Colwith Force

Colwith Force
Historic Name		kolviðr fors
Name Meaning		Charcoal wood waterfall
Name Origin		Old Norse
Elevation		90 metres (295 feet)
Height		12 metres (40 feet)
Watercourse		River Brathay
Topo Map		OL7 Explorer
Coordinates		54.419425 , -3.0373889
OS Grid Ref.		NY 32782 03161
what3words		adjuster.presented.banks
Photo Gallery		Colwith Force/Gallery

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.

Etymology

Colwith probably comes from Old Norse kol ("coal, charcoal") and Old Norse viðr ("wood, timber, a tree, a forest"). As a compound word kolviðr means wood for charcoal – the Langdale Valley still contains deciduous woodland. A continuous stretch of this woodland includes Hag Wood, Baysbrown Wood, and Sawrey's Wood; also pockets of woodlands exist south of Elter Water and on the northern aspect of Park Fell near Skelwith Force. A less likely possibility points to Old Norse vað ("ford, a place for wading"), which is most likely to have been a site at the present-day Colwith Bridge over the River Brathay. With regard to force, this comes from Old Norse fors and alternative foss ("waterfall"). Several contain a place name as the first element, such as Skelwith Force and Aira Force. Others include itself as the first element, such as Force Crag.

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 National Trust, 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 as it heads towards a narrowing of the rocks.

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 slippery 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.

Middle falls taken from the smaller promontory

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 reach 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.

The familiar National Trust omega sign used extensively across the country

Parking

Parking is available at Skelwith Bridge, though people do use the B5343 behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. However, there is very limited parking at Little Langdale. If you can secure a spot the best place to park is on Side Gates, just after a terrace of slate cottages and about 250 metres before the Three Shires Inn. There is space for about twelve vehicles. Little Langdale developed as a hamlet and as such was never originally intended to cater for an influx of vehicles. Parking at the Three Shires Inn pub is for customers only so do not attempt to use the small car park and go off for several hours walking. Another option is to park at Elterwater village in the National Trust car park, which requires payment or free if you're a member.

Parking in Little Langdale	Parking in Elterwater	Parking in Skelwith Bridge
NY 31919 03261	NY 32802 04746	NY 34415 03489
54.420213 / -3.0507150	54.433669 / -3.0374341	54.422586 / -3.0123018
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References

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