Lingmoor Fell and Blea Tarn

Lingmoor Fell is a fine mountain. Although its often overlooked by those heading for Langdale’s big names it should not be. The knobbly ridge and historical slopes offer an interesting alternative, even when the weather is too grim to go higher.

The Walk

“Christ I’m buggered, climbed everything else round here but I’m buggered on this…..what’s it called?” gasped a sweating Yorkshireman. Nearby was an American who had just arrived “on these shores” and was staying at the nearby Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel. He was only a few hundred yards from the top of the road but he was sweating as well. However he was of a much happier nature than the Yorkshireman. “This is swell.. what’s this mountain called?” he started in an unmistakable southern drawl, before asking for the best vantage point. There was no way he was going to get to the summit but I directed him up the steep slopes to the col under Side Park. I have no idea if he got there but I was kind of hoping he would meet the Yorkshireman and they could compare notes.

These two unusual walkers say much about Lingmoor Fell. It is not just a superb vantage point for the Langdale Valley but the entire, knobbly 1 mile ridge is full of interest. Throw in the idyllic situation of Blea Tarn and the quiet valley of Little Langdale and the walk becomes a mini classic. The giants of the Greater Langdale Valley and the lovely Wetherlam circle the walk but no way diminish it. All it does is improve the views.

Recommend

Although it is possible to (and in fact usual) to climb Lingmoor Fell from the Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale it is certainly preferable to climb it from Little Langdale. The south side of Lingmoor Fell is peppered with remains of the old slate mines, rarely visited, and worthy of exploration.

Navigation Tips on Lingmoor Fell

Sometimes decisions are made depending on the tiredness of the party. From Blea Tarn it is possible to return to the minor road back to Little Langdale. However a better path skirts this. In addition, when joining the road to Wrynose Pass the road may be busy in the summer (and it is narrow). Therefore look for the parallel path on the slopes of Lingmoor Fell.