Colwith Force



Colwith Force is a small-medium sized waterfall, located on the River Brathay approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of Skelwith Bridge and 0.8 miles (1.4 km) east of Little Langdale. Both Colwith Force and Skelwith Force are popular with visitors throughout the year and are easily accessed by foot using a small section of the Cumbria Way. There are good walkable paths and single-track country lanes to explore the area further, reaching into Little Langdale and Lingmoor Fell to the west and Loughrigg Fell and Loughrigg Tarn to the east. The countryside is predominantly arable with scattered woodland. The waterfall, situated at the northernmost point of the combined wooded area of High Park Coppice and Atkinson’s Coppice, drops around 12 metres (40 ft) over several tiers. During periods of heavy rainfall the waterfall is particularly spectacular.

The water’s journey
Water from the surrounding fells at Little Langdale drains into the marshy but picturesque Little Langdale Tarn, where large volumes of water collect for the Brathay’s continued journey. There is no public access to the tarn, which is managed by the, but this works in favour of the spectator for the views of this natural tarn are stunning at higher level. The Brathay peacefully winds its way under the 17th century, Grade II listed Slater's Bridge, which has seen much footfall in its 400+ years of history. It was on a packhorse route that would have been used extensively during the bustling quarrying works in the valley. From there it passes a fording place to the south of Little Langdale and a set of stepping stones near High Park, before it arrives at Colwith Force, where the water begins to pick up its pace.

At the falls
Colwith Force, for want of a better word, is a pretty waterfall. It’s not the tallest (Scale Force) and definitely not the most talked about either, that award would probably go to Aira Force at Matterdale. But it does have reams of charm that is enough to bring visitors to its banks year after year. There are a couple of places with a dramatic backdrop for the eager spectator and casual photographer, however, caution must be advised as there are short drops to the rocks and fast moving water below. There are no fences or natural barriers in place at the top to prevent a fall apart from a few trees. The rocks here can get slippy too, as can an abundance of leaves throughout winter.

The water passes through a narrowing of the gorge, which makes for an impressive rumble and tumble of white water, and particularly so after prolonged rainfall. Viewing the bigger of the drops is done from a promontory opposite a small pump house. This is where people tend to congregate, usually for a rest and a bite to eat before moving on. If it’s busy, wait your turn. It’s always better to be safe in practice rather than scramble over people for a better view. Water here is spliced by a large rock giving us two smaller drops either side, perfect for a long exposure photo. With higher water levels though this more graceful tumble becomes completely engulfed as more water is squeezed through its opening. This becomes more of a raging torrent than an elegant dance, but it’s an amazing spectacle all the same.

During the growing seasons foliage can obscure some parts of the waterfall but not enough to miss out on the spectacle. They also provide some colour to an otherwise washed out and sometimes bleak-looking (yet still beautiful, of course) backdrop during winter. Conversely, leafless trees in winter give us more open views, so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

Further around there is another, smaller, promontory that sticks out between the middle and lower drops. It is not much bigger than a couple of feet long as it is wide but it’s in just the right location to capture another photo, see below. As before there are no barriers here and it doesn’t take much imagination to think what could happen if anyone lost their footing so extreme caution must be a forethought should anyone wish to view or take photos here.

Access
Access is possible from Skelwith Bridge and Little Langdale by foot and both options are relatively easy-going without anything challenging. As usual, good footwear is always advised.

From Skelwith Bridge, access to the waterfall is via a gravel path that starts by the disused slate works, behind the Skelwith Bridge Hotel. You will first pass Skelwith Force on the left. Though small in stature, it provides some great photo opportunities. Continue along the path until the Woodburn footbridge. 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 on well maintained gravel paths. Once you reach the Woodburn footbridge, cross it and follow the path as it rises through the woods. The remainder of the route meanders through arable farmland with views of the surrounding fells.

From Little Langdale, access is via a footpath approximately 200 metres west of the Three Shires Inn. Follow this footpath until you Stang End, crossing over the Brathay along the way. Turn left at the country lane and continue until you reach High Park Tea Garden where refreshments are available. Follow the gravel path into the woods until you hear the rumble of water letting you know you are almost there.

Parking
Limited parking is available at Skelwith Bridge, though people do use the B5343 behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. However, there is no parking at Little Langdale, at least none that is immediately apparent. Little Langdale developed as, and still is, a hamlet and as such was never originally intended to cater for vehicles. Parking at the Three Shires Inn pub is for customers only so do not attempt to use the small car park there. Another option is to park at Elterwater village in the National Trust car park, which requires payment or free if you're a member.