Elterwater, Tarn Hows & Cathedral Cavern - 12 Miles

Join us for one of the Lake District’s finest circular walks, taking in roaring waterfalls, peaceful tarns, dramatic quarries, hidden caves and superb fell-top views.

Starting from the National Trust car park at Elterwater, we follow the beautiful River Brathay through woodland to the impressive Skelwith Force, where the river is squeezed through a narrow rock channel, creating one of Lakeland’s most powerful waterfalls.

Crossing historic Skelwith Bridge, we begin the steady climb over Black Fell and Iron Keld, with increasingly spectacular views across the Langdale valley before reaching the tranquil waters of Tarn Hows. Although it looks completely natural, Tarn Hows was created in the 19th century when three smaller tarns were joined together as part of the Monk Coniston estate, later owned by the Marshall family. Today it is cared for by the National Trust and is one of the Lake District’s most photographed beauty spots.

From Tarn Hows we climb alongside the beautiful cascades of Tom Ghyll, where the beck tumbles through a wooded ravine before continuing towards the peaceful Yew Tree Tarn. Our route then heads through Uskdale Gap and climbs to Ivy Crag, rewarding us with wonderful panoramic views across the surrounding fells.

The descent takes us into the fascinating industrial landscape of Hodge Close Quarry, where Victorian slate miners carved enormous chambers into the hillside. The flooded quarry and towering rock faces provide a dramatic reminder of the area’s slate-mining heritage. We then pass through the magnificent Cathedral Cavern, a huge man-made chamber complete with its famous cathedral-like entrance and towering central pillar, all created by generations of quarrymen extracting green slate.

Continuing into the picturesque hamlet of Little Langdale, we’ll enjoy classic Lakeland scenery before passing the remains of the Elterwater Slate Quarry. Slate quarrying shaped the local communities for over 200 years, with much of the famous Westmorland green slate used on prestigious buildings throughout Britain.

Our final section follows easy paths back into Elterwater, completing a memorable circuit packed with waterfalls, tarns, industrial archaeology and some of the finest scenery the Lake District has to offer.

Distance: Approximately 13 miles

Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

Please bring: Sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing, food, plenty of water and clothing suitable for mountain weather.

Dogs are welcome, but please keep in close control around livestock.

This is a full-day walk with plenty of stops to admire the scenery of this beautiful corner of the Lake District.