Langdale Stone Axe Factory in Lake District National Park

Langdale Stone Axe Factory

At least 5,000 years ago, Pike o'Stickle and other mountains in Langdale became the source of stone for axes. The primary site, on the slopes of the Langdale Pikes, is sometimes described as a "stone axe factory".

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Langdale Stone Axe Factory Details

The last great Ice Age ended some 12,000 years ago and the people here eked out an existence in a terribly harsh place. As millennia passed and the climate tempered, these early residents began to move, hunting and fishing and gathering across the region, then, around 7,000 years ago, they began to establish more permanent homes, clearing forest for fuel and building materials and opening up land for easier hunting and the planting of crops. At least 5,000 years ago, Pike o'Stickle and other mountains in Langdale became the source of stone for axes and the sites of stone circles at Castlerigg, Long Meg, and elsewhere. Later inhabitants dug parts of the Lake District for copper, iron-ore, graphite, and green slate. In Neolithic times, the Lake District was a major source of stone axes, examples of which have been found all over Britain. There are car parks and toilets in the valley bottom and the site is visible from the road. Access to the fells where the axes and other stone implements were hewn can be gained by following rights of way and traversing the open fell. But be warned, the climb is stiff and hazardous. Grid Reference: NY 28399 07106 Address (near): Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JY, UK

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Langdale Stone Axe Factory

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Langdale Stone Axe Factory while the map context is still fresh.

0.8 mi away

The Langdale Pikes

Deservedly one of the most popular walks in the Lakes it is worth savouring the day and not to scrimp and save time to tick the summits.

0.8 mi away

Great Langdale Campsite

One of the four campsites run by the National Trust.

0.9 mi away

The Langdale Pikes

The north side of the Great Langdale valley is comprised of the Langdale Pikes, a series of peaks that includes the Pike of Stickle, Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, and Pavey Ark.

1.8 mi away

Blea Tarn

A lovely stop during the day.

2.0 mi away

Copt Howe Rock Carvings

The carvings are beside the B5343 road in Great Langdale.