Skelwith Force

Skelwith Force is a small but perfectly proportional waterfall, located on the River Brathay by the village of Skelwith Bridge just off the A593, approximately 2.5 miles west of Ambleside.

The waters journey
The water that passes here starts its journey from the fells around the valleys of Little Langdale and Great Langdale, and the hanging valley between where Blea Tarn is located. Water from the picturesque Little Langdale Tarn and the Great Langdale Beck meander through beautiful countryside, eventually combining their efforts when they meet at Elter Water. Large volumes of water pass through this privately-owned, yet charming lake, before the Brathay continues its short journey towards the waterfall.

At the falls
That all too familiar rumble of cascading water is enough to excite the first-time visitor to any waterfall, even one of such modest stature. Yet at Skelwith Force the water collected from both of the Langdales can indeed be voluminous, especially after periods of heavy rainfall where once visible rocks are completely engulfed with maniacal torrents. Visitors can only appreciate this spectacle from higher up until the water levels recede. During periods of little-to-no rainfall, access to the lower level via a small metal bridge is possible. It is from here that superb photo opportunities are available.


 * Cautionary note 1: the rocks here are always wet from the spray and can become very slippery so caution is advised and take your time!
 * Cautionary note 2: for some reason fearless young people seem to enjoy climbing the rocks here so be aware of others around you, especially if using camera equipment on uneven rocks near fast-flowing water!

Access
From Skelwith Bridge, access to the waterfall is along the gravel path that starts by the disused slate works, behind the Skelwith Bridge Hotel. If coming from the village of Elterwater, head southeast along the Cumbria Way. This section runs parallel along the Great Langdale Beck and hugs the eastern shores of Elter Water. Once you reach the large footbridge, do not cross it. The waterfall is just further along on the right.

Parking
Visitors to the waterfall may find parking an issue from mid-morning onwards due to lack of spaces available for the number of interested spectators to this compact, but no less interesting passage of water. Footfall to the area increases during the warmer months, as with many natural attractions across the Lake District, but even during the less clement months there are plenty of walkers around throughout the day, some there for the waterfall only, others for the fine walking routes available from Skelwith Bridge and the nearby village of Elterwater, which is accessed via the B5343.