Of all the groups of fells in the Lake District, the Langdales are surely the most iconic. There, rocky, jagged precipitous bulk is more akin to the Munros of Scotland rather than the more rolling hills associated with the Lake District.
Made up of the fells Pavey Ark, Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag, this grouping is a must see for anyone visiting the Lakes.
Here then, are the best places to see the Langdales from
Blea Tarn
Rather unhelpfully, there are three Blea Tarns in the Lake District, with Borrowdale, Eskdale and Langdale all having their own iterations. While each have their charm, the Langdale Blea Tarn is the one to go to for commanding views of the Langdale Pikes.
After a short, easy walk from the National Trust car park, you will reach the edge of this tarn. While the tarn is beautiful in itself, your eyes will be instantly drawn to the far side and beyond, where you will see the Langdale Pikes. Framed by Side Pike and an unnamed hill, the Langdales jut dramatically into the sky partially hidden by these two smaller outcrops.
Should you come on a still, winters morning, the real magic of this tarn is revealed, as the rising sun illuminates the face of the Pikes in a pink glow, which will be reflected in the still waters of the tarn. Be cautious though if travelling here in winter, as the roads are steep and narrow and liable to ice. If you are unsure it is safe, save it for another time.
Side Pike and Lingmoor Fell
Small and craggy, Lingmoor Fell and its neighbour Side Pike make a short but enjoyable walk with stunning views of the surrounding high fells. Walking towards Side Pike from Lingmoor Fell gives incredible views of these rugged pikes with the added points of interest of the snaking drystone wall and, in summer, the masses of purple heather.
Elterwater
While it may not offer the closest view of the Langdale Pikes on this list, the beauty of the surroundings more than makes up for this. With a foreground of lush vegetation and thick stands of trees, all reflected in the water below, Elterwater is a beautiful place to see these formidable fells.
While not as short a walk as Blea Tarn, Elterwater has the added benefit of being able to hire an all terrain 'Tramper' wheelchair through Lakes Mobility from the Langdale Hotel, meaning that this view can be seen by all.
Thrang Crag
To the South of Silver How, and close to Chapel Style lies this stunning viewpoint. Different from the other views on this list, it does not provide the same 'in-your-face' view of the Langdales, rather viewing them side on. While the other places on this list are popular with visitors, you will be unlikely to find anyone else here as you gaze along the tapestry of fields towards the Pikes ahead.
Loughrigg
Just outside of Ambleside, this low fell gives stunning views of the Langdale Pikes. Starting at Rydal and continuing via Loughrigg Terrace, its not long before you ascend high enough to be able to see the Pikes poking out over Silver Howe. From there, the view only improves as you rise higher, and more of the fells are revealed.
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