The quiet Elterwater Lake has many small coves; its shores are partly wooded and partly lined with reeds. The route from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge follows Great Langdale Beck and reaches the lakeshore after 1 km. Path conditions may change after flooding or erosion; check them before setting out. The other routes also differ in terrain, mode of transport and destination.
Lakeshore and Birdlife
On the route near Elterwater, birds that may be seen include mallards, coots and moorhens. Sightings are seasonal and variable. For nature enthusiasts, birdwatching can be a possible focus along the way, but it is not a predictable event. You may also turn your attention to the coves and the transition between wooded and reed-lined shores.
On Foot: Different Routes
The Elterwater Trail is waymarked, is hilly in places and has rough sections; its condition can vary seasonally. Markers provide guidance, while the hilly and rough sections remain important when assessing the terrain. Another option is the route from New Dungeon Ghyll to Elterwater: its middle section is challenging. These routes have different features to consider—the Elterwater Trail’s waymarking and path conditions, and the challenging middle section of the route from New Dungeon Ghyll.
The Cathedral Caves from Elterwater path ends at Cathedral Quarry in Little Langdale. The quarry has unprotected steep drops, deep water and a risk of falling rocks. Check conditions before visiting and come prepared. This destination differs from the route by Elterwater Lake and is a separate route option.
Cycling through Langdale Valley
The Langdale Valley cycle trail is a linear cycling route through meadows, woodland and slate quarries, and passes through Elterwater Quarry. The quarry is operational and known for its Westmorland Green slate. Quarry traffic should be taken into account along the route. The linear format and the section through the active quarry are two specific points to consider when planning a cycle ride.
Slate and Local Architecture
The local architecture also features green slate: the rubble-stone houses in Elterwater have massive, irregularly shaped lintels and quoins made from this material. Nos. 1–7 Mill Street comprises seven small, two-storey houses with rubble-stone walls and slate roofs. The building is legally protected for its special architectural or historic interest. Slate therefore appears at different scales, from individual building elements to an entire row of houses.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
Bus route 516 runs year-round between Ambleside and Elterwater. Check the current timetable before travelling. There are public toilets in Elterwater on the route to Skelwith Bridge.
Discover more destinations: Applethwaite, Westward, Penruddock, Aspatria, Bowness-on-Solway, Cockermouth, Lowick, Bassenthwaite
For the main travel overview: Cumbria.
