Loughrigg Tarn walk from Skelwith Bridge, via Elterwater, near Windermere in the Lake District
July 24, 2020
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
What a view over Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdale Pikes in the distance 

A short Loughrigg Tarn circular walk, near Ambleside, from Skelwith Bridge via Elterwater 

Distance: 3.9 miles
Time: 1.5 hours (longer with recommended stops at Loughrigg Tarn and Elterwater Village)
Difficulty: Easy

Map Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
[Click to enlarge] This walk starts at Skelwith Bridge where there is a small car park and onroad, free-parking for 15 cars or so. From Skelwith Bridge the circular walk starts in an anti-clockwise direction, firstly on a minor quiet road to Loughrigg Tarn, then you walk quite close to the Tarn, then on another quiet road towards Elterwater village. From there we take teh Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge.
The walk starts on a quiet road uphill towards Tarn Foot farm. I’d be surprised if you pass a car on this little narrow road.
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
After passing through Tarn Foot farm you’ll get the best views of Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdale Pikes in the distance 
Looking towards Loughrigg Fell – another brilliant walk, but today we’ll keep it low level and head for the tarn edge.
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Loughrigg Tarn is a nice place to stop, and also one of the Lake Districts best spots for wild swimming if that’s you thing !
We’ve leave Loughrigg Tarn here and head for another minor road.
Another glimpse of the iconic Langdael Pikes! I normally don’t like walking on roads, but the ones we visit on on this walk are really quiet
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Another great vantage point looking towards Elterwater Village and the Langdale Pikes. From here make your way down to the village on teh various grassy paths
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Elterwater Village consists of lot’s of quaint Lake Dustrict cottages and plenty of holiday cottages to rent if you would like to stay in the area longer
Bridge over the Over Brathay – we won’t be crossing not – but will now be following the river on the Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge. 
Walking on the Cumbrian Way from Elterwater which is very flat and accessible and great for scooters & wheelchair uses
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Cracking views of Elterwater on this walk!
Skelwith Force waterfall
And finally another great view you will get on this short walk is of Skelwith Force Waterfall!
Chesters Skelwith Bridge cafe food shop Ambleside

This walk starts and ends at Skelwith Bridge, and there you will find a nice little cafe and shop at Chesters, or get a nice pint at the Skelwith Bridge Hotel!

As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go. If you have any questions about this route – just post a comment and I’ll try and answer.

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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