We are the Cheshire Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Peter H.
This is an amazing walk, first done by the group in 2025.
This is a walk, I mean adventure, to explore the Lake District starting in Elterwater and taking in Rydal Cave used in an episode of The Witcher, where we will stop for a break to explore the cave, then onto Loughrigg Fell, one of the lesser known Wainrights but which has stunning 360 views. Although not one of the highest Wainrights it is a steep climb and possibly some scrambling up over loose stones and steep descent on the other side so poles might be needed. From here we will head over to Loughrigg Tarn where we will stop for lunch on the banks of the Tarn. After lunch heading over to Skelwith Force waterfall for plenty of photo opportunities and then onto 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 caves. Once we get back to the top of the quarry we will head over to a view point to look down to see skull caves and hopefully see the skull reflection on the lake. Our next stop will be Cathedral Cave, (also used in one of The Witcher episodes), entering via a man made carved tunnel through solid rock. As its name suggests the acoustic sounds inside are similar to a cathedral. After a short walk to Slater Bridge and a brief stop before we start our journey back to Elterwater. On our way back we will pass a farm where they sell home made cakes, 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, although not steep 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. If we're lucky Slates Coffee and Kitchen might still be open, also in the village, which sells coffee, food, cakes and ice cream.
Note: There are no toilets at the start of the walk. we 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
Please do not turn up for this walk without booking onto it with the Walk Leader.
Dogs welcome where they are known to the walk leader and on a short leash. Please talk to the walk leader.
Walk Meeting Point: 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 ready for a prompt 10am start. Car parking can be achieved in a number of places; Inside Elterwater Village 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 we will pass those areas to start the walk. Phone signal is weak in Elterwater for Vodafone and 3. Other networks might be better
