Attractions and Places To See around Longsleddale - Top 20

Longsleddale is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the River Sprint, known for its stunning waterfalls, especially in the upper valley. The area is surrounded by high fells like Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts, offering impressive views and hiking opportunities. The valley also boasts diverse wildlife, including red deer and red squirrels, and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the presence of white-clawed crayfish.

Yes, Longsleddale features several historical landmarks. Yewbarrow Hall, dating back to 1450, is the oldest building in the valley and originally included a medieval pele tower. St. Mary's Church, built in 1863, retains features from an earlier structure, such as a carved oak door from 1662 and a silver chalice from 1577. You can also find the abandoned Wrengill Quarry, which operated as early as 1728.

Longsleddale offers a variety of hiking trails, from serene valley floor walks to challenging ascents into the surrounding fells. Popular routes include those towards Gatescarth Pass, over to Haweswater, or across to Kentmere or Staveley. For specific routes, you can explore the Hiking around Longsleddale guide, which features trails like the 'Summit of Kentmere Pike – Shipman Knotts summit loop'.

Absolutely. The region offers several rewarding viewpoints. Orrest Head provides sublime vistas with relatively little effort, easily accessible from Windermere. Brant Fell also offers spectacular views from its summit, with a relatively easy hike up. For more challenging climbs, Wansfell Pike summit provides wonderful views along Windermere and surrounding valleys.

Beyond hiking, Longsleddale and its surroundings are excellent for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes for different skill levels. Check out the Cycling around Longsleddale guide for road cycling options, and the MTB Trails around Longsleddale guide for mountain biking adventures, including challenging trails like the 'Staveley to Kentmere Park and Pike loop'.

Yes, Longsleddale offers options for families. The valley floor provides easier walks, and some viewpoints like Orrest Head and Brant Fell are considered family-friendly, offering rewarding views for moderate effort. The diverse landscape and wildlife spotting opportunities can also be engaging for children.

Longsleddale is known to have a specific point of interest called the Longsleddale Bathing Pool, suggesting a designated spot for wild swimming or enjoying the river. The River Sprint itself, with its clear waters, offers opportunities for a refreshing dip in suitable conditions.

Sadgill is a remote hamlet that marks the end of the road into the valley. It serves as a gateway to the more rugged head of the dale and is a popular starting point for hikes into the surrounding fells. You can also find the historic Sadgill Bridge, a stone packhorse bridge across the River Sprint.

Longsleddale is home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for red deer, roe deer, badgers, and the elusive red squirrels. Birdwatchers can spot ravens, buzzards, and kingfishers. The River Sprint is particularly notable for its population of white-clawed crayfish. The hedgerows and verges also burst with over 136 identified species of wildflowers, and bluebells can be seen in the woods during spring.

While Longsleddale is a tranquil and remote area, a Community Hall is situated near St. Mary's Church. This hall offers picnic tables and public toilets for visitors, providing a convenient stop during your exploration of the valley.

The Haweswater Aqueduct, though mostly underground, carries water from Haweswater Reservoir to Manchester and follows the line of Longsleddale. While not a visible attraction itself, survey columns from its construction in the 1930s can still be seen on peaks like Branstree, Tarn Crag, and Great Howe, offering a glimpse into the region's engineering history.

Visitors particularly enjoy the rewarding climbs and expansive views from summits like Wansfell Pike and Orrest Head. The tranquility, natural beauty, and opportunities for exploring unspoiled landscapes are highly valued. Many appreciate the diverse terrain, from rocky fells to pastoral valleys, and the chance to discover historical elements amidst stunning scenery.