Elter Water

Elter Water brings together reedy shores, woodland and views towards the Langdale fells. The River Brathay flows through the lake and continues over Skelwith Force. Walk from Elterwater village towards the lake, continue to Skelwith Force or stay nearby to explore the wider Langdale valley.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

Plan your visit

The lake and Elterwater village

Elter Water is the small lake southeast of Elterwater village, at the entrance to the Langdale Valley. It is a rewarding place for a quieter outing, with riverside paths, meadows and woodland along the approach.

Give yourself time to stop at the lake rather than treating it only as a point on a longer walk. The views change with the light and weather, and the reedy margins provide shelter for waterbirds.

For more guides and reference figures, browse our lakes and tarns overview.

Things to do: walk towards Skelwith Bridge

The National Park’s Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge route follows Great Langdale Beck, passes the lake and continues towards Skelwith Force. It is a linear outing, so allow time and energy to retrace your steps unless you have arranged another way back.

Choose a shorter turnaround point if you want a gentler visit. Check the route map and current conditions before setting off rather than assuming that every section has the same surface.

Stop to watch the lake’s waterbirds from the path. Keep dogs under close control, give wildlife space and stay out of reedbeds and other sensitive margins.

Skelwith Force and more of Langdale

Skelwith Force adds a waterfall stop to a walk towards Skelwith Bridge. Stay on established paths and viewpoints and take care around wet rock, steep edges and fast water.

The wider Langdale Valley offers longer walks and higher fells. Those outings need suitable equipment, navigation and a mountain forecast; they are a different commitment from the riverside walk.

For another day out, the National Trust’s Langdales guide has ideas including Blea Tarn and High Close. Check the route and access details for your chosen outing.

Walking access and choosing your route

Access checked 24 October 2026: the National Park grades the Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walk as a Miles Without Stiles route “for many”. Its description notes bumpy stone surfaces, puddles and flood erosion, plus a 1:8 slope near a gate.

This is useful planning information for wheelchair and pushchair users, rather than a guarantee that the whole route suits every visitor. Read the current route description and map, and choose a turnaround point that fits your needs.

Conditions may change after heavy rain. Follow local signs, use public paths and respect private land. For swimming, boating or fishing plans, check current permissions with the relevant landowner before travelling; do not assume boat trips or equipment hire are available at this small lake.

Getting here and planning your visit

The National Park’s walking guide starts at the National Trust car park in Elterwater and also lists Silverthwaite at Skelwith Bridge as an alternative. Choose parking for your route and use designated spaces without blocking gateways or passing places.

Check the National Trust’s current car park information and bus timetables before travelling. Cafés and village food stops can make a welcome break; confirm opening arrangements if you are relying on them.

Carry food, water and clothing suited to the forecast, and take litter home. Allow for shorter daylight in autumn and winter and avoid committing to a longer route late in the day.

Places to stay for an Elter Water visit

Elterwater and the Langdale valley have accommodation for a stay close to the walking routes. Check the exact setting, parking and walking access with your chosen property.

Our hotel guides below cover separate bases in Ambleside and Grasmere: Rothay Manor, The Daffodil Hotel and The Inn at Grasmere. Each involves a journey to Elter Water. Compare locations and facilities before checking availability.

Ambleside

Rothay Manor

Hotel · Ambleside — Individually decorated rooms and suites in a country-house setting.

Grasmere

The Daffodil Hotel and Spa

Hotel · Grasmere — Lakeside setting, contemporary rooms and spa facilities.

Grasmere

The Inn at Grasmere

Hotel · Grasmere — Historic village hotel with rooms and dining near local walks.

Is the village the same place as the lake?

Elterwater village and Elter Water lake are close together, but the lake is reached on foot from the village. Plan your walk and return before leaving.

Can I combine the visit with another village?

Skelwith Bridge fits a riverside outing. Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside offer options for separate visits or a longer stay.

What about staying elsewhere in the Lakes?

Our Lakes Hotel & Spa guide covers Bowness-on-Windermere. Macdonald Leeming House is a separate Ullswater option, requiring a substantially longer journey to Elter Water. Browse all places to stay to compare bases.