Lingmoor & Side Pike Walk

The Lingmoor & Side Pike Walk is a fun adventure that will allow you to experience some of the rugged and beautiful terrain that is on offer in the Lake District. While sections of the trail are rocky, uneven, and very boggy in certain areas, they are more than manageable for walkers of a casual skill level. Be sure to wear sturdy walking boots to better traverse this terrain. Additionally, the area near the summit of Lingmoor Fell features a number of intersecting paths that can prove difficult to navigate if you are not paying attention. If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, bring a GPS in order to stay on the correct route.

Although the terrain in this area is a bit rough, the views of the surrounding landscape are anything but. While out on the trail you will climb uphill to the summit viewpoints atop Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike for some breathtaking views overlooking Great Langdale Valley and the surrounding landscape of the Lake District. With such amazing views and a few pubs located along the latter half of the route, this walk is perfect for a casual stroll through the picturesque English countryside.

Setting out from the car park, turn left along the road and follow it for 0.4mi, passing through the village of Elterwater and crossing over Great Langdale Beck to arrive at a fork in the road. Head right and continue on for 0.4mi, where you will find a footpath branching off to the left. Take this path and follow it through the dense cover of Sawrey’s Wood, keeping right for the next 0.7mi as you begin climbing up the hillside toward Lingmoor Fell.

Arriving at a junction in the trail, turn left and climb further uphill for the next 0.2mi to reach an elevated position above the valley. This portion of the walk features a number of intersecting paths that can make navigation a bit difficult, so make sure to utilize your GPS to stay on the correct course. After reaching this elevated position, continue to the northwest for 0.9mi to traverse the rugged terrain on the way to the summit of Lingmoor Fell.

Here, you will have some spectacular views overlooking Great Langdale Valley and the surrounding fells that make up the magical Lake District landscape. After taking in the sights, continue to the northwest for the next 0.8mi, where you will eventually arrive at the summit viewpoint atop Side Pike. Here, you will have more of the same great views across the valley, as well as a sightline overlooking Blea Tarn to the south.

Continue west along the trail to descend the hillside, turning right at the junction and continuing downhill for another 0.4mi to come close to the Great Langdale Campsite. Turn right along the trail and follow it for 0.2mi, passing through a kissing gate to arrive at a fork. With the rugged formation of Side Pike above you on the right, keep right along the trail for the next 0.5mi to traverse a stretch of boggy terrain that will see you cross over two stiles and likely get your feet wet.

After passing by the buildings of Side House on your left, continue straight along the trail for another 0.93mi to pass through several gates and arrive at a junction. Turn left here and keep right for the next 0.7mi to follow closely alongside Great Langdale Beck and arrive at a bridge crossing over the water. Turn left here and cross over the stream, picking up another trail on the right in 0.13mi. Follow this for the next 0.3mi to arrive at the edge of the road next to Wainwright’s Inn. Turn right along the road and pass the car park on the right, picking up the trail just after it to enter into the forest.

Pass through the gate and cross over Great Langdale Beck, keeping left along the trail as it follows the water’s edge and meets back up with the road. Turn left here and follow the road to the southeast for 0.2mi, where you will arrive at the bridge leading you back into the village of Elterwater. Turn left here and follow the trail past the Britannia Inn, where you can either stop in for a quick celebratory pint or continue on to the car park where you began the Lingmoor & Side Pike Walk.