Picnics and Pooh Sticks at Slater’s Bridge
Where… Coniston
What… Photography and Picnicing Paddling and Pooh Sticks
Suitable for… Everyone
By… John Atkinson, Ranger
Why..?
Slater’s Bridge is one of those Lakeland oddities that once you have visited,you want to go back time and time again. There is something special about it which you can’t quite grasp but has you enthralled all the same. I often visit it while out for a walk with the family and it doesn’t matter what the weather is like we always stop for a paddle in the cool clear water or skip a few stones across the pool.The bridge itself is unique, being both clapper and pack horse style in design and is well worn by the centuries of use. It was once used by miners heading for the quarries and is now a key link for many of the popular walking routes in the area.
It is a fantastic place to take a picnic. With stunning views of the surroundinghills and the soothing sound of the water, it is difficult to think of a nicer place on a sunny afternoon.
Planning your visit…
In Coniston, Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater: you will find pay and display parking and toilets. There are cafés at Skelwith Bridge and Coniston. The Britannia Inn at Elterwater (next to the National Trust car park) and the
Three Shires in Little Langdale have great beer gardens for a sunny day.
Traveline: 0871 200 22 33
Start point…
Sat Nav: LA22 9HH
Grid reference: NY312 030
How to get here…
From Ambleside or Coniston: take the A593 for Skelwith Bridge and then follow the road towards either for Colwith or Elterwater. The nearest parking to Slater’s Bridge is in the NT car park at Elterwater , but you can also park at Blea Tarn, Langdale and Coniston.
By bus: take the Langdale Rambler 516.
By bike: cyclists can gain access from the single trackroad to High Hallgarth. Slater’s Bridge is on the Riverb Brathay in Little Langdale GRNY312,030 and can be accessed by many of the popular walk routes in the area.
You can walk to the bridge from Coniston village in about half an hour, walking from Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater will take about an hour.
Contact me…
E: southlakes@nationaltrust.org.uk
T: 015394 41456
While you are in the area you might also like to try…
Tarn Hows, Lunch at Loughrigg Summit
or Picnic amongst the Fells experiences.
Download PDF…
Picnics and Pooh Sticks at Slater’s Bridge
I loved this and Pooh sticks are a big part of my families days out! so thanks for turning it into a ‘proper; thing to do
Jane Watson
5 Sep 11 at 11:56 am