Standing beneath the gaze of the iconic Langdale Pikes and other notable fells, The New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale has plenty to brag about. This former farmhouse, built from traditional Lakeland stone, mingles effortlessly with its wildly beautiful backdrop at the foot of the Dungeon Ghyll ravine.
The approach through Elterwater and Chapel Stile introduces you to the distinctive peaks and draws you into the seductive charms of the Langdale Valley. There’s no denying the New Dungeon Ghyll is among the best Great Langdale accommodation for exploring the dramatic landscape, given its spectacular setting.
Inside the hotel is equally impressive with its famous Walker’s Bar and staggering views from each of the guest rooms. Aside from its showy vistas, it’s the warm welcome from the staff that makes me want to return here time and again.
Food and Drink at the New Dungeon Ghyll
Oh, and did I mention the food? There’s nothing better than returning from a day on the fells and casting your eyes over the New Dungeon Ghyll menu as you enjoy your first pint of the day!
I’d highly recommend the lightly dusted squid, accompanied by a sweet mango and coconut sauce – I can honestly say, this is some of the most delicious squid I’ve ever tasted. If you’re really lucky and the sun is shining, you can dine al fresco and inhale the magnificent fell views from the garden. The Walker’s Bar also sells a good selection of hearty pub classics and succulent steaks, all washed down with a real ale or craft beer by the woodburning stove. These are just a few reasons why this is one of my favourite pubs in Langdale.
Langdale Walks from the New Dungeon Ghyll
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the amount of Great Langdale walks you can do right from the door of the NDG. Obviously, there’s the Langdale Pikes walk to tackle, which incorporates some of the most epic fells in the Lake District, such as Pavey Ark, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle. If you take the circular route from the hotel that leads up along Stickle Ghyll, you can bag yourself five Wainwrights, six Birketts, five Nuttalls and two Hewitts. But if you’re not feeling that energetic, you can always just head up to the stunning oasis that is Stickle Tarn and soak up the views of the Langdale Valley from there or even enjoy a spot of wild swimming.
Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark
Other fabulous walks from the hotel include:
Pike O’Blisco
Scafell Pike from Langdale
Bowfell via The Band
Blea Tarn, Little Langdale
Lingmoor Fell
Crinkle Crags via The Band
Whorneyside Force waterfall walk
Dungeon Ghyll Force
Things to do Nearby
If you fancy a break from fell walking, there are plenty of places to discover close by. Within 20 minutes, you can arrive at either Rydal or Ambleside by car. Ambleside is gorgeous town on the edge of Windermere where you can stroll around the shops or take a boat across the lake. Alternatively, at Rydal, walk up to Rydal Cave or explore Rydal Mount and Gardens. Travel a little further afield to reach the quaint village of Grasmere, where you can visit Dove Cottage, once home to William Wordsworth.
For more information about staying at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, call 01539 437213, email enquiries@dungeon-ghyll.com or visit the website.
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