Elterwater & The Langdales – 10 miles

THIS WALK IS BEING LED FOR THOSE ON THE GRASMERE WEEKEND AND IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THERE IS NO NEED TO RSVP AND NO WALK FEE IS PAYABLE.

The walk has been selected with a mixed ability group in mind.

A rewarding, scenic walk which takes a largely gentle undulating route with the only challenges involving short, steep climbs of ten minutes and twenty minutes plus one gate to clamber over. We’ll take extra stops if needs be as there are certainly some scenic delights en route.

According to the instructions, this walk is 8.5 miles but I reckon its more like ten miles.

Terrain: quiet roads, stony/rocky paths, grassy paths.

The outward leg begins on a little-used surfaced road up to a slate quarry then we delve into woodland before reaching the campsite at Baysbrowne Farm. More woodland trails follow as we head for Oak Howe before picking up a narrow but firm path lined with bracken. Grassy paths complete the outward leg and our route along the lower valley slopes between the Langdale Hills.

Our most challenging part then commences as we take a steep zig-zag path (20mins) up between Side Pike and Blake Rigg, the route flattening out before we cross a road to pick up a gentle path towards Blea Tarn after which another scenic section takes us alongside a stream as we make our way over to the Wrynose Pass road. A steep descent on the road and then we walk pass the charming Fell Foot Farm.

Our route has become easier at this point as we then pass an isolated cottage owned by the National Trust and a stony path takes us past more cottages dating back centuries before we arrive at the delightful Slater Bridge.

From here its another 1.5 miles initially up a steep path (10mins) then a rocky path back into Elterwater.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £0. No dogs please. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of liquid refreshment. Good, sturdy footwear is recommended.

After-walk refreshment at the Britannia Inn in Elterwater or alternatively, you may wish to head straight back to Glenthorne in time for afternoon tea & cake!

Parking options
National Trust car park in the village centre is £9 (bring your membership card if you have one). You won’t be able to use debit/credit cards to pay at the machine. You can pay in cash or by handing notes to the attendant and he will give you a ticket or by National Trust membership card or by downloading an app. On entering the village centre, you will see the small green and the pub, turn left and the cp will be on your lhs.

There are various places dotted around the village where roadside parking is available.

On the village outskirts, there is some private land where you can park for £5 and you pay over the phone.

Meeting point
Meet in the Guest House lounge at 9am to arrange car sharing. We will need to leave PROMPTLY to mitigate any potential issues with parking. We will then recongregate on the small village green in the centre of Elterwater village. Toilets opposite for 30p.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group has no insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.