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Home> Walks> Cumbria Way: Dungeon Ghyll to Rosthwaite

Cumbria Way: Dungeon Ghyll to Rosthwaite

Recommended by
Walk directions

Start behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. The route west is along the wide, flat bottom of Mickleden, skirting a wall of scree and rock nearly 2,000ft (610m) high, which sweeps up to Pike o’Stickle. Cross a small footbridge to a sheepfold and cairn.

Turn right and climb the very steep, glaciated valley side. Fortunately, the path is well-constructed, zig-zagging artfully to keep the gradient within reason. At the top, walk through an upland hollow full of glacial moraines. Walk straight ahead, passing the cairn atop the ‘hause’, or pass.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Steep and sometimes rocky hill paths
  Landscape  - Impressive glaciated valleys and high fells
  Dog friendliness  - Lots of open country, but make sure sheep are not present before letting dogs free
  Parking  - Pay and display car-parks at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and in Rosthwaite (also ‘honesty box’ spaces adjoining Rosthwaite Village Hall)
  Toilets en route  - At Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and beside car park in Rosthwaite
About the walk
This section crosses the high Stake Pass between Langdale and Borrowdale. In clear weather, the early views of Crinkle Crags and Bowfell are inspiring. After the climb to Stake Pass, there’s a descent to the grand, lonely valley of Langstrath. The paths are generally good, but there’s still some...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
not available. .
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Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Herdwick Place
★★★★
award
"Well maintained property with open plan lounge and within easy access to the village centre and surrounding fells..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
Self-Catering
Herdwick Place
★★★★
award
"Well maintained property with open plan lounge and within easy access to the village centre and surrounding fells..."
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
  • Linens provided
Self-Catering
Wansfell and Valentine Cottage
★★★★★
awardaward
"Light and airy house in the heart of the Lakes..."
  • Total units: 2
Nearby places to stay
Herdwick Place
A contemporary mid-terraced property.Situated in the beautiful Langdale Valley, this charming two bedroomed cottage is perfectly positioned to embark on mountain & valley walks direct f...
★★★★    Rating
Herdwick Place
A contemporary mid-terraced property.Situated in the beautiful Langdale Valley, this charming two bedroomed cottage is perfectly positioned to embark on mountain & valley walks direct f...
★★★★    Rating
Wansfell and Valentine Cottage
A few minutes’ walk from the town centre at Ambleside, Wansfell and Valentine Cottage occupies an elevated position within large gardens looking across towards Lake Windermere. A modern...
★★★★★    Rating
The Britannia Inn
A farmhouse built about 500 years ago, The Britannia became an inn during the 19th century. For many decades it was a local for quarrymen and gunpowder factory workers, who would be ama...
★★★    Rating
Lowfield House and Wetherlam View
Surrounded by spectacular Lake District scenery, Lowfield House in Little Langdale is a luxurious property overlooking Little Langdale Valley and fells including Lingmoor and Wrynose Pa...
★★★★★    Rating
Lowfield House
Surrounded by spectacular Lake District scenery, Lowfield House in Little Langdale is a luxurious property overlooking Little Langdale Valley and fells including Lingmoor and Wrynose Pa...
★★★★★    Rating
April Cottage
April Cottage is a gorgeous 200 year old cottage built out of Lakeland stone. It has been restored with great care to keep all the charm, yet still benefits from all the modern comforts...
★★★★    Rating
April Cottage
April Cottage is a gorgeous 200 year old cottage built out of Lakeland stone. It has been restored with great care to keep all the charm, yet still benefits from all the modern comforts...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Garden Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Forest Side
   AA Rosette Award
Rowan Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Garden Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Forest Side
   AA Rosette Award
Rowan Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Lake Road Kitchen
   AA Rosette Award
Hazel Bank Country House
   AA Rosette Award
The Samling
   AA Rosette Award
King's Arms
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
3hrs
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Hard

Gradient:
Challenging


Distance:
7.8 miles (12.5kms)

Ascent:
1910ft (643m)

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Eat or drink nearby  
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Cumbria Way: Dungeon Ghyll to Rosthwaite

Recommended by
Walk details
3hrs
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Hard
Gradient:
Challenging
Distance:
7.8 miles (12.5kms)
Ascent:
1910ft (643m)
Walk directions

Start behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. The route west is along the wide, flat bottom of Mickleden, skirting a wall of scree and rock nearly 2,000ft (610m) high, which sweeps up to Pike o’Stickle. Cross a small footbridge to a sheepfold and cairn.

1 of 4

Turn right and climb the very steep, glaciated valley side. Fortunately, the path is well-constructed, zig-zagging artfully to keep the gradient within reason. At the top, walk through an upland hollow full of glacial moraines. Walk straight ahead, passing the cairn atop the ‘hause’, or pass.
2 of 4

Descend into the deep trough of Langstrath. The path switchbacks down steeply alongside the cascades of Stake Beck. At the bottom, take the level but rough track down the valley, with Langstrath Beck on the left. After about 2 miles (3km) the beck turns sharp left as Greenup Gill joins it.

3 of 4

Bridge Greenup Gill and turn left for 1.75 miles (2.75km). Pass Stonethwaite Bridge after a mile and, after another 0.75 miles (1.25km) or so, cross a second bridge to reach Rosthwaite. Turn left up the road to reach the Scafell Hotel; the direct continuation of the Cumbria Way turns right almost immediately (sign for car-parking).
4 of 4
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Steep and sometimes rocky hill paths
  Landscape - Impressive glaciated valleys and high fells
  Dog friendliness - Lots of open country, but make sure sheep are not present before letting dogs free
  Parking - Pay and display car-parks at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and in Rosthwaite (also ‘honesty box’ spaces adjoining Rosthwaite Village Hall)
  Toilets en route - At Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and beside car park in Rosthwaite
About the walk
This section crosses the high Stake Pass between Langdale and Borrowdale. In clear weather, the early views of Crinkle Crags and Bowfell are inspiring. After the climb to Stake Pass, there’s a descent to the grand, lonely valley of Langstrath. The paths are generally good, but there’s still some...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
not available. .
Explore

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Herdwick Place
★★★★
award
"Well maintained property with open plan lounge and within easy access to the village centre and surrounding fells..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
Self-Catering
Herdwick Place
★★★★
award
"Well maintained property with open plan lounge and within easy access to the village centre and surrounding fells..."
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
  • Linens provided
Self-Catering
Wansfell and Valentine Cottage
★★★★★
awardaward
"Light and airy house in the heart of the Lakes..."
  • Total units: 2
Nearby places to stay
Herdwick Place
A contemporary mid-terraced property.Situated in the beautiful Langdale Valley, this charming two bedroomed cottage is perfectly positioned to embark on mountain & valley walks direct f...
★★★★    Rating
Herdwick Place
A contemporary mid-terraced property.Situated in the beautiful Langdale Valley, this charming two bedroomed cottage is perfectly positioned to embark on mountain & valley walks direct f...
★★★★    Rating
Wansfell and Valentine Cottage
A few minutes’ walk from the town centre at Ambleside, Wansfell and Valentine Cottage occupies an elevated position within large gardens looking across towards Lake Windermere. A modern...
★★★★★    Rating
The Britannia Inn
A farmhouse built about 500 years ago, The Britannia became an inn during the 19th century. For many decades it was a local for quarrymen and gunpowder factory workers, who would be ama...
★★★    Rating
Lowfield House and Wetherlam View
Surrounded by spectacular Lake District scenery, Lowfield House in Little Langdale is a luxurious property overlooking Little Langdale Valley and fells including Lingmoor and Wrynose Pa...
★★★★★    Rating
Lowfield House
Surrounded by spectacular Lake District scenery, Lowfield House in Little Langdale is a luxurious property overlooking Little Langdale Valley and fells including Lingmoor and Wrynose Pa...
★★★★★    Rating
April Cottage
April Cottage is a gorgeous 200 year old cottage built out of Lakeland stone. It has been restored with great care to keep all the charm, yet still benefits from all the modern comforts...
★★★★    Rating
April Cottage
April Cottage is a gorgeous 200 year old cottage built out of Lakeland stone. It has been restored with great care to keep all the charm, yet still benefits from all the modern comforts...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Garden Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Forest Side
   AA Rosette Award
Rowan Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Garden Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Forest Side
   AA Rosette Award
Rowan Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Old Stamp House Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Lake Road Kitchen
   AA Rosette Award
Hazel Bank Country House
   AA Rosette Award
The Samling
   AA Rosette Award
King's Arms
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby