Walk · Cumbria

Slater's Bridge and Colwith Force from Elterwater

Elterwater · LA22 9HP
Little Langdale Stang End Little Fell A593 River Brathay River Brathay Carr Howes N 880 YD © OpenStreetMap contributors
4.6MILES
2h 9mON FOOT
190mCLIMB
CircularSHAPE
The route A-road B-road Lane Track Path Water Woodland
Off-road 86% 14% shares tarmac with cars
Field & moor path 46%Lane & track 40%Road with traffic 14%

Our drawing of the route, over road and path data from OpenStreetMap. It shows where the walk goes and what it goes through. It is not a survey and not a navigation aid — carry OS Explorer on the hill. Off-lead information here is what walkers reported or what signage allows — never our advice. Whether and when a dog is off the lead is the owner’s decision and legal responsibility; keep dogs under control near livestock and follow signs on the day.

Starts at
National Trust Elterwater car park, in the village by the bridge LA22 9HP
Parking
Paid National Trust car park, only about 40 spaces and full before 9am on fine weekends; the lane verges are all no-parking
Directions to the start →

Four and a half miles and about two and a quarter hours through Little Langdale: quarry road out of Elterwater, the slate slab of Slater's Bridge over the Brathay, then the woodland path down to Colwith Force before returning by Skelwith. Start at the National Trust car park in Elterwater village, which is small - perhaps 40 spaces - paid, and reliably full by nine on a fine weekend; the Langdale Rambler bus from Ambleside stops in the village. Plenty of river for a dog to drink and swim in and the quarry tracks are enclosed, but Slater's Bridge is a narrow slab with no handrail and a drop either side, so short lead across it, and the Little Langdale fields are grazed by Herdwicks year round.

THE SMALL PRINTShort lead over Slater's Bridge, a narrow unrailed slate slab above the river, and through the grazed Little Langdale fields. Colwith Force sits in a steep-sided gorge with unfenced edges.

House rules, decoded

Livestock — leads on
Water bowls
REGION · CUMBRIA
GRID · 54.4283, -3.0332
SOURCE · HTTPS://WWW.KOMOOT.COM/GUIDE/199776/HIKING-AROUND-ELTER-WATER
Also in Elterwater
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Brimstone Hotel

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Brimstone Hotel is a place to stay in Elterwater. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

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Bull Close Cottage
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Bull Close Cottage

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Nestled in the peaceful hamlet of Skelwith Fold this charming prospect is tucked away from the hustle and bustle but within easy reach of the South Lakes. Surrounded by beautiful countryside there are fantastic walking opportunities to enjoy all around so pull on your boots and take to those dramatic fells. Why not enjoy a circular walk around Loughrigg Tarn (2.5 miles) or follow the riverside path to picturesque Elterwater (2.5 miles)? Also good for a day trip and a photo opportunity is the pretty village of Chapel Stile (3 miles) which is the gateway to the magnificent Langdale Valley. For a lovely walks out on the fell tops Wansfell Pike (4.5 miles) and the challenging Fairfield Horseshoe (4.5 miles) are an absolute must for avid hikers. Other local highlights in the area include the busy town of Ambleside (3 miles). With its array of outdoor and independent shops two independent cinemas/restaurants cafes and shops it s perfect for a spot of retail therapy. Neighbouring Bowness-on-Windermere (7.5 miles) is home to The World of Beatrix Potter; tie your trip in with a visit to her former home at Hill Top (5.5 miles) which is managed by the National Trust. Why not catch the ferry across Windermere to gorgeous Hawkshead (3.5 miles)? Head north to Keswick (19 miles) the adventure capital of The Lakes where you can climb Skiddaw from or embark on pleasant strolls around nearby Derwentwater. On arrival at this dog-friendly terraced cottage sleeping four guests and two dogs in comfort you will encounter a very cosy living room (beware of the step up). With ample seating centring around the cosy wood burner feature fireplace and TV this room is bursting with character. The wood beam ceiling adds to the rustic feel of the room which also has a sunny book nook complete with rocking chair. The impressive spacious kitchen comes complete with all the mod-cons you could ever need to whip up some fine meals for all your guests. The adjoining dining room has a light and airy aspect and the dining table has seating for four. Upstairs you will find two restful bedrooms - a master with wood panelled walls and a view of the surrounding hills from the window. The second bedroom is a cosy twin. Close by is the bathroom with shower cubicle and WC. To the front of the property is a small enclosed front garden. There is allocated on-street parking for two cars in a layby opposite the cottage for convenience. Need to know: 2 bedrooms 1 double, 1 twin. 1 bathroom with shower cubicle and WC. Electric oven with induction hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer TV in lounge. Washing machine and tumble dryer. Wi Fi included. Book nook. Rear garden with outdoor furniture. Beware of the step up into living room. Allocated on street parking for 2 cars in a layby opposite the property. Shops, pubs and restaurants 1 mile away.

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Elterwater Barn

LA22 9HY
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Elterwater Barn is a place to stay in Elterwater. It is listed here so you know it is there, but we have not yet established whether dogs are welcome — so there is no verdict on this page and no stamp. If it is your business, claim the page and tell us, and we will stamp it.

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