This four-mile walk is a delight. It starts from the pretty village of Elterwater and continues south towards Elter Water before heading up through glorious spring woodland. After almost encircling Loughrigg Tarn it descends to the valley road by a winding narrow lane. The return is made on newly made tracks, soon to pass dramatic Skelwith Force.

Park in the free car park, grid ref 329051. Take the B5343 from Skelwith Bridge to the crossroads for Elterwater village. Here turn right and a few yards along the parking area lies to the right..

1 From the parking area, return to cross the B-road and walk into the village. Pass the Britannia Pub on the right and the toilets, left. Turn left before the bridge to walk a pleasingly reinforced track beside the chuckling Great Langdale Beck.

Stroll the lovely way as it eventually winds a little way from the beck and then goes on ahead. Watch out for a left turn climbing the slope through trees to come to a gate beside two large wooden gates onto the B-road. Cross with care and go through the gate opposite. Climb steadily on the path through the lush bluebell woodland, the way gradually winding right and climbing steadily. Two sets of steps lead to a stile into more woodland.

2 Once over, turn left and, keeping parallel with the wall on the left, pass through a damp area. Beyond, a good path continues. Follow this as it winds right above a dwelling. At the junction bear acute left and walk a reinforced way that descends steadily to reach a narrow lane. Turn left and a short way along climb the stile on the right into a large pasture with Loughrigg Tarn sparkling in the sunlight to the right. Wind around a little above the lovely stretch of water, where ducks idle and yellow irises are just beginning to flower along its edge.

3 Continue on to step across a slate banked and floored gully and stroll on to the stile ahead, over the fence onto a lane. Walk right and at a split, keep right. After passing a pretty house and several cottages, continue to the lane. Bear right for a few steps and then turn left to descend a delightful narrow lane. At the bottom turn right along the Elterwater road. Cross it when safe and watch for wide left turn, beyond the hotel and between more buildings, to join a track. Stroll right through more lovely woodland pausing as soon as you spot the waterfall below, through trees, on the left. You may wish to have a better view of the hurrying water by dropping left down steps.

4 Return to the track and carry on through a large wooden gate to head on along the reinforced path, which now runs above the old worn one. Keep on the path with fine views ahead the Langdale Pikes. Where the path bends left there is another lovely view of the Pikes – and perhaps, swans and ducks on the placid water of the tarn. Step on along the good track to reach the village car park. Turn right and keep ahead to the valley road. Cross and walk ahead to rejoin your car.

Information

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: Good newly restored tracks beside Elterwater Tarn The path up through the woodland could be muddy after heavy rain. The grassy pasture beside Loughrigg Tarn is a pleasure to walk. One narrow lane.

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.