Elter Water | |
---|---|
Historic name | Elterwatter, Helterwatra 1154-1189[1] |
Name origin | Old Norse |
Etymology | Lake of the swans O.N elptar + O.E wæter[2] |
Geography | |
Type | Tarn |
Inflows | River Brathay Langdale Beck |
Outflows | River Brathay |
Max. length | 940 metres |
Max. width | 320 metres |
Max. depth | 6 metres |
No. of islands | 2 |
Location | |
Coordinates | 54.427786, -3.0244129 |
OS grid reference | NY 33639 04080 |
Land owner | Privately owned |
Settlement(s) | Elterwater (Village) |
Topo map | Explorer OL07 Landranger 90 |
what3words | mysteries.condiment.chats |
- Not to be confused with the village of Elterwater.
Elter Water is a small lake on the main thoroughfare to the valley of Great Langdale where the dominant and striking Langdale Pikes are situated. It is connected via the characterful A593 and lies approximately 3.5 miles west of Ambleside and half a mile southeast from the village of Elterwater. Both the lake and the village are popular with walkers and cyclists alike, which can be busy all year round but particularly so during the more clement months.
The smallest of the lakes in the Lake District, it is by no means laking in other areas, offering stunning views from the eastern shore looking towards Lingmoor Fell and the aforementioned Pikes. It is made of three distinct sections and only has a maximum depth of around 6 metres (20 ft). The River Brathay flows through the southern part of the lake at The Nab, while the Great Langdale Beck flows from the north. They converge at the eastern section of the lake before continuing southeast towards Skelwith Bridge. The majestic Whooper Swans winter on the lake here.[3]
Although the lake is privately owned, the National Trust does own over 500 acres of the High Close Estate stretching from the northeast shores of Elter Water to the southwest shores of Grasmere. This land was acquired on 24 February, 1953.[4] They also own additional lands adjacent to the village and at Skelwith Bridge, which is reassuring because you know it is usually well looked after.
Parking
Good weather always draws a crowd so be prepared for problems with parking your car in this quaint little village. The National Trust owns the main car park although there aren't really enough spaces for the number of visitors. As a result of this, the roads coming into the village from the north and east can become somewhat congested and make this idyllic spot feel more like a car park than a lakeland gem. Much can be said for many other desirable places across the Lake District, so this is age-old problem. That said, it is advisable to get there early to secure a parking spot. If you are a National Trust member you do not need to pay, instead scan your membership card and you are good to go. Non-members can use the pay and display.
The Cumbria Way and beyond
References
- ↑ Whaley, Diana (2006). A Dictionary of Lake District Place-Names. English Place-Name Society. School of English Studies, University of Nottingham. p.108.
- ↑ Gambles, Robert (1985). Lake District Place-Names. 2nd Edition. Dalesman Books. p.15.
- ↑ Whaley, Diana (2006). A Dictionary of Lake District Place-Names. English Place-Name Society. School of English Studies, University of Nottingham. p.109.
- ↑ Our Land History: High Close Estate The National Trust Land Map. Retrieved 18 February, 2023.