B5343, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9NJ
Skelwith Force
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
5.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3A small waterfall on the River Brathay that can sound and look far more powerful after rain, with riverside walking routes continuing towards Elterwater.
Skelwith Force is a worthwhile Lakeland pause because the waterfall is part of a longer riverside landscape: follow the Brathay beyond the falls towards Elterwater, rather than treating the cascade as a quick roadside photo stop.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapB5343, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9NJ
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The experience
Visit the waterfall from the riverside path, then continue towards Elterwater for a longer walk. Conditions underfoot can be slippery, and the closest viewpoint may require negotiating uneven rocks.
Things to do
View Skelwith Force
Follow the riverside path to see the cascade. Some accounts describe the closest viewing area as uneven and slippery, so stay on ground you can negotiate safely.
Check before visiting
Continue towards Elterwater
Make the waterfall part of a longer riverside walk. Reviews describe continuing along the river towards Elterwater and mention views towards the Langdales.
About an hour is mentioned for a pleasant riverside section; confirm your route before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour; exact time depends on approach and conditions
Quick Escape: see the falls
- 01
Use a locally confirmed access point and follow the riverside path towards Skelwith Force.
- 02
Pause at a safe viewpoint to see the cascade.
- 03
Return the way you came; do not assume there is a bridge across the river.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: follow the river towards Elterwater
- 01
Walk to Skelwith Force and stop at a safe viewpoint.
- 02
Continue along the riverside path towards Elterwater, taking time for views along the way.
- 03
Return by your chosen route; check the route and crossing options before setting out.
- 04
A Tripadvisor reviewer mentions Chester’s by the river as a possible refreshment stop; check current details.
When to go
· No particular time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied visitor accounts say the falls are more impressive after rain. Rain can also make paths and rocks slippery, so conditions call for care.
Take care after rain: visitor accounts describe slippery paths, steps and uneven rocks near the falls.
The route
- surface
- Riverside paths; some accounts mention uneven rocks and slippery steps near the waterfall viewpoint.
- difficulty
- The route towards the falls is described by visitors as a walk; uneven, slippery rocks may be encountered near the best viewpoint.
- start point
- Confirm a suitable access point locally before setting out.
- parking start
- Parking information is not established by the supplied source material; check locally.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the waterfall viewpoint and return the same way, if the path and access point are suitable.
- Skelwith Force on the River Brathay
- Riverside views on the way towards Elterwater
- Views towards the Langdales mentioned by visitors
Worth pairing with
Elterwater
Continue along the riverside path towards Elterwater for a longer walk and views towards the Langdales, as described in visitor accounts.
Chester’s by the river
A visitor mentions a terrace overlooking Skelwith Force. Confirm the business is open before planning a stop.
What to look for
Watch how the Brathay changes character around the falls: the cascade is reported to be more dramatic after rain. Look for riverside views as the path continues towards Elterwater.
Best time to go
After rainfall, when the falls are reported to be at their most impressive; take particular care on wet paths and rocks.
After rain for a stronger-looking cascade; choose a time when you can take care on wet and uneven ground.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A riverside path leads to views of the falls. Some visitors report that the best viewpoint involves climbing over large, uneven rocks; paths and steps can be slippery, particularly after rain. Check current access and conditions before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking options are not reliably established by the supplied sources. Check locally before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A visitor review mentions Chester’s by the river, with a terrace overlooking the falls. Check current opening and availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row says the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Reviews describe uneven, slippery rocks near the best waterfall viewpoint, so access to that viewpoint may be difficult. Check current path conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Skelwith Force
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
