Elterwater, near Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria LA22 9NP
Elter Water
Lake
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5A small lake in a big landscape: Elter Water sits beneath the Langdale fells, with riverside paths leading towards waterfalls, old bridges and the rocky workings of Cathedral Quarry.
Elter Water makes a rewarding starting point for exploring the Langdale valley on foot. The lake, riverside paths and nearby waterfalls, historic bridges and quarry caverns give a short visit plenty to notice, with longer routes opening out into the surrounding countryside.
Peaceful · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapElterwater, near Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria LA22 9NP
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The experience
Start with the lake and nearby riverside path, then choose how far to explore. The Elterwater–Skelwith Bridge route is described as low-level; longer walks can link the valley’s waterfalls, Cathedral Quarry and Slater Bridge. Check route conditions and access before setting off.
Things to do
Walk from Elterwater towards Skelwith Bridge
Follow the low-level route described by the Lake District National Park Authority. Check its current route information before travelling.
Look for waterfalls on a longer walk
A visitor guide identifies Skelwith Force on the route towards Skelwith Bridge; a video documents a longer walk that also visits Colwith Force.
Explore Cathedral Quarry and its cavern
A recorded walk from Elterwater includes Cathedral Quarry and Cathedral Cavern. Check access and conditions before entering any quarry or cavern.
See historic Slater Bridge
A recorded Elterwater walk includes Slater Bridge as a stop. Confirm the route and access before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A lakeside and riverside stroll
- 01
Start in Elterwater village and walk towards the lake.
- 02
Follow the riverside path for a short out-and-back, turning back when conditions or time require.
Half day · Check route details before setting out
Walk on to Skelwith Bridge
- 01
Follow the low-level route from Elterwater towards Skelwith Bridge.
- 02
Take time to notice the river and waterfall features along the way.
- 03
Check the route’s current access and conditions before starting.
Full Wildland day · Allow a substantial part of the day; verify route length and conditions
A longer valley walk to quarry and bridges
- 01
Use Elterwater as a starting point for a longer walk through the valley.
- 02
Where the chosen route allows, visit Cathedral Quarry and Slater Bridge.
- 03
Check the route, access and weather before setting out; some nearby routes include rough or steep sections.
Verified history
The wider Langdale valley was an important centre for prehistoric stone-axe production, using local volcanic tuff. The valley also has a later slate-quarrying history, with quarry workings and tracks still forming part of the landscape. These are regional histories, not claims about the lake itself.
Hidden details
Cathedral Quarry’s cavern — A longer walk from Elterwater can include the cavern at Cathedral Quarry, a striking contrast to the open valley paths. Check access and conditions before entering.
Prehistoric quarrying in the wider valley — Langdale’s history includes prehistoric stone-axe production; traces of early quarry sites and working areas survive high on the fells, according to the visitor guide.
When to go
· Choose a clear spell for views; check forecasts and route conditions before setting out.
The supplied sources do not establish a particular seasonal peak for visiting Elter Water.
A video account describes recent heavy rain, high water and a path that had been flooded. Check weather, water levels and route conditions before visiting.
The route
- difficulty
- Described as a low-level route; check current route details
- start point
- Elterwater
- parking start
- A video account describes starting at a National Trust car park in Elterwater; check current parking arrangements and charges.
- shorter alternative
- A short out-and-back from Elterwater towards the lake; confirm path access and conditions.
- Elter Water
- Riverside path towards Skelwith Bridge
- Skelwith Force on a nearby route
Worth pairing with
Skelwith Bridge and Skelwith Force
A natural extension of a visit to Elter Water: the National Park Authority lists a route towards Skelwith Bridge, and a local visitor guide identifies Skelwith Force nearby.
Cathedral Quarry and Slater Bridge
Both are included on a recorded longer walk from Elterwater, offering a quarry-and-heritage extension to a lakeside visit.
What to look for
Notice the contrast between the still water and the faster-flowing river, then look out for waterfalls, old stone bridges and the caverns at Cathedral Quarry on longer nearby walks.
The story
The wider Langdale valley has evidence of prehistoric axe production and a later slate-quarrying history.
Best time to go
Check current conditions before visiting; routes can be affected by wet weather.
Choose a clear spell for open views across the valley. After heavy rain, water levels and path conditions may change; check locally before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Elter Water lies beside the village of Elterwater in the Langdale valley. Walking routes in the area include a low-level riverside route towards Skelwith Bridge. Check current access and conditions before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A visitor account describes starting from a National Trust car park at Elterwater. Check parking availability, charges and current arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
A video account describes an honesty-box café stop on a nearby walk; check whether it is open before relying on it.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
A low-level walk towards Skelwith Bridge is described by the Lake District National Park Authority. Other nearby routes include steep and rough sections; check the specific route and conditions before setting out.
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Cost
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Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Elter Water
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
