Water
Famous for it’s lakes and tarns, the Lake District offers a wealth of water based options
Famous for its lakes and tarns, the Lake District is full of options, whether you prefer to be on, or in, the water.
Wild swimming has become extremely popular with many people choosing to swim in the big lakes such as Windermere but also in some of the more secluded tarns. Great care must be taken if you are not an experienced outdoor swimmer. Swim the Lakes is a great source for all the best spots and wild swimming events (and you can find some local favourites below).
For those who prefer to stay on top of the water, nearby Windermere (England’s largest lake) and Coniston offer gentle cruise options, as well as opportunities to hire a variety of boats, and SUPs.
Wild Swimming
There are many excellent options nearby for wild swimming. Ask our team for recomendations when you come to stay, or why not join one of Swim the Lakes‘ many group swims throughout the year.
Coniston Boating
Coniston Boating Centre and Coniston Launch offer opportunities to explore the lake Coniston – the launches run a regular service between various jetties on the lake and the boating centre hire out watercraft from small motor boats to canoes and paddle boards
Coniston Gondola
For the ultimate in gentile water travel, why not follow in the footsteps of the Furness Railway’s Victorian passengers and take a trip on National Trust’s steam gondola. Whether you spend your time chatting to the engineer and inspecting the boiler and valves, in the luxury first class saloon, or sitting in the sunshine on the fore or aft deck, you are sure to enjoy the captain’s stories of water speed records, Swallows and Amazons and of the local mountains. Use it as a means of getting across to Ruskin’s Brantwood House for lunch, or enjoy a full lake tour for an afternoon. If you are lucky, you might even recognise the purser – Charlie volunteers about once a month on Gondola, so she is the person to ask for more details. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/steam-yacht-gondola
Windermere Lake Cruises
With scheduled cruises, or the opportunity to hire your own boat, Windermere Lake Cruises has something for everyone.
Happy Halloween from the Elterwater Hostel team 🕷🎃
Follow this path from Elterwater Hostel all the way to Skelwith Bridge a beautiful flat mud free*ish walk with views that will take your breath away
Great picture looking at the mountains over Elterwater, where else would you want to be!
Tell me your in Elterwater without telling me your in Elterwater! The famous landmark looking beautiful in the autumn colours, what`s your favourite season?
Beautiful October walks from Elterwater Hostel
Even the greyest days come with breathtaking views. All this, right on our doorstep.
Another beautiful picture from @pete_savin1
Eleterwater hostel in beautiful autumn bloom
Can you name this tarn? And have you taken a dip in it??
What amazing groups we have had this month, from primary schools to poat grads it has been a blast!
Thank you to all our wonderful guests this September, it has really been a pleasure to host your events and we cant wait to see you all again
When the days get shorter but the views are still breathtaking
A great group this week from Cambridge University, it was an absolute pleasure to host your event and have you all @elterwaterhostel, thank you all for coming and we look forward to seeing you again
