Pram-friendly Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walk, including waterfall (linear, 5.2km)

Historically shaped by slate quarrying and gunpowder works, this gentle walk between Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge packs spectacular Cumbrian scenery into a fantastic pram-friendly walk. Tracing the clear waters of Great Langdale Beck down to the calm shores of Elter Water, the route offers tranquil paddling spots for dipping your feet, sheltered woodland, and the roaring Skelwith Force waterfall.

Between the postcard views of Langdale Pikes framing the lake, and the treat of multiple cafés for fresh pastries or pub lunches, this is easily one of the most accessible and rewarding short walks in the National Park.

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge walk map

On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 5.2km / 3.3 miles (each way 2.6km / 1.6 mile)

TERRAIN: Smooth, gravelled paths. Suitable for prams throughout aside from an optional brief detour to Skelwith Force waterfall.

PARKING: Elterwater National Trust car park. Click here for Google Map location. Postcode: LA22 9HU. Parking is free for National Trust members. For non-members, parking fees apply from dawn until dusk, 7 days a week (£6 for 2 hours, £8 for 4 hours, £9.50 all day). Note that the car park fills quickly, particularly during the peak season. Alternative car parks can be found a short walk away in Elterwater. 

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Multiple paddling (or even swimming) opportunities throughout, spectacular views of The Langdale Pikes over Elter Water, and outstanding cafes at both the walk’s start, midpoint and end. For those not tied to a pram, the roaring Skelwith Force waterfall is an impressive viewpoint which is absolutely worth the short detour.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE:  Allow between 1.5-2 hours for the walk itself, but factor in extra time for paddling opportunities and coffee and cake at Skelwith Bridge’s ‘Chesters By The River’.

TOTAL ASCENT: 36 metres

FACILITIES: Public toilets can be found at the start of the walk in Elterwater, opposite the Britannia Inn. Walkers are spoilt for choice for refreshments with the walk beginning next to ‘Slates Cafe’ for cakes, lunch or coffees to go; turning at the hard-to-beat ‘Chesters By The River’ in Skelwith Bridge; and coming to an end by ‘The Britannia’ pub in Elterwater, where a well deserved drink and snack can be enjoyed.

The route

START: Elterwater National Trust car park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: NY 3279 0475
Post code: LA22 9HU
what3words: ///nest.frosted.blotchy

Route follows a linear route.

1. Exit the car park through the gap in the dry stone wall, which leads you to a clearly defined gravel path running parallel to the river. Almost immediately, pass through a wooden gate and continue along the obvious trail.

2. The route remains clear, following the direction of the water, providing ample opportunity for paddling, before crossing a wooden bridge and heading into a sheltered woodland. This concludes at a wooden gate which opens onto arguably the walk’s best picnic spot – a stunning pebble beach with plenty of shaded spots to sit whilst little ones paddle in the shallow waters.

3. The trail continues on, passing through a gap in a dry stone wall, before winding through grassland and, on clear days, revealing outstanding views of the Langdale Pikes in the distance.

4. Pass through a wooden gate to enter a wooded area which leads you down into Skelwith Bridge. Ignore a metal bridge to your right (though it’s worth a detour onto for an aerial view of the river) and follow the main path, signposted with yellow ‘Lake District National Park’ way marker arrows.

DETOUR: A brief but non-pram friendly detour can be made here to enjoy the majesty of Skelwith Force waterfall, by venturing down an obvious step of steps on the right. Once beyond the steps, there is no set path and so the route must be navigated with care, especially with little ones.

5. The path continues for a short while after the force, coming to an end by an old slate works. Walking slightly beyond this leads you directly to ‘Chesters By The River’ – a vegetarian and vegan café and shop which is absolutely worth a stop. 

6. To return, retrace your steps past the slate works once more and back onto the woodland path. Pass back through the wooden gate onto the grassland area, and follow the track back to the car park. A tub of ice cream and a cold drink at The Britannia on return to Elterwater is also highly recommended.