk.

For some luxury: InnSide by Melia
Very central but away from the hustle and bustle. Perfect for a comfortable week-end of hiking combined with museums and sightseeing. Some rooms have views on the water and all rooms are very comfortable. Just one downside for me … Open-plan bathrooms still seem to be in trend but personally, this is a huge turn-off for me.

September 5, 2024

High Cup Nick – A Wainwright’s favourite in the North Pennines with a pub

High Cup nick is dramatic U-shaped valley or “nick” at the head of High Cup Gill in the North Pennines.
It was one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite feature on the Pennine Way.
Start this walk from Dufton, walking up to the top and scramble down High Cup Gill. The views of the Eden Valley are as impressive from the top as they are from the valley.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate with technical section (Scramble down)
Length	10.8 mi – 17.4 km
Total elevation	1,827 ft – 557m
Highest point	1,888ft – 575m
Walking time	4h20
Terrain	paths, roads, boulder field (scramble down)
Equipment	Enough water to walk 11 miles or 4h30. There is a pub at the Beginning and the end but nothing in between. Sturdy shoes or boots as you will be scrambling down a boulder field. Layers as it can get exposed and chilly on top

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: The car park in Dufton: honesty box for payment and toilets.
Public transport: Kendal Bus X6 to the Approach stop (C. 20 mins)
From Manchester: Train to Carnforth then bus 755 to the Approach stop (c. 2h05)
From Preston: Train to Arnside then bus 552 to the Approach Stop (c. 1h50)
From Lancaster: Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 45mins)
From Carlisle: Train to Kendal then Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 1h35)

Watering Holes

The Stag Inn – Dufton – At the start or end of the walk
A wonderful independent country pub where muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Home-cooked food and good ales. The kitchen is open Tue-Sat from 17:30-20:00 and Sun from 12:00-14:00 and 17:00-19:00. Expect pub classics including delicious pies as well as more gastro-type dishes such as confit duck-leg or teriyaki tuna steaks.
Beer garden with stunning views over the Pennines for the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter.

Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat

Dufton is a stop on the Pennine Way and offers a range of accommodation for those wishing to stay before or after the walk.
Ufortunately, the YHA has closed.

For camping and glamping: Dufton Caravan Park
Grass pitches for tents, hard-standing pitches for caravan and motor-homes and 3 hobbit huts for glampers.
Hot showers, drying room, and electric hookups.
The village’s cafe is 200 yards from the site and the pub only 300 yards.

For a romantic week-end Sunday: Dufton Barn Holidays Shepherd’s view is the luxurious option for couples with a super-king sized bed and jacuzzi bath (as well as a walk-in shower). Cozy log-burner and fab views over the Pennines.minimum booking policy.

For families and or 2 couples: Brow Farm – Dufton
Offers a traditional cottage with 2 double bedrooms. A 2 nights minimum booking may apply.

August 31, 2024

A stroll by the Thames and lunch in Oxfordshire with an extra pub

The White Hart at Fyfield is a 15th century pub and restaurant.
The food is exceptional. Enjoy a lunch and burn some calories afterward by going for a stroll along the river Thames to Appleton. Another pub in Appleton offers real ales and classic pub food.

This is a gentle stroll of under 7 miles along the river Thames in picturesque Oxfordshire. With a Gastro pub at the end or start of the walk and a country pub in the middle (or the reverse way if you start the walk from a different village) — Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

Stats

Difficulty	Easy
Length	6.72 mi – 10.8 km
Total elevation	200 ft – 61m
Highest point	294 ft – 90m
Walking time	2h50
Terrain	Paths, roads and footpaths
Equipment	Sufficient water to keep You going for 7 miles / nearly 3 hours

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: You should be able to park near the pub
Public transport:
From London: Train from Paddington to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
From Birmingham: Train from New Street to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
From Reading: Train to Oxford then bus to Digging Lane (c. 1h50)
Contact me for other routes

Watering Holes

The The White Hart – Fyfield – at the start or end of the walk
Multi-award winning family-run gastro pub in beautiful 15th Century building.
There is outdoors seating in the summer and open-fire in the winter.
Food is served from 12:00-14:15 and 17:45-21:00 on Tue-Sat and 12:00-16:00 on Sun. Everything is home-made and source locally, including their own kitchen garden and local foraging. It has 2 AA rosettes. Yet the lunch menu is very reasonably priced.
The Plough Inn – Appleton – at 3.75 mi. (c. 1h30 into the walk)
In a 17th Century coaching inn. With a beer garden for the summer and a roaring fire in winter.
Serves real ale and home-cooked food. Expect pub classics.
I have not tried the food personally but reviews are excellent.
Definitely the place to have lunch if you fancy traditional pub food rather than gastro pub.

Make a week-end of it

The walk is reachable by direct local bus from Oxford. The city is not short of options for accommodation, food, drink and entertainment to make a full week-end of.

But if you prefer to camp; the Barefoot Campsite is on the route.
It offers grass pitches for tents, log-cabin and bell-tents for glamping, as well as pitches for camper-vans.
But beware, this is an off-grid campsite: no wifi, no electric hook-up and no artificial light and composting toilets.
But it has plenty to offer: spacious pitches, campfires and BBQ are permitted, canoe-rental. It also boasts 7 pubs within walking distance !

August 19, 2024

Great and Little Langdale – A low level Lake District walk with 4 pubs, 1 swim and a Cathedral

About 11 miles of stunning scenery in the Lake Districts. Low-level walk from Elterwater via The New Dungeon Ghyll and Old Dungeon Ghyll, Blea Tarn, Cathedral Cave and Little Langdale. 4 pubs along the route, Blea Tarn is perfect for a swim and Cathedral Cave a unique place to explore.

Stats

Difficulty	Moderate to strenuous (Distance and total elevation)
Length	11 mi – 17.7 km
Total elevation	2,785 ft – 849m
Highest point	1,109 ft – 338m
Walking time	2h40
Terrain	Paths, roads and footpaths
Equipment	No technical sections on this walk but you will need closed shoes or boots to keep you comfortable for 11 miles ! If you like to swim, don’t forget your swimsuit and towel for Blea Tarn

View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)

Getting there

Driving: There are 3 car parks in Elterwater but all fee-paying. But there is a free car park at Stickle Ghyll
Public transport:
From Preston: X8 bus to Ambleside Interchange then bus 516 to Dungeon Ghyll (c. 1h55)
Contact me for other routes

Watering Holes

The Walkers Bar at the New Dungeon Ghyll – Langdale – c. 2.7 mi into the walk (c. 1h15 mins)
Belongs to the Red Cat Pub company.
Muddy boots and paws friendly.Has a beer garden for the summer and open fire in winter
Excellent ales. and the food is locally sourced. Gastro-pub rather than classics.
The kitchen is open all day Friday and Saturday from 12:00-21:00 and Sunday 12:00-20:00. Check the website of FB page for weekdays opening hours.
The Climber’s bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll – Great Langdale – c. 3.4 mi into the walk (c. 1h30 mins)
The Original Inn the Langdale Valley, has hosted an array of Everest Climbers on their training and still family owned.
Without a doubt, my favorite in the area. Muddy boots and paws are more than welcome.
If you are looking for luxury, do not stop. But walkers, hikers, mountaineers, fell-runners and any other hard-core outdoors enthusiasts will alway feel at home (and be welcome as much)
Some outdoors seating in the summer and roaring open-fire in the winter.
The food is home-cooked and very fairly priced. Soup and sandwiches for lunch (12:30-17:00) and pub classics, including excellent pies for supper (17:00-20:00 Sun to Thurs and till 20:30 Fri & Sat)
As the owner is a keen musician; there are open session every Wednesday at 19:30
The Three Shires Inn – Little Langdale – c. 8.6 mi into the walk (c. 3h55 mins)
An independent traditional Inn. Muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Outdoor seating for the summer and roaring fireplace in the winter,
Good selection of ales from Cumbria and food made with local produce.
The kitchen is open 12:00-14:30 and 17:30-20:00
Expect sandwiches and pub-classics at lunch and gastro-pub type dishes in the evening.
The Britannia Inn – Eltermere – At the end of the walk
A wonderful family run traditional Inn. Welcoming muddy boots and paws.
Cask Mark ales and delicious home-made food.
Beer garden for the summer and roaring open fires in winter.
Kitchen is open from 12:00-14:00, Soup and Sandwiches 14:00-16:00 and dinner 17:30-20:30

Make a week-end of it

The Langdales are in the very centre of the Lake Districts.
Unlike Ambleside or Keswick, you won’t find a wide range of shops and restaurants.
But still plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy for a full week-end.
Needless to say, there are numerous walks from low level to mountain hikes taking in Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark or Crinkle Crags.
But there also are disused quarries with caves; the most famous being Cathedral Cave. And plenty of good spots for wild swimming. Blea tarn is easily accessible and if you want to climb up; Stickle tarn is a wonderful place to take a dip.

For the budget conscious: Eltewater Hostel in Elterwater has shared dorms and private rooms.
It only sleeps 38 people in total. And can be booked as a group.
Should the weather let you down; there is a drying room.
It offers both breakfast and home-cooked evening meals as well as a self-catering kitchen.
And being so close to town; there are a couple of pubs within walking distance.

For comfort: The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale
My favorite hotel in the whole of the Lake District area. A family run business with Olde Worlde character.
The rooms are very cosy and some have amazing views. Each room is different but not all rooms are ensuite.
Breakfast is always included in the price. And I am told that it now has has super-fast wifi. (The last time I was there, the wifi was very spotty and the phone signal in the Valley is mostly non-existent.
Dogs are welcome to stay for a small supplement.
For food and drinks, check the details in the section above. Again, one of my favorite but best suited for outdoor enthusiast (with a plus if you enjoy music) than someone looking for luxury and glamour.

For Camping: Great Langdale Campsite offers grass pitches for tents, hardstanding pitches with electric hookups for camper vans and Owned by the National Trust, it is family friendly and well equipped.

For groups: The Great Langdale Bunkhouse – behind the New Dungeon Ghyll
Sleeps 18 divided into 3 twin rooms and two rooms of 6 (all bunk beds).
Equipped with biomass central heating and hot water with powerful showers.
Separate male and female shows and toilet facilities.
There are no self-catering options but a tavern, the New Dungeon Ghyll and Stickle Barn on its doorstep.

August 13, 2024