This is a classic day out in one of Lakeland’s most popular and iconic valleys. The Langdale Pub Crawl is a Cumbrian institution, drawing together six great pubs, a scenic bus ride on the ‘516 Rambler’, and a breathtaking five-mile walk.

Amidst ‘COVID-times’, we found the added challenge of reaching each pub in time for our pre-booked slot quite fun, and in fact, this added some structure and time-keeping to an epic day out! Buses run from Kendal all the way through to the start of this pub crawl, but you can hop on at Staveley, Windermere, Ambleside, or anywhere in between. The last bus from Skelwith Bridge back to Ambleside is at 19.26 (at time of writing), so don’t linger too long over those pints, and please drink responsibly. The walk will take varying amounts of time depending on who’s in your group, so make sure you’re not going to be left stranded in Langdale after being too ambitious with your group’s walking speed!

Catch the bus from Ambleside all the way up to the Old Dungeon Ghyll at the foot of Raven Crag. The Old DG is a place of great Lakeland history and legend. This climber’s mecca has a rustic, fully-stocked bar, serves great homemade pub grub and has a cosy hotel if you want to stay over!
Meander down the valley along the well-trodden footpaths to Lanty Slees, that serves up board games, films, fire pits, and an authentic decor, alongside its great food and drink!
Not far to travel for pit-stop number three... across the road is the New Dungeon Ghyll - an established family run hotel with a popular walker’s bar. Open 365 days a year, the ‘New DG’ serves delicious home-cooked food using local suppliers, as well as fruit and herbs from their own garden.
Time to get your boots back on and follow the river down to The Wainwrights at Chapel Stile. With a perfect beer garden for watching lakeland village life buzz around you, and a fine selection of ales and wines to accompany the scene, you are sure to enjoy your time at The Wainwrights!
See the cool crystal waters of the Great Langdale Beck as you cross the bridge, and turn left towards Elterwater. Here, The Britannia Inn awaits you with its cosy log fires, pub grub, great beer, and prime location, looking out across the village and the valley beyond. The 500 year old farmhouse-turned-pub is full of nooks and crannies, and we will warn you now… you may struggle to leave!
One last push down through the woods, past the stunning views at Elterwater, and along the river Brathay to get to Skelwith Bridge where the old Talbot Bar offers a welcome spot to rest your weary legs, order a pint, and await your bus back to ‘basecamp’!
Be sure to pop in to Lanty Slee at Elterwater on the way home.

While this is a low-level walk, and is easily signposted, it’s still important to be prepared, and remember to bring all the essentials; extra layers, waterproofs, a map, compass, and whistle, a torch, some energy-boosting snacks, and a charged phone. Check out our Hiking Essentials Kit List to make sure you’re ready for all that the Lakes have to throw at you!

The Langdale Pub Crawl - 6 Pubs + 5 Miles