We are the Cheshire Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
David S.
This is a repeat of the Lake District Adventure from June.
For those who have not been and for those wanting to do this again then Join us for a repeat walk, I mean adventure to explore Lakeland starting in Elterwater and taking in Rydal Cave used in an episode of The Witcher, where we will stop to explore the cave, then onto Loughrigg Fell, one of the lesser known Wainrights. Before we reach the top of Loughrigg Fell we will stop for a break at a convenient location overlooking Grasmere and Rydal Water. Although not one of the highest Wainrights it is a very steep climb and steep descent on the other side so poles might be needed. At the summit / trig point you can see Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere, Elterwater and in the distance Esthwaite Water. From here we head down to Loughrigg Tarn where we will stop for a break on the banks of the Tarn. After the break heading over to Skelwith Force waterfall for plenty of photo opportunities. After Skelwith Force we will head to Elterwater farm (on OS maps known as Park Farm) where we will stop for a break and where they have a converted barn with self service tea / coffee and cakes, payment using a honesty box so change required. We then head to Colwith Force waterfall. After Colwith Force waterfall, we will head to Hodge Quarry to find the secret path down to the lake at the bottom of the quarry where we will see skull cave. The path down is not easy to find unless you know where it is!! Once we get back to the top of the quarry we will head over to a view point to look down to see skull cave and hopefully see the skull reflection on the lake. Our next stop will be the Cathedral Cave window where we will look down into the main chamber. We will enter via a 150 metre long dark tunnel (Torch Required and Bump Hat), which has been hand carved through solid rock with a little scrambling at the end of the tunnel to get to the window. We will then head back through the 150 metre tunnel and walk around to the other side of the quarry where we will enter Cathedral Cave main chamber, (also used in one of The Witcher episodes) via a 50 metre hand carved tunnel. As its name suggests the acoustic sounds inside are similar to a cathedral so any singers please feel free to test out the acoustics. After a short walk to Slater Bridge (Wainright described this as the most picturesque footbridge in all of Lakeland) and he wasn't wrong. After a brief stop we start our journey back to Elterwater village. On our way back we will pass another farm where they sell home made cakes, tea / coffee and fresh eggs. All are self service and payment is via a honesty box so small change required. After this there is a section with lots of loose stones, careful footing required. Please note: This is a very scenic walk and therefore time will be spent to explore each of the locations we visit. When we get back into Elterwater village the Britannia Inn awaits us.
Note: There are no toilets at the start of the walk. I would suggest going to the last services on the M6 before junction 36 (the turnoff). These services are called Burton-In-Kendal and are a few miles before the turnoff at J36
For those wishing to park in the National Trust Car Park in Elterwater village, meet at 9.30 to then walk up to the main road and private car park to meet others. For those wishing to use the main road and the private car park listed as the start of the walk, meet at 9.45. Car parking can be achieved in a number of places; National Trust car park in the centre of Elterwater - free to members, otherwise it will be £5.50 for the day. Outside of the village of Elterwater there are 2 possibilities for parking a. on the main road B5343 there are a number of free parking locations. b. just off the main road (B5343) there is a private car park for £5 per day but only uses the RingGo app. No card or cash. RingGo location code for this car park is 41166. Those who park on the road or use the private car park, do not need to walk down into the village as those who park at the national trust car park will pass those areas to start the walk. Phone signal is weak in Elterwater for Vodafone and 3. Other networks might be better.
