Elterwater to Skelwith Force
A level riverside walk from Elterwater village, past the lake and through meadows to the falls at Skelwith Force. No stiles.
- Distance
- 5.4 km
- 3.4 miles
- Ascent
- 36 m
- High point 84 m
- Time
- 1 hour
- Walking time, no stops
- Grade
- Easy
- There and back
Take this walk with you
This route is on paths Google Maps knows, so the walking link follows it closely. The GPX is still the exact line. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.
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This is the gentlest way into the Langdale scenery, and one of the best. From Elterwater village a broad path follows Great Langdale Beck down to the shore of Elter Water, where the Langdale Pikes rise behind the reeds in the view on every calendar in the area.
Beyond the lake the path crosses open meadow and enters woodland to reach Skelwith Force, a short, powerful fall where the whole river squeezes through a rock channel. A couple of hundred metres further on is Skelwith Bridge and Chesters café, the natural turning point.
It is a Lake District National Park Miles without Stiles route, so it suits pushchairs, robust wheelchairs and anyone wanting a low-effort walk with big views.
The route
- 1
Elterwater village to the lake
Go through the gate at the back of the car park onto the wide stone path beside Great Langdale Beck. After about a kilometre it reaches the shore of Elter Water, with the Langdale Pikes behind you.
- 2
Meadow and woodland
Continue across an open meadow, which floods occasionally, then climb a short 1 in 8 slope to a gate into woodland.
- 3
Skelwith Force
Cross Woodburn Bridge and follow the smooth stone path above the river to Skelwith Force, where viewing points overlook the falls.
- 4
Skelwith Bridge and back
Another 200 metres brings you to Skelwith Bridge and Chesters café. Return the same way to Elterwater.
Questions people ask
Is the Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walk accessible?
Yes. It is Lake District National Park Miles without Stiles route 11, graded for many users. The surface is bumpy in places and there is one 1 in 8 slope. Class 2 or 3 mobility scooters only.
How far is it from Elterwater to Skelwith Force?
About two and a half kilometres each way, roughly an hour's gentle walk in each direction.
Can you get the bus to Elterwater?
Yes, the 516 runs from Ambleside to Elterwater all year.
More walks nearby
Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike from Elterwater
Moderate, 11.6 km, 536 m up, about 3 hours
A small fell with a huge view: from Elterwater through old slate quarries to Lingmoor's ridge, over Side Pike above Blea Tarn, and back along Great Langdale.
Silver How from Grasmere
Moderate, 5.8 km, 370 m up, about 2 hours
Grasmere's own little fell: a short circuit to a rocky summit with one of the finest views of the vale, the lake and the Langdale Pikes.
Alcock Tarn from Grasmere
Moderate, 5.4 km, 312 m up, about 1 hour 30 minutes
A short, steep climb from Grasmere to a quiet fellside tarn, with one of the best views of the vale on the way down past Dove Cottage.
Food, drink and beds near the start
The Britannia Inn
Traditional, Elterwater, ££, dogs welcome
Elterwater's village green pub is a Langdale classic - real ales on the terrace with the Pikes as your backdrop.
Brimstone Hotel
Luxury Lodge, Langdale, ££££
A collection of luxury suites and lodges in the Langdale Valley with a stunning spa, fire pit, and slate-clad architecture that feels both modern and rooted in the Cumbrian landscape.
The Wainwright Inn
Traditional, Chapel Stile, ££
A Langdale valley stalwart named after the great man himself - solid ales, hearty food and a walkers welcome.
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa
Contemporary British, Grasmere, £££
A luxurious lakeside retreat offering panoramic views of Grasmere Lake. Features an award-winning spa and elegant dining rooms serving locally sourced cuisine.
Wordsworth Grasmere
Heritage, Grasmere, ££
Dove Cottage and the museum tell the story of England's greatest Romantic poet in the landscape that inspired him.
Tweedies Bar & Lodge
Modern British, Grasmere, ££, dogs welcome
A relaxed Grasmere bar and lodge with a big beer garden looking out to the fells, a strong line of craft beers and ales, hearty seasonal food and live bands at weekends.