If you love to drive then the road through the valley is not only beautiful but can be completely exhilarating. Head to Great Langdale passing The New Dungeon Ghyll (pictured) and Blea Tarn further on, coming back via Little Langdale where you can stop at Cathedral Cave for an action-packed walk round a disused quarry. Blea Tarn also makes a nice stop (parking at NY 295043) and a longer circular walk of around 3 miles can be done which also incorporates Side Pike, passing through the exciting ‘squeeze’ on the way.
A great walk to do from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (NY 295064) is the Stickle Tarn Trail (Stickle Ghyll pictured). This is a short but somewhat challenging walk due to steep inclines along the way. The footpath is well marked however and your efforts are truly rewarded upon reaching Stickle Tarn, which is a beautiful place for a picnic on a sunny day. The trail is around 2 miles there are back.
A slightly longer and even more thrilling walk incorporating Stickle Tarn is Harrison Stickle coming back via the Stickle Tarn Trail. This is around 3 miles (3.5hrs) and is certainly not one for the faint hearted due to the level of exposure when passing the deep ravines of Dungeon Ghyll. The route starts at the NDG and climbs up to Pike Howe by Dungeon Ghyll Force. This path continues up to the summit plateau of The Langdale Pikes where you can experience stunning panoramic views over the Langdale Valley. Come back via Harrison Stickle and take the steep path back down to the south-western side of Stickle Tarn, then following the trail back to the NDG for a well deserved beer and some good food.