Elterwater to Skelwith bridge walk

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walk has to be one of my favourite Pram friendly walks Lake District. I almost don’t want to share it but it’s already very popular so I may as well let you in on the details of this easy walk. There is a reasonable amount of parking but like everywhere in the Lakes it does get busy so plan to arrive early if you can.

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A lot of people seem to look for a Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater walk and you definitely could do it in that direction if you can find a parking space. There is definitely more parking at the Elterwater end of this walk plus the delicious cafe – Chesters by the river is at Skelwith Bridge end and it makes a great halfway point. Their cakes are amazing!

Parking for the Elterwater to Skelwith bridge walk

Parking in the village of Elterwater (in the stunning Langdale valley) includes the Elterwater National Trust car park and lots of free laybys. The car park is free for national trust members and pay and display for non-members.

The car park postcode for Sat Nav is LA22 9HP.

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walking route

Summary

Start and finish – Elterwater National Trust car park
Approximate duration – 1-2 hours
Distance – 1.5 miles each way, 3 miles total
Accessibility – This route is possible for pushchairs and wheelchair users
Public toilets – Find toilets for customers in the pubs and cafes in Elterwater or Chesters by the river
Other Facilities – Cafes and pubs in Elterwater, Chester’s by the river at Skelwith Bridge end.

This walk isn’t a circular walk but it’s such a beautiful one that we don’t mind turning around on ourselves and repeating it. There is a longer return route but this isn’t pushchair friendly.

The walk is along a 1.5 mile path from Elterwater village to Skelwith Bridge, so the walk is 3 miles in total. The path is well surfaced too so perfect for prams and bikes. It’s a very accessible pathway. It also means you won’t turn up and be faced with a muddy path. It’s only a short distance but there are some lovely views.

The walk starts by the gate in the corner of the national trust car park. You then simply follow the path all the way to Skelwith bridge and Chesters by the river before turning round to follow the path back again. This is a low level walk along the side of the river brathey.

Once through the gate you jpon part of the Cumbria Way, a well-maintained bridleway. Ignore any paths that veer off to the left, and instead follow the main path until you reach a gate.

countryside path with small bridge over small river

It’s a fairly flat walk that follows the River Brathay to the shore of Elterwater lake. You will cross a few small wooden bridges that my kids like to pretend trolls live under. You’ll also walk through a woodland area and there are plenty of sheep on this section of the walk too.

child walking towards a country side gate

You will come to a wooden gate up a small incline. Go through the gate and you have reached the shores of Elterwater on your right. There is a small area here where you can stop to admire the stunning views, see the ducks, paddle in the shallows or throw pebbles into the small lake. There are also a couple of benches here.

Lake shore line at Elterwater with Langdale pike in the background

The next part of the walk along the path is again following the river. The path weaves around the edge of a field with grazing Belted Gallow cattle.

There is also this small hill with trees at the top that my girls like to detour up. Not part of the walk at all but my kids love a small hill.

You will follow this path again until you reach the next large gate. You have now almost reached the Skelwith bridge end. You will pass a large metal bridge (do not cross this unless you are doing the longer route and don’t want to see the waterfall or visit the cafe.

Follow the path along the river, where you can see the impressive Skelwith force waterfall. You can see it from the main path or if you don’t have a pram or small children with you, you can climb down some steps to a viewing platform. It’s worth noting that there are a few unfenced off drops around here so perhaps don’t let young kids run ahead.

trees and fences through which you can see a waterfall

Not long after the waterfall and you will reach Chesters by the river on the edge of the village of Skelwith Bridge. I love a browse around this shop and a cake from the cafe or takeaway. This is a popular cafe with excellent food.