367 April Walks 2016

Our next walks will be from

ELTERWATER

a pretty village in the English Lake District

Saturday 9th April 2016

0800hrs prompt from the short stay car park at the back of Iceland 

Langdales from Elterwater tarn

 Our walk this month will be from the heart of the Lakes and is a favourite area for all keen walkers and climbers. The village is only small, but is probably most famous for the Britannia in which dominates the village green and always has customers at the outside tables enjoying the clear lakeland air and views.

More details and history of Elterwater can be viewed here 

There will be three walks:

• A Walk led by: Peter Hitchcock
• B Walk led by: Beverley Kelly
• C Walk led by: Mary Wishart and Dorothy

A Walk Elterwater 2016

Walk Leader: Peter Hitchcock
Total Distance: 11 Miles
Total Ascent/descent: 2580 ft
 

A Route, anticlockwise

Now that you have your walking legs back in trim, this month’s 18km outing does present you with a challenge – albeit for just a part of the trek though - you will be relieved to know!  From beautiful Elterwater, we depart NW along Great Langdale Beck to Old Dungeon Ghyll via the Cumbria Way which, for the most part, is very good underfoot and reasonably flat.  The views towards Great Langdale and Langdale Fell then Crinkle Crags to Bowfell are typically spectacular.  We then venture into the wilds along Oxendale Beck – so far 2 hours of flatish, easy going “stroll” – before commencing the challenge upwards to abeam the twin-tops of  The Pike of Blisco.  It is a 1hr steep but stepped climb, as steep as you will ever get/do/havedone with the Group but the stone steps do help.  The ascent to the plateau is up to about 1500’ (450-500m).

[The recce party climbed to the top of the Pike but it is considered that this could render the whole journey time too tight to ensure a comfortable return to Elterwater].  If we arrive at the plateau in especially good time we may well give it a go to the top, otherwise we shall stay on the plateau and have lunch overlooking Red Tarn where the views are just as brilliant as from the top of the Pike so you will not miss out AND you will save some puff!!

After lunch, it is downhill all the way (or nearly) but still quite a trek with 9kms to go so a nifty pace needs to be maintained. Part of this section will be on mountain road regrettably but traffic should be light.  All in all, excellent exercise for the day with memorable views.

B Walk Elterwater 2016

Walk Leader: Beverley Kelly
Total Distance: 7.5 miles app
Total Ascent/descent: 1400ft app

B Route anticlockwise

Rather than racing up Lingmoor Fell we are meandering around Little Langdale taking in some real treasures and completing most of the ascent before lunch! .

Out of Elterwater we take the easier climb alongside Great Langdale Beck to Chapel Stile then to wards the working quarry which we pass through, pausing to take in the view of the Langdale pikes just beforehand.

As we exit the trees we view magnificent Wetherlam and Little Langdale valley. A difficult patch here due to narrow pathways, as we hug the side of Lingmoor for ½mile, but the views are well worth it.


As we wonder round Little Langdale Tarn we find our lunch spot on a naturalised slate heap and watch the world go by. Nearby is one of Lakeland's little known wonders—Cathedral Cave which you just have to see to believe. We will visit the lower cavern.

We continue along pleasant path ways, past an occasional stone cottage and with great views, as we head towards Colwith Force which on the reccie was in full flow and very spectacular.

Now out of the trees again and to wards Skelwith Force which we can see just over the fancy bridge over the River Brathay. Perhaps we will see enthusiasts shooting the rapids.

The remainder of the walk is on the flood plains alongside the Brathay, which is so peaceful and an icon of Lakeland. The paths have been damaged a bit but are still in good shape.

Back in Elterwater we have the choice of refreshments in either the famous Britannia Inn or the pleasant Maple Tree Cafe.