Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave:

We have been meaning to document this incredible cave for quite some time and we have finally managed to take the trip with all four children! These caves are fantastic and not to be missed, your little ones will love exploring here!!

Finding the caves can sometimes be a little tricky, there are also many ways that you can walk to these caves. Our route below shows the circular route starting at Little Langdale and walking towards Stang End Farm and across to the caves, before heading back over Slaters Bridge and back up to Little Langdale.

IMPORTANT: due to Storm Arwen, at the time of writing, this circular route is not possible as there is an unsafe bridge between Little Langdale and Stang End (see photo 1). You can still access the walk from Little Langdale by heading towards Slaters Bridge and completing the second half of the circular route.

The notice showing the damage Storm Arwen has caused.

The start of the walk, when access is allowed.

This is the bridge that is, at time of writing, out of action (April 2022).

River Brathay

Circular Route:

Head to Little Langdale where you will find limited lay-by parking, the nearest postcode is LA22 9NX. I recommend getting here early in the summer months as it can get very busy.

Having parked in Little Langdale you are looking for a signpost for Stang End, see photo 2. (On arrival, if the access is still restricted to Stang End, you are able to continue walking through Little Langdale and complete the route via Slaters Bridge).

Follow the footpath down to Stang End, crossing over a small bridge before you reach Stang End. From here you reach a quiet road, continue to walk down the road until you reach the River Brathay, photo 4.

Continue along the road, do not cross the River Brathay this should be on your right hand side. This is where some walkers can get confused as the climb up to the caves can be easy to miss! Photo 5 shows the start of the path up to the caves, we always look out for the ‘Passing Place’ sign on our right, the stile to climb over is opposite this.

From here the route is self explanatory, you will reach the entrance to the caves and you are free to explore for as long as you wish! The views outside of the quarry are breathtaking, and the caves are spectacular!

Having explored the caves you retrace your steps back down to the road, here you turn left and walk down towards Slaters Bridge. This bridge is a beautiful, old stone bridge – be careful crossing with little ones! From here you follow the path back to Little Langdale, passing Three Shires Inn on your left hand side before reaching your car.

The Strava map below clearly marks this circular route.