Located in the heart of the Lake District, Elterwater is a charming village surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in England. This area is a haven for nature lovers and offers an array of walking routes that are perfect for dogs and their owners. It is a lovely dog walk in the Lake District.
| Distance | Total Time | Difficulty |
| 5.20 km | 01:00 | Easy |
There are public toilets at Elterwater, as well as a collection of pubs and cafés catering to the visiting tourists. At Skelwith Bridge village, which is around a half a mile southeast of the lake, you will find additional pubs and cafés.
Elterwater is easily accessible from various parts of the Lake District. The village is located just a short drive from Ambleside, making it convenient for those staying in the area. There are a couple of car parks in the village, the main one being the National Trust car park, which is a great starting point for the walk.
We used this address to get to the car park: Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HP. If you are not a National Trust member, please be aware that the parking ticket machine does not accept cards and phone coverage is very bad, so it is best to have coins with you.
Don’t forget to check the post notes at the bottom of the page, with maps, a detailed table about the hike and links to everything mentioned in the post.
The Hike
Our chosen walk begins at the Elterwater village car park. From here, you’ll immediately find yourself on well-maintained paths that are perfect for dogs, providing a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines.
The route heads towards Elterwater’s namesake, the serene Elter Water lake, which offers stunning views across the water to the Langdale Pikes. This area is an ideal spot to let your dog explore off-lead, as long as they’re well-behaved around other walkers and wildlife. The path is wide and easy to follow, winding its way through woodlands and open fields, with plenty of opportunities for your dog to enjoy the natural surroundings.
One of the key highlights of this hike is the stunning view of the Langdale Pikes from the shore of Elter Water. On a clear day, the reflection of the mountains on the still water must be truly a sight to behold, but unfortunately we had a typically cloudy day. This spot also makes for a great place to pause, have a hot drink, and let your dog take a dip in the lake if they’re inclined to do so.
As you continue, the path meanders alongside the River Brathay, where your dog can enjoy splashing about in the shallow waters. The walk also takes you through a section of mixed woodland, offering a bit of shade and a chance to spot some local wildlife, from red squirrels to various bird species.
Just before crossing the Trevor Woodburn Bridge, you’ll hear the distant sound of Skewith Force. Although access to the waterfall is on the left side of the river, we opted to continue our walk across the bridge, venturing a bit further into the woods before retracing our steps.
Elterwater offers a fantastic dog walk in the Lake District, combining breathtaking scenery with an easy-to-follow route that’s perfect for both dogs and their owners. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this walk provides a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while giving your dog an adventure they’ll love. Our girls definitely did. So, lace up your walking boots, grab the lead, and enjoy all that Elterwater has to offer.
Cheers,
Ademar
Full Details Table
| Location | Elterwater – Cumbria |
| Parking Postcode | LA22 9HP |
| Parking Cost | £5.00 Up to 2 hours £7.00 2 to 4 hours £8.50 All day |
| Starting Point | Car Park |
| End Point | Car Park |
| Total Time | ~ 01:00 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | ~5.20 km I forgot to switch off the map app after the walk 🙁 |
| Elevation | 56 m – 83 m |
| Facilities | – Toilets – Dog waste bins |
| Dog friendly rating | 4 stars |
| Points of Interest | – Elter Water lake – View of the Langdale Pikes – Skewith Force |
Maps
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