Pictures of Elterwater

About Elterwater

The valley of the Beck is sheep country and although for a time Elterwater was once a centre for charcoal burning and charcoal became an industry of importance in the Lake District during the 18th-century, it is sheep that have been at the heart of this region for centuries. Round every corner of this delightful village, are old stone cottages where wool was spun and cloth woven by women working at home. Cottages had spinning galleries built at first floor level, the idea being to catch more daylight, and many women worked at their trade from dawn to dusk, while at the same time tending families that numbered far more children than is ever heard of today.

Elterwater is barely 200ft above sea level, it is picturesquely set beneath the glories of the Langdale Pikes which rise majestically in the distance to a towering height of nearly 3,000ft. Nearby, Langdale Beck flows into Elter Water, one of the Lake Districts smaller lakes. The village itself is a pleasant mixture of old stone cottages and gaily painted, whitewashed, houses with slate roofs and pretty gardens. Near the village inn an old bridge crosses the waters of the Langdale Beck as it rushes on it's way towards Elter Water. There are great tracts of bracken clad fields full of grazing sheep and close by are woodlands that offer sanctury to many species of flora and fauna. It is fine walking country. It is an area of great peaks, meandering rivers and sparkling waterfalls. For those that are hardy and stout hearted there are magical views from high areas but for those content to remain on lower ground a gentle stroll along a river bank or through a forest offers an equal enchantment.

The Old Man of Coniston is but a short drive away and at Bowmanstead is the Steam Yacht 'Gondola' which belongs to the National Trust. There are many lovely places to visit which includes Rydal Mount at nearby Rydal. The great Lake of Windemere offers pleasure trips and the local towns and villages are packed to the brim with interesting shops, antique centres, art galleries and there are welcoming restaurants and inns at every turn.

Elterwater Videos