Walking, Hiking and Fell Running
A perfect base for fellwalking, with so many notable fells in the vicinity
Described by the Wainwright Society as “a perfect base for fellwalking, with so many notable fells in the vicinity”, Elterwater is surrounded by walks and hikes for all abilities. When you arrive, ask us for recommendations based on your experience, ability and local conditions. If you’re looking for ideas before you arrive, visit walklakes.co.uk and Mudandroutes.com to start you off with some walking ideas, or check out our staff recommendations below:
Elterwater to New Dungeon Ghyll
6km each way, gentle
A stunning walk (6km each way) along the beautiful Great Langdale valley taking in the upper rugged valley, a working quarry and wooded riverside. Check out the Miles Without Stiles route for inspiration.
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.
Little Langdale
4km each way, gentle
Just a short walk from the hostel lies Little Langdale, but don’t be fooled by the name, there’s lots to see and explore, including “the most picturesque footbridge in Lakeland“, and the abandoned mines of Cathedral Cave, well worth a gentle stroll.
Loughrigg Fell
9km, Moderate
The summit cairn of Loughrigg can be seen from the hostel which makes it an obvious target for guests. Despite its modest height of 335m it provides a lovely view of the Lake District especially the Langdale Pikes. The top and back takes a couple of hours by the most direct route or you could add on visits Grasmere, Rydal Cave or Loughrigg Tarn to make a good half day of it.
Lingmoor
5-15km, moderate (depending on route).
The views from Lingmoor are some of the best of the valley. We like to go out along the top to Side Pike, and come back along the valley floor, but there are plenty of options depending on your ability.
Stickle Tarn
10km, moderate to hard
Short and sharp, but worth the effort, Stickle Tarn is a magical hike, offering spectacular views back down the valley, and the reward of Tarn-side views at top. It can easily be reached on foot from the hostel with about an hour’s walk down the valley and then a steep climb to the tarn itself. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
Stickle Tarn and Over Easdale to Grasmere
17km (depending on route), Moderate/Challenging
The more strenuous version of the Stickle Tarn hike – once you’ve reached the Tarn, carry on round, over to Easdale and return through Grasmere and back to Elterwater over Red Bank. Some navigational skills required, with various path options on the top. Not recommended in bad weather.
Scafell Pike
18-30+km (depending on start point and route), challenging
There are several routes up England’s highest peak, with the one from Langdale rated as the one of the most strenuous. Taking a full day (8+ hours) this route is not for novices, but it well worth the effort for those who make it. Full route details can be found here.
23 Before Tea
+/- 61 km, challenging
Our very own fell running challenge, a much smaller homage to the grander Bob Graham and Wainrights rounds – 23 iconic Lakeland fells, and back in time for tea. Runners, can you get on our leaderboard? Hikers, will you take the inspiration for a multi-day attempt?
Cumbria Way
117 Km Moderate
This long distance walk from Ulverston to Carlisle passes the hostel before entering Grand Langdale. The official route is largely a low-level walk through the valleys of cumbria and suitable for any experienced walkers. There is a mountain route offering a challenging high level alternative for those who prefer summits to valleys. More details including information regarding baggage transfer can be found here.
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
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
