There's nothing more exciting than a traditional Lakeland downpour and watching nature's own drainage system kick into action. In an instant, gentle mountain streams turn into angry rivers cascading down fellsides, breaching stone walls, and racing to wherever gravity takes them. And, where better place to see this amazing phenomenon than from the banks of Great Langdale Beck as it pours into Elter Water at a rapid rate of knots.

So it was last Saturday. Whatever the weather, the walk from Elterwater village to Skelwith Bridge is full of interest and surprise. Great Langdale Beck runs between semi-natural woodland on your left and open grazing fields on your right. Ahead of you is the wide stretch of open countryside which draws you to the shores of Elter Water. From here there are fabulous views back up the valley to the Langdale Pikes towering in the distance.

The path is maintained by the National Trust and is generally in good condition throughout, although you will find some rainwater here and there on the path after floods. There are a few undulations and a couple of gates en route.

Route There is a regular bus service to Elterwater village. The walk itself starts next to the car park (1). The path follows Great Langdale Beck for about 1km (0.6m) before joining the Cumbria Way. It continues through mixed woodland for about 0.5km down to the shores of Elter Water (2) (great place for a picnic with views up the valley). The path gradually moves away from the tarn rising slightly to a gate and on through more woodland before joining the B5343 after 0.5km (3). At this point the options are either to continue down the road to Skelwith Bridge (4) there is no pavement along this section of road - or, to return back along the footpath to the car park at Elterwater village. The Cumbria Way footpath does continue on to Skelwith Bridge but this section is not suitable for wheelchairs at present. This is a pity because the path passes the powerful Skelwith Force which is a fantastic sight, especially when the river is in spate.

National Trust This route is maintained and cared for by the National Trust, a charity that oversees some 25 per cent of the Lake District National Park. The National Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority work closely together in the Lake District, sharing common interests and complementary objectives. You can get more information by calling 015394-35599 or 0870-4584000 or visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Information:

Overview: Generally wide flat path with a few small gradients, suitable for accompanied wheelchair access.

Distance: 4km return journey on linear path.

Time: Allow 2 hours for return trip Map Ref: OS Outdoor Leisure No. 7: The English Lakes South Eastern area.

Start point GR 328047.

Parking: Elterwater car park.

Gradients: Mostly flat, with gentle inclines in places.

Refreshments and toilets: Britannia Inn, at Elterwater, and coffee shop and hotel at Skelwith Bridge Public transport: Langdale Rambler 516 Service from Kelsick Road in Ambleside there are six buses during the day to the Skelwith Bridge Hotel and Elterwater. For timetable information call Traveline on 0870-6082608.