Elterwater Lake Circular Walk

The Elterwater Lake Circular Walk is a 10.9 km journey through the Great Langdale Valley that will take you along the edge of the water and the flowing River Brathay. While out on the trail, you will experience views of the surrounding Lake District Fells as you walk along the valley floor between the villages of Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge. This walk offers a great mix of village, woodland, and open farmland walking, making it suitable for walkers of almost every skill level.
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Elterwater Lake Circular Walk
With wonderfully scenic views of the surrounding Lake District landscape and easy-to-navigate terrain, the Elterwater Circular Walk is a great option for a fun day of exploring the trails, no matter your skill level. Although the trail is easy to follow, there are some portions of the walk that traverse uneven terrain, which might slow travel for less mobile walkers. Even still, the pleasant scenery of the surrounding fells standing proudly above the floor of the Great Langdale Valley is a wonderful way to spend some time outdoors.
Setting out from the trailhead in the village of Elterwater, the trail will first lead you to the south through a beautiful stretch of intermittent woodland terrain before visiting the rushing waters of Colwith Force. From here, you will head to the east across some open terrain, eventually arriving in the charming village of Skelwith Bridge. Turn to the northwest and follow closely along the winding banks of the River Brathay, as it will take you to the point where it flows out of Elterwater Lake. Make your way along the edge of the water and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this lakeside setting before arriving back at the car park where you began your journey.
Getting to the Elterwater Lake Circular Walk Trailhead
To reach the car park for the Elterwater Lake Circular Walk from Skelwith Bridge, drive northeast on A593 and turn left onto B5343, following it for 2.4 km. Turn left here and continue on for 0.3 km to find the car park on the left just before the bridge.
Route Information
Elterwater Lake Circular Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherElterwater Lake Circular Walk Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Loughrigg Tarn & Elterwater Circular Walk
- Blea Rigg Circular Walk
- Wordsworth’s Grasmere and Rydal Circular Walk
- Loughrigg Terrace Walk
- Elterwater Waterfalls Walk
- Steel Fell, Dead Pike, and Calf Crag Walk
- Black Fell and Tarn Hows Circular Walk
- Lingmoor & Side Pike Walk
- Little & Great Langdale Valley Walk
- Elterwater & Loughrigg Tarn Walk
- Neaum Crag to Ambleside Walk
- Helm Crag Circular Walk