THIS walk starts with an energetic climb from Elterwater that is rewarded by brilliant views over Little Langdale, writes JOHN EDMONDSON. A highlight of the route is a circuit of Blea Tarn. This small mountain lake is a 'must see' for any visitor to the area. Its backdrop of famous fells, including the Langdale Pikes, make it a dream for photographers.

Start from the National Trust car park near the bridge at Elterwater, grid reference NY 327 047, postcode LA22 9HP.

INFORMATION

Distance: 8 miles with 2,200 feet of ascent.

Time: 4.5 hours

Terrain: fell paths and stony tracks

Maps: OS Explorer OL6 and OL7

ROUTE

1 Cross the bridge and walk up the road past the hostel then after passing the entrance to the Eltermere Inn turn right onto the track signed (for cyclists) Coniston Challenging Option. Continue along the public way signed Little Langdale, following the uphill stony track through a gate and continuing ahead where it levels off (signed Little Langdale Tarn). The track emerges from woodland above Little Langdale and a view of the Wetherlam appears ahead. Turn right through a gate and go uphill along a winding path. Visit a viewpoint with splendid views over Little Langdale valley then follow a path to the west to a stile. The main path follows the line of a wall on the right but does not lead directly to the stile so if you reach a fence-topped wall turn left and descend steeply to meet the stile at the bottom of a valley.

2 Cross the stile and follow the path initially going left up a short slope then downhill to the right along a grassy path to a small cairn. A grand view of Blea Tarn appears ahead. Descend the partly stepped path down to the road and turn left. Opposite the car park turn right onto the path going around Blea Tarn in a clockwise direction and up to the road near a cattle grid. Cross the road then turn sharp left onto the path signed Camp Site. Descend the winding path and turn right just before reaching a wood. Walk above the wood, through a kissing gate and along a grassy path leading to Side House.

3 Above Side House go over a ladder stile (rather than the gate to the farm) then down to a small beck on the left and onto a pitched uphill path (the Cumbria Way). The path crosses a tiny beck via a footbridge made of a stone slab perched on a rock. The path then joins a walled path leading to the stone barn of Oak Howe. Turn right onto the path signed Chapel Stile, through Baysbrown Farm then along a tarmacked lane into woodland. Elterwater quarry tip can be seen through the trees on the left. Immediately after passing a cottage turn left onto the track signed Chapel Stile and Elterwater. Walk through the quarry works, observe the quarry from the viewing platform then turn left to go down the footpath signed Chapel Stile and Elterwater. On reaching Great Langdale Beck follow the signed path ahead to Elterwater.

Next week: Lowgill and the Lune

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.