Approx. 5.5 miles. Undulating in places but easy. Good clear paths, can be wet in places.
I originally saw this walk in Bob Allen’s book, On the Lower Lakeland Fells, but it took me some time to try it out. My perception that you had to gain height to really enjoy the Lake District was forever changed by this brilliant walk that constantly provides wonderful views and the odd surprise!
The walk is ideal for pretty much any weather! It starts from the picturesque village of Elterwater
Leave the car park by the path heading for Skelwith Bridge
The path meanders next to fields of grazing sheep before entering a small wooded area.
When the beck is in full flow, the water makes a wonderful, excitable companion as it races your progress along the path. When there has been little rain however, the tamed beck is a whispering companion and you can even get down on to the river bed in places.
As you come out of the wooded area, you have Elterwater to your right.
There is normally a small beach with ducks waiting expectantly to share walker’s sandwiches, and wonderful views across to the Langdale Pikes.
The path now makes its way across open grazing pasture, although it’s not unusual to see the River Brathay – fed by Elter Water – extending its reach over the banks and onto the fields.
You will soon come to another wooded area. The river is now being squeezed as the banks move in from both sides; the water picking up pace as it fights its way over and between the increasingly rocky terrain.
Soon, you hear the roar of Skelwith Force; the waterfall that while of a modest drop carries a vast quantity of water from Elter Water onwards towards Lake Windermere , creating a spectacular feature. There is a small iron bridge which – with care - allows you to get really close to the roar of the water.
Meanwhile, the path continues on its way towards and between the workshops of Kirkstone Quarries.
In the past, the associated Kirkstone Galleries was a mecca of local, slate based trinkets and more exotic (and expensive) slate products with one or two brought in items. Now, it is just like other niche homeware stores with a very limited range of local products, and so for me has lost all it’s charm. Follow the vehicular entrance next to the river – paying attention to the traffic – and go out onto the main road, turning right over the road bridge which crosses the River Brathay.
Following the Coniston Road for a short period where you will see a public footpath to the right sign posted for Colwith Bridge
This path climbs through a small wooded area parallel with the A593, joins a farm track, then becomes a path again beyond the Park House farm.
From here, you can look across to your right and see the meadow next to Elter Water you walked through before. On this path, you will some permanent caravans and the buildings of Park Farm.
You will see an arrow on a wall pointing the way. Keep to the path and cross a number of metalled drives, then by-pass Low Park Farm and follow the path as it slopes down towards the River Brathay. This is the section of the river that links Little Langdale Tarn with Elter Water.
You will then enter more woods and come to a stile which brings you out onto the road that jons the A593 Coniston road with Elterwater and Little Langdale.
Turn right onto the road and look for another stile this time on the left that takes you back into the woods towards Colwith Force.
Follow the path to the right, keeping the ravine and river on your right. Soon, you will hear the roar of the water cascading over the double drop of Colwith Force.
With care you can get close to the falls from a number of angles which provide some great opportunities for pictures. Also of interest are the buildings and steep staircase on the far bank; evidence that at some time in the past the water’s power was harnessed, perhaps for industrial use.
As you leave the falls, the path moves away from the river, through the woods to emerge close to the buildings of High Park Farm. Follow the bridleway through between the farm buildings and take the metalled track to the right, which heads down hill towards Stang End Farm.
There are some great views of Lingmoor Fell to your right and the route ahead towards Little Langdale Tarn.
Through Stang Farm, you will need to take a quick left, right to stay on the path. Cross a cattle-grid and small beck then follow the path as it follows the base of a small tree covered hill.
As you come through the woods, ignore the path that emerges to your left, then “keep left” rather than crossing the footbridge / ford to your right.
The path how hugs the base of a hill littered with slate quarry spoil on your left.
After passing two gates, cross a stile on the right and follow the path which leads down to the picturesque Slater Bridge
The bridge crosses the outflow from Little Langdale Tarn and will eventually cascade down Colwith Force. You will want to stop and take pictures of this most tranquil of Lake District scenes, and perhaps stop for a snack. It is idyllic here.
When ready, cross the footbridge and take the path straight in front of you, keeping the emerging stone wall on your left.
As you walk up the slight slope, you will see marvellous views across Little Langdale Tarn, across to Mickledon and Langdale Fell, with Lingmoor Fell to your right and the Tilberthwaite Fells to your left.
Stay on the path that heads towards High Birk Howe Farm and then the narrow road leading to the Little Langdale road. Turn left, then immediately right and follow the track’s gentle incline onto the lower edge of Lingmoor Fell.
From now on, keep to the right whenever there is a choice, and the track will become a rough lane, bounded by trees and a stone wall. Take care here as the surface lane is basically lose stone and rock.
The lane comes out to a metalled road. Follow the road to the right and at the junction just after Elkterwater Hall, turn left and hed back into Elterwater over the road bridge that crosses the Great Langdale Beck.
The car park is to your right….and the Brittania Inn to your left!
