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Langdale Boulders

Langdale

Historic venue with excellent hard problems and traverses. The boulders are an archaeological site on national importance and scheduled as an ancient monument, the carved symbols are thought to be about 5000 years old

Crag information
Climbing Area: Lake District Rock Type: Volcanic
Importance: Regional CRoW Land: Yes
Ownership: National Trust No. of Routes: 42
Within National Park: Yes Year Developed:
Grid Reference: NY 314 059

Given the high numbers of boulderers visiting the site, the landings have become very worn and muddy in the past and climbers have tried to improve them using stone from the wall. Dry stone wall repair is expensive and the farmer has rightly become annoyed in the past about deliberate damage to his wall. The BMC has worked with the National Trust to fund some stone pitching around the most worn areas to make them harder wearing and improve drainage. Please do not try to add to this with stone from the dry stone wall - it could easily lead to access issues.

  • No climbing on the slabby face of the West Boulder which is home to prehistoric rock carvings (see below for details)
  • Keep dogs on a leash if livestock are in the field
  • Take all litter home with you
  • No fires or bbqs

A free topo for the boulders can be found on the excellent LakesBloc site along with many others.

No climbing on the slabby side of the West Boulder (between the dry stone wall by the stile and the arête to the left) to protect some of the best examples of prehistoric rock-art in England.

The Cup & Ring markings can be easily seen and are notified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument giving them a high level of legal protection and meaning the National Trust (landowner) has a duty to protect them above all else. The engravings are regularly monitored and any damage could result in a complete ban at this famous venue.

CRoW Information

Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.

Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website.  

Group Advice

Not suitable.

Area information

With implimentation of the CRoW Act (2000), many Lakes fells and crags now have an Open Access designation. They also have many nationally important bird and plant species dependant on inaccessible crags/ledges and heather/mixed heath environments for survival. During the bird nesting period, a number of species can be vulnerable to disturbance. The Lake District restrictions are monitored, variable (VR) and reviewed in April/May. If the birds do not nest, restrictions are lifted early. Check notice boards in shops, walls and cafés in early May for details and the BMC and FRCC websites. New restrictions will be notified on the websites and with on-site notices. To view the BMC's Lake District Green Climbing Guide click this link: www.thebmc.co.uk/lake-district-green-guide

Weather Information

Guidebook info currently being updated

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    Langdale Boulders

    Langdale