River Brathay: Difference between revisions

The '''River Brathay''', synonymous with its meandering calms near [[Elter Water]], embarks on a journey from the fells to the east of [[Little Langdale]] to the popular shores of [[Windermere]] at [[Waterhead]], near [[Ambleside]]. The Brathay may not be sizable in length but what it lacks here, it makes up for in other ways, especially as it passes through some beautiful countryside, taking in the sights of valley, lake, ford, weir and waterfall.

 

 

The Brathay once formed part of the boundary between the historic counties of Lancashire and Westmorland before local government re-organisation of 1974 effectively removed Lancashire's furthest reach from the present-day county of Cumbria. Evidence of Lancashire's extent is still evident in places like the popular [[Three Shires Inn]] at [[Little Langdale]] and the [[Three Shire Stone]] at [[Wrynose Pass]].

 

Brathay comes from the Old Norse words ''[[wiktionary:breiðr|breiðr]]'' and ''á'' meaning ''broad river'',<ref>{{whaley|47}}</ref> named as such due to the historic widening of the river during heavy rainfall enveloping the lower flood plains.<ref>{{gambles|21}}</ref> This is a name familiar also in Iceland and the Faroes.

 

Known as ''Braitha'' 1157-1163.

 

 

==The Brathay’s course==

 

From there it passes a fording place to the south of the hamlet of [[Little Langdale (hamlet)|Little Langdale]], where the [[Three Shires Inn]] is located, and a set of stepping stones near High Park, before it arrives at [[Colwith Force]], dropping 12 metres (40 ft) in a narrow gorge. There are a couple of places where the tumble and fall of white waters provides a dramatic backdrop for the casual photographer, however, caution must be advised as they have steep drops to the rock below.

 

After Colwith Force, the Brathay turns northwards towards the privately-owned [[Elter Water]], where its other inflow is that of the [[Great Langdale Beck]]. The water here is picturesque, with an air of calm and tranquillity. Looking east there are superb views of [[Lingmoor Fell]] and the [[Langdale Pikes]] towering beyond. Its banks are walkable along the [[Cumbria Way]] and every direction has something to offer.

 

Further along is the [[Woodburn footbridge]] and shortly after that is the small-in-stature but no less charming, [[Skelwith Force]] with its 4.6 metres (15 feet) drop. Further photographic opportunities are a must before continuing on towards the hamlet of [[Skelwith Bridge]]. A suitable rest stop can be found in Chesters by the River where refreshments can be enjoyed from on outdoor space suited to watching the river flow by with its local population of birds and waterfowl. Robins frequent here so be sure to get your camera ready.

 

After Skelwith Bridge the Brathay continues an easterly course with the A593 until the hamlet of [[Clappersagte]] after which it joins the [[River Rothay]], adjacent to the [[Ambleside Roman Fort|Roman fort of Galava]] in [[Ambleside]], and its final flow into Brathay Bay at [[Waterhead]].