Frequently Asked Questions

The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is at the head of the Great Langdale Valley in the Lake District National Park, near Ambleside, Cumbria. Our postcode is LA22 9JY.

Yes. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is surrounded by some of the best-known walking country in the Lake District. Guests can enjoy walks in Great Langdale and routes towards Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Stickle Tarn and Scafell Pike.

Yes. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is in Great Langdale and is an excellent base for walking in the Langdale Pikes area. Always plan your route according to the weather, your fitness and your navigation experience before setting out.

Yes. Bowfell rises above the head of Great Langdale and is one of the major fell walks accessible from the Old Dungeon Ghyll. We provide a suggested Bowfell route and downloadable GPX file on our Walking Routes page.

Yes. Crinkle Crags is one of our suggested walks from Great Langdale. Our Walking Routes page includes a suggested route, approximate walking time and downloadable GPX file. The route includes the famous Bad Step, which can be avoided if conditions or experience make it unsuitable.

Yes, but this is a long and serious mountain day. Our suggested route from Great Langdale takes around a full day and requires appropriate fitness, equipment and navigation skills. The GPX file on our Walking Routes page should be used only as a guide.

Suggested routes on our website include Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Scafell Pike, Stickle Tarn, Lingmoor and sections of the Cumbria Way. Great Langdale also provides access to many other fell and valley walks.

Yes. The Cumbria Way passes directly through Great Langdale by the Old Dungeon Ghyll. Our website includes downloadable GPX files for a suggested five-day Cumbria Way itinerary, including the sections from Coniston to the ODG and from the ODG to Keswick.

Yes. Our Walking Routes page includes downloadable GPX files for several suggested routes. These are intended as planning aids only and should not replace a map, compass, suitable equipment or your own assessment of weather and conditions.

Yes. Hotel guests can order a packed lunch at reception the night before. Packed lunches include a freshly made sandwich and a selection of snacks and drinks, subject to availability.

The quickest way to contact us about a room is by email, reception@odg.co.uk. Send us your preferred dates, room type and number of nights and we will reply with availability and our latest direct-booking offer. You can also contact hotel reception by telephone.

Breakfast is complimentary if you book direct with us. This offer is not extended to booking sites. Please contact the hotel direct at reception@odg.co.uk to book your stay with us and make sure you get the best deal.

All rooms are individually decorated. Some rooms are en-suite while others have separate private bathroom facilities, so please check when booking. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, and hotel guests have access to free Wi-Fi and free residents' parking.

Check-in at reception is from 2pm. If you arrive earlier, you are welcome to use the hotel lounge and reception can look after your luggage. Please contact us in advance if you expect to arrive late.

We ask guests to vacate their rooms by 10am on the day of departure.

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the hotel and the Climbers Bar. Dogs are not permitted in the hotel dining room. An additional charge applies for dogs staying in hotel rooms.

Yes. Hotel residents have access to a free residents-only car park opposite the beer garden. There is also a National Trust car park beside the hotel for other visitors.

Yes. Free, secure Wi-Fi is available to hotel and bar guests. Mobile phone reception in Great Langdale can be limited, so Wi-Fi calling can be useful if your phone supports it.

Yes. You do not need to be staying at the hotel to visit the Climbers Bar for drinks or food.

No. We do not normally take table bookings for food in the Climbers Bar. Find a table, make a note of the table number and order at the bar. Please contact reception in advance for group enquiries.

Time vary during the season but food is generally served daily from 1pm. Current serving times and the latest dishes can be found on our menu page, as times and menus may change.

The Climbers Bar serves fresh, home-cooked food, including hearty meals, snacks and daily specials. It is designed to be the sort of food walkers and climbers can enjoy before or after a day on the fells.

Yes. The Climbers Bar is an important part of the climbing history of Great Langdale. The former shippon, or cow shed, was converted into the bar in 1949, and generations of British climbers have stayed at or gathered at the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

The Old Dungeon Ghyll has links with many important figures in British climbing and mountaineering. Visitors over the years have included Sir John Hunt, Joe Brown, Don Whillans, Chris Bonington and members of major Himalayan expeditions.

Yes. Music has a long tradition at the ODG. There is an open music session every Wednesday evening, usually starting at around 7:30pm. Visitors are welcome to bring an instrument, sing or simply come along and enjoy the evening.

Yes. The Stagecoach 516 service runs through Great Langdale, normally connecting the valley with Ambleside and with some services towards Windermere and Kendal. Check the current Stagecoach timetable before travelling.

Windermere is the nearest railway station. From Windermere you can continue towards Great Langdale by bus, taxi or other local transport.

Yes. The Old Dungeon Ghyll sits directly on the Cumbria Way and Great Langdale has an extensive network of walking routes. Our grid reference is NY 28594 06121.

The postcode is LA22 9JY.

You can contact hotel reception on 015394 37272 or by email at reception@odg.co.uk.