11:30am Saturday 30th January 2010
By Mary Welsh
IT HAS been quite difficult designing a walk with the unpredictable weather we have been experiencing. I walked this way on January 19 and after a dull morning, the sun came out and the remaining snow enhanced the fells.
Lakeland looked very beautiful. I found the paths and tracks in good condition, the route is well waymaked and the views superb. I hope you enjoy this walk to Elterwater.
Park in a large layby at Oxen Park Cross, grid ref 328017. To reach this, leave Ambleside by the Coniston Road, A593. Cross Skelwith Bridge and climb the A road, to the top of Colwith Brow, the lay-by is on the right (west) side of the road.
1 Walk on, south, for a few steps and wind around right into the narrow road to High Oxen Fell. Immediately, turn right into a small conifer wood and go ahead, passing the parking area, over the wall, on your right. Beyond a gate, carry on along the fenced track beside the wall on your right. The next gate gives access to the A road. Here turn left to join a narrow lane and at the almost immediate Y junction of roads, go ahead taking the one to the right. Stroll the lovely lane, picturesque with patches of snow between bronzed bracken.
2 Follow the rollercoaster lane as it finally winds, left, downhill past High Park and Stang End. At its junction with a track, curve right towards the River Brathay, fast flowing and very full with the run-off from thawing snow. Ignore the bridge ahead and bear left along a track beside the surging water, now on your right. When you can see the pleasing Slater Bridge ahead, look out for the path, on the right, that leads across a small pasture to steps. Cross and ascend the reinforced path, straight up the slopes, passing through gates as you near High Birk Howe. Pause as you go to look back down to the lovely valley and across the pastures to Little Langdale Tarn, still partly covered with ice. The amphitheatre of fells, toward the head of the valley, are all topped with snow and an occasional cloud tangles some of the tops.
3 On reaching the narrow valley road, turn left and, almost immediately, climb right up a narrow lane. Pass Dale End farm, beyond which the metalled way ceases. Continue ascending on a reasonable track, with dramatic views of the Fairfield range of hills, all heavily snow-clad, appearing in the distance. Beyond, the track heavily reinforced with stones, begins to descend through woodland to join the road, which goes on down to Elterwater village.
4 Cross the sturdy bridge over Great Langdale Beck and turn right through the car park (unless you wish to take a break at the welcoming Britania Inn). Carry on along the wide track, now quite damaged by the floods, then frost and snow. To your right you can see Elterwater through the wintry trees. Follow the track, passing through woodland and then a gate into open pasture. Pause a short way along and look back (with your camera at the ready) for a magnificent view of the Langdale Pikes. Carry on to pass through a gate into more woodland and cross the ‘new bridge’ over the river. Turn left with the path and look down left to see the spectacular Skelwith Force.
5 Follow the good path as it continues through the trees, above the river, curving gradually right and then climbing steadily to join the Cumbria Way. Stroll the pleasing path, generally well signposted, to pass Park House, Park Farm and Low Park, ignoring any access tracks going off left to join the A road. Enjoy the wonderful views as you go. Descend a pasture on a fine path to reach a gate and, beyond, begin your descent to the valley below. There are steps all the way down the scarp, but no handrail, so take care and keep the very young under close control. At the foot, stride over a small pasture to take a gated stone step stile, which leads you straight on to the road.
6 Turn right and a short distance along go up steps, on the left, to a stile over the wall and then climb a wooden stile beyond. Ascend straight up unless you wish to visit Colwith waterfall, which is signed right. Continue on the path as it winds through the lovely woodland, keeping high above the beck to your right. Emerge from the trees and go ahead until you can pass through the wall on the right by a gate. Stroll on to reach the road at High Park. Ascend left and retrace your steps to the parking area.
Information Distance: 7 1/2 miles Time: 3-4 hours Terrain: paths and tracks generally clear of ice and good to walk. Take care as you take the rising track into the woodland just before the ‘new’ bridge. It was very icy here a few weeks ago.
Map: OS Explorer OL 7 NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.
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