Little Langdale

Little Langdale

Route: Little Langdale

Area: Central Lake District

Date of walk: 30th November 2018

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 7.9 miles

Ascent: 1,000 feet

Weather: Very windy, some rain, some hail and a few bright patches

We parked on the roadside near Skelwith Bridge – if there are no spaces left Elterwater would be a good alternative starting point for this circular walk. We joined the path which follows the course of the River Brathay. Thanks to plenty of recent rain, Skelwith Force was on top form as we made our way along the riverbank. The path, which is part of the Cumbria Way, opens out onto one of the most beautiful stretches of Lakeland as it winds its way around Elter Water, with views of the Langdale Pikes in the background. Thanks to the beauty and accessibility of the path it can be a little too busy at times but this wasn’t the case today

On reaching the village of Elterwater we crossed the bridge to follow the other side of the River Brathay, passing through some slate quarries – a reminder of the industrial nature of this area, both past and present. We then headed south through Sawrey’s Wood to enter into Little Langdale. At Wilson Place we followed the lane through the village, resisting the temptation to call in to the Three Shires Inn for refreshments

Beyond the village we crossed over Slater Bridge,  a 17th century packhorse bridge between Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale which enabled the quarry men to cross the River Brathay to the workings either side. From here we turned east to follow a path, mostly through woodland, which brought us back to Skelwith Bridge and the end of a walk which never fails to please, whatever the weather

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