The high Lakeland fells are, to many, at their most majestic in the late winter; as bright low sun glistens against snow-capped peaks and the frozen streams glitter and sparkle. But there’s danger in this beautiful landscape, and it should be remembered that winter mountaineering is not to be undertaken by the inexperienced or ill-prepared. Proper technical equipment, along with knowledge of how to use it, is essential for those venturing onto the tops at this time of year.
So in this blog article, we’re featuring a delightful day’s hike of just over six miles, which stimulates the senses with the best that winter has to offer, all from the safety and security of a low level route around Elterwater and the charming Little Langdale Valley. We suggest starting and finishing on the Common at Elterwater. It’s a popular spot but there are plenty of places to park around the Common, and you’ll soon be far from the crowds on even the busiest of weekends.
Park up and get organised, and make your way to the bridge over the River Brathay. Just before the bridge, the wide, level track heads downstream along the north bank of the river, making for a charming and tranquil start to the day – just the ticket for loosening up those legs as you stroll through meadows and woodland accompanied by the gently flowing river as it briefly becomes the ‘lake’ of Elterwater itself.
Our top tip for this stretch of the walk is to keep turning round and looking back up the Great Langdale Valley. The scenery is picture postcard perfect, with the majestic Langdale Pikes providing one of the finest views in the Lakes as its backdrop.
As the wide meadows narrow you’ll arrive at a kissing gate, immediately after which you’ll see the strikingly artistic wrought metal footbridge which takes you over the river just above the thundering waterfall of Skelwith Force. The bridge was designed and built by local metalworker Chris Brammall, and stands as a triumphant testament to the occasional ability of planning departments to allow a little creativity in the landscape. Clamber down the rocks on either side for a closer look at the waterfall, but do be careful – wet rocks are slippery!
Once on the south side of the river, keep following the path downstream through the woods, before turning uphill and due south alongside the road until you emerge through another kissing gate into fields again, with the great bulk of the Coniston Fells directly ahead and open views of the Langdale Pikes to the right.
Pass through a farmyard and past some delightful old cottages, then across another field and over the stile into woodland where steep steps lead the path downwards towards the river. You’ll now turn right along the road for just a few yards before taking the path on the left back into the woods and along to the impressive and surprisingly little-visited sight of Colwith Force. You’ll hear it before you see it, as the Brathay crashes forty feet down the rocks into a deep plunge pool – a fine spot to sit a while and get that flask opened!
From the waterfall, climb onwards up through the woods until you emerge at High Park Farm and join the narrow lane heading west. You’re in the heart of Little Langdale now, with breath-taking views of the high mountains all around and a noticeable lack of sedentary tourists. As you stroll along the lane, the Three Shires Inn soon comes into view on the opposite side of the valley, and you can almost taste the well-earned local ale and hearty lunch which awaits.
For the ravenous, cut straight across the fields and the footbridge from Stang End Farm; but we strongly recommend taking an extra few minutes to follow the lane until you meet the ford across the river. Don’t cross yet, but carry on another 500 yards or so on the south side of the river and cross by the charming Slater Bridge, an ancient footbridge connecting the small community of Little Langdale with the vast Tilberthwaite slate quarries which lie between here and the Coniston Fells. We guarantee your camera’s going to be put to good use!
From Slater Bridge, it’s just a short stroll over the field and up the lane to the Three Shires Inn where you can enjoy our fine hospitality and make lunch as leisurely as you like – for you’ve already done the lion’s share of the walk.
Leaving the Three Shires, follow the lane south just a few yards and turn left to follow the bridleway back towards Elterwater. It’s a pleasant path climbing through fields to begin with, soon joining the wide bridleway which leads downhill directly back to Elterwater; joining the road just before the bridge where you first headed downstream alongside the river.
One final, but important note: although this description is accurate, it should not be used as your only guide to following the route. A proper Ordnance Survey map is always an essential companion.
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Category:
Walking
Author: Andrew
