Elterwater easy walking

Today's walk began at Skelwith Fold, a few miles from Ambleside off the road to Hawkshead. We were visiting Lynn & John, friends of Carole's parents, who have a holiday home here, so this meant we could enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit (or two) before we set off.


After strolling through some pleasant narrow lanes, we met the main road at Skelwith Bridge, before climbing up to Loughrigg Tarn. On previous visits round here we've continued up to Loughrigg's summit, but not today - instead we were staying on the quiet roads over High Close before dropping down into the little village of Elterwater. Here we stopped off at the popular Britannia Inn for soup and a sandwich and some liquid refreshments.

The route back was along the well trodden path alongside the river and by the lake, where there are terrific views towards the familar silhouettes of the Langdale Pikes Harrison Stickle and Stickle Pike. Sadly although we stayed dry, the clouds today didn't enhance the view, but it didn't stop us taking a group photo with the mountains behind.

Once back at Skelwith Fold, Lynn treated us to some sparkling wine ahead of our anniversary tomorrow, and we finished the day by enjoying a nice meal at the nearby Outgate Inn, which we'd visited previously during our Wray Castle walk.