Elterwater - Slater Bridge - Colwith Force - Loughrigg Tarn - Elterwater

John Hobson

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In an area which is full of very good walks, this circular walk rewards you with terrific views and interesting features at every stage. Starting in Elterwater, the route takes you into Little Langdale, across the old clapper bridge at Slater Bridge, which is near the former meeting point of the three shires of Lancashire, Cumberland and Westmorland. The walk heads eastward, passing by Colwith Force, which is an impressive waterfall, then on to Skelwith Bridge. Here is the opportunity to take refreshments in Chesters Cafeteria, inside the Kirkstone Gallery. You should also take the opportunity to make a minor diversion to view Skelwith Force. The walk then takes you close by Loughrigg Tarn before returning to the side of Elterwater, then finishes by following the beck back towards the car park.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

5/11/2015 - Peter Duke

At WP11 suggest you add 'do not go throught the gate in the wall'. Also the ladder stile is now a gate.

6/12/2014 - Robert Hughes

The is an excellent low level walk gaining just enough height for excellent views - including an unexpected one of Bowfell peeking into view whilst in Little Langdale. The instructions were easy to follow though the following additional notes may be helpful. WM6 Just after you leave the road there are three new field gates to pass through the last of which is the one in the notes. WM7: Pass right through Park Farm (signed Cumbrian Way) before reaching the sign to Skelwith Bridge. Between WM7 and WM8: It is much better to avoid the main road (A593) altogether by turning left just before you reach it, up a good path marked Skelwith (avoiding A593). This takes you up to Skelwith force where there is a bridge just above the force. Turn right after the bridge to take in the force and then returning along the B5343 to WM8. WM8: the sign "Tarn only" now says "Footpath to Tarn" WM10: The Waymark arrow points left as you pass through the gate – infact you need to go right! Once you have turned left on the road the first white house you see ahead is not the cottage in the notes – the cottage comes into view once you have turned right up the track where the signpost can be easily missed behind the overhanging branches. WM11: Keep to the path next to the wall as it descends again (though a brief excursion to the higher knoll on the right gives a good view of Elterwater). The path then leaves the wall, crosses another and then becomes rather indistinct before reaching the ladder stile. WM 12: The “gap” in the wall is now a pedestrian gate. Hope this helps.

8/16/2008 - Stephen Harris

A superp easy walk with great views. The directions were quite difficult to follow and we ended up a little lost, albeit by Skelwith Force without realising it. Some of the names of places have also changed, WW advised of the updates which will take you to Skelwith force without needing to 'divert'. Other than this a very good walk of good distance and good underfoot conditions in most places. 8/10.