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| Skelwith Force | ||
|---|---|---|
| Historic Name | Schelwath c.1246 | |
| Name Meaning | The noisy ford | |
| Name Origin | Old Norse | |
| Elevation | 51 metres (167 feet) | |
| Height | 4.8 metres (16 feet) | |
| Watercourse | River Brathay | |
| Topo Map | OL7 Explorer | |
| Coordinates | 54.422014 , -3.0163694 | |
| what3words | gave.guideline.rider | |
| Photo Gallery | Skelwith Force/Gallery | |
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. It is popular with visitors and from this location there are excellent walking opportunities for those who wish to explore the area further, including it's neighbours, Colwith Force, Loughrigg Tarn and Loughrigg Fell.
Etymology
The name Skelwith refers to several place names of the same name: Skelwith Bridge, Skelwith Force, Skelwith Fold and Skelwith Pool. Skelwith most likely comes from Old Norse Skjallr and Vað, which roughly translates to noisy ford: a fording (crossing) place by the waterfall, in this case over the River Brathay.[1]
- Skjallr: loud or shrill, referring to the cascading roar from the waterfall.
- vað: ford, a place for crossing / wading.
Throughout the years Skelwith has been known by several variations of its original word, these being: 1246 – Schelwath, which basically means schel (shrill), and Middle English wath (ford). In 1332 it was known as Skelwath, in 1537 there was the slight variation of Skelwyth. Over one hundred years later in 1651 it took the spelling of Skelleth, and Skelwaith in 1688. It wasn't until 1693 when the present name Skelwith was in use, which was assumed when the bridge was built, therefore the fording place (wath) was subsequently forgotten.[2]
The water's 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 them where Blea Tarn is located. Water from the picturesque Little Langdale Tarn and the Great Langdale Beck meander through beautiful countryside, eventually combining their flows when they meet at Elter Water. Large volumes of water pass through this privately-owned, yet charming tarn, before the Brathay continues its short journey towards the waterfall.
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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!
- Cautionary note 2: Some 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!
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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 Woodburn 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.
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