Cycling
From iconic mountain passes, to muddy forest trails, the Lakes is a cyclist’s playground
With an abundance of trails and tracks for the mountain bikers, and plenty of thigh burning passes for the tarmac lovers, you won’t be disappointed with the cycling options from Elterwater. As with hikes and walks, our staff are well placed to point you in the direction of a good route to match your ability and local conditions. In addition, Pedal North have a good selection of Lake District routes, with three recommendations (complete with GPX files to download) right from our front door.
The hostel also offers a secure lockable bike shed and bike washing facilities.
For longer, multi day hikes and cycles, The Sherpa Van will transport your bags from place to place at a very good price, freeing you up to carry just what you need for your day in on the trail!
For those without their own, bikes can be hired from Coniston Bike Hire, Grizedale Mountain Bikes, or Ghyllside bike hire (who also offer electric bikes).
Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge
2.5km each way, gentle
A fairly flat walk or ride, on a well-surfaced bridleway, from the carpark, following Great Langdale Beck. Popular all year around, but on a clear summer’s evening if you catch the light correctly you will see the Langdale Pikes clearly reflected in Elter Water. Cross the bridge at the end to stay on the bridleway, or walk the last few hundred metres to view Skelwith Force and maybe visit Chester’s café.
Grasmere, Rydal Water & the Old Golf Course
17kms, hilly
A hilly route, mainly off-road, that takes in Grasmere lake shore, Rydal Water shore, possible detour to Rydal Caves, skirts Ambleside (possible cake detour) then returns via the Old Golf Course and Loughrigg Tarn. Predominantly off road or quiet back roads
The Coniston Round
60kms, hilly
From Elterwater to Coniston followed by lap of Coniston Water. There are many variations which allows a solely road route or with a variety of alternatives for off-road or gravel bikes. Peppered with cafés including Herdwick’s in Coniston which offers 10% discount for those on bikes. Spot the Anthony Gormley statue if you can?
Claife, Grizedale
Various
Too many possibilities to describe but ride (or drive) to High Cross car park (free). You can follow routes through Grizedale (green is a good one, 16 km round, moderate hills) or mix it up with the numerous bridleways through Hawkshead, Blelham Tarn or Far Sawrey and along Windermere lake shore. Claife Viewing Station is worth a visit with its Aeolian Harp and Joey’s at Claife and Wray Castle are excellent purveyors of cake.
The ultimate Lakes tour (Fred Whitton route)
285kms, very hilly
The ultimate road cycling route. An epic undertaking or a strenuous mulit-day trip taking in Kirkstone Pass (highest point), Honister, Newlands, and Whinlatter passes, Swarth and Cold Fell, and finishing with Hardknott and Wrynose passes and the final 25% gradient to Blea Tarn
Connect with us
A fantastic effort from Jen and Rich, completing this year’s first Elterwater Hostel 23 Before Tea round in 8 hours 35 minutes.
The day was also a recce for Jen’s planned attempt to break the female record later this year — so watch this space.
Best of all, they were welcomed back to the hostel with tea and sticky toffee brownie, which sounds like just about the perfect finish.
Well done both!
#ElterwaterHostel #23BeforeTea
Bring your group together around the breakfast table!
There’s something special about starting the day with good friends, good food, fresh coffee, and time to connect before the day’s adventures begin.
When you stay with us as a group, you can add our buffet breakfast served in a relaxed space to gather and plan the day ahead, perfect for walking groups, school trips, retreats, corporate teams, or friends exploring the Lakes together. Fuel up, slow down, and start the day right together.
Get in touch to add group breakfast to your booking!
Part 3: The Reveal
And here it is…..
Our new reception, bar servery and refreshed lounge/dining space are complete and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
Lighter, warmer colours, a more open layout and a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.
It’s now a space to check in, grab a drink, sit back, and feel at home.
We’d love to know what you think and even better, come and see it for yourself.
Post 2: The Build, From idea to reality
With the old reception removed, work began on creating a new modern, multi-functional space – bringing together reception, bar servery and a more open connection to the lounge and dining area.
Behind the scenes there’s been a lot of careful planning, building (and a fair bit of dust!) as the new counter took shape. Every decision was about making the space more practical for our team and more welcoming for our guests.
Nearly there…
Refurb Part 1 - The Strip Out!
Big changes start with brave decisions… and this was one of them.
We’ve said goodbye to our original reception cubicle to make way for something much more open, flexible and welcoming.
It’s served us well over the years, but it was time to rethink how this space works for our guests today.
This was the first step in transforming our reception and lounge into a place that feels warmer, more relaxed and better suited to how people really use the space.
Watch this space 👀
We are very pleased to be ranked 1st in TripAdvisor top 5 Hostels in the Lake District.
With an average 4.9 out of 5, based on around 375 reviews,
Small, friendly and tucked away in one of the prettiest valleys in the Lakes, it draws rave reviews for its “relaxed”, “homely” feel and “big breakfasts”.
In November, one reviewer gave the hostel a five-star rating on TripAdvisor. “Excellent venue for outdoor activities,” they said.
“The hostel is clean, well-equipped, comfortable, warm, and all the staff are welcoming and most helpful.”
Read the whole article here:
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/25809020.best-hostels-lake-district-ranked-tripadvisor/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1769961366
Think hostel food = sausage & mash? Think again…
Our GM may say he’s a great chef…
…but after this 40th birthday feast, we’re inclined to agree 👀🔥
🥩 Tomahawk steak
🍖 Lamb rumps
🥔 Dauphinoise potatoes
✨ Very happy guests
Got a group staying with us? Fancy something a bit special?
We love an excuse to get creative in the kitchen
Happy Birthday Alfred Wainwright
A man who shaped how we see and walk the Lake District, with a legacy deeply rooted in the Langdale Valley.
His love for the fells lives on in every path explored and every quiet moment enjoyed.
At Elterwater Hostel, we’re proud to be part of the landscape he inspired so many to cherish.
Cold, snowy days here in the valley but that hasn’t stopped us cracking on with a big project behind the scenes.
Lots of hard work happening despite the weather and it’ll all be worth it.
Keep an eye out for updates coming soon…
A new completion of the Elterwater Hostel Challenge 23 before tea was logged just before the end of the year.
Carlisle-based Adam Armata returned after being beaten by the weather last winter , this time though everything clicked.
Running solo and unsupported, he chose a longer, less conventional 60km route with 4,500m of ascent, echoing the original spirit of the challenge.
he said “his wasn’t about records., it was about adventure: sunrise on the first summit, icy descents, winter light, and even a head torch detour into Rydal Cave because why rush a perfect day in the hills? 11 hours 58 minutes. No shortcuts. Just mountains, patience, and joy”.
If you’ve ever thought about giving a winter round a go, take this as your sign. choose your day, respect the conditions, move at your own pace and savour every moment out there, and dont forget to knock on the hostels door and get your cup of tea when you finish!
Happy New Year from all of us at Elterwater Hostel
As another year comes to a close, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who stayed with us, walked the fells, shared stories, and made the hostel such a special place over the past year.
We’re incredibly grateful for all our guests, old friends and new, and for the memories made here in the Langdale Valley.
We wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to welcoming you back and meeting many more of you in 2026 for more adventures, cosy evenings and unforgettable moments in the valley.
See you soon
The Elterwater Hostel team
Merry Christmas from all of us at Elterwater Hostel
As the year draws to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has stayed with us, shared stories over a coffee, braved the fells, paddled the lakes, and made Elterwater feel like the warm, welcoming place it is.
Winter in Langdale is something special, crisp mornings, snow-dusted peaks, quiet valleys and cosy evenings and we’re so grateful to be able to share it with you.
We wish all our guests, past and future, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here’s to more adventures, muddy boots, stunning views and good company in 2026.
