wainwright - silver how

distance:

7.3 km

ascent:

421 metre

duration:

2.5 to 3 hrs

Right on the doorstep Silver How is a lovely walk that can be extended in many directions depending on how you feel or the weather. You can follow our route or use it as guide to make up your own variation which is pretty straightforward. With iconic Lake District views and a perfectly placed refreshment stop on the way home this is a great walk year-round. 

Setting off towards Ambleside from the main entrance turn left at the crossroads at the end of the Langdale Estate and follow the road up the hill turning right towards Red Bank and Grasmere until three quarters of the way up there is an obvious path on the left.  

Route / description.

Silver How - LangdaleActive things to do in the Lake District

The path rises with Elterwater disappearing behind you and there are a few options all leading up towards the first hilltop. If you stop and look back the view of Elterwater Common with Windermere in the background unfolds as you gain height. Worth stopping regularly for the views.  

Elterwater with Windermere in the background 

Silver How - LangdaleActive things to do in the Lake District
Silver How - LangdaleActive things to do in the Lake District

Elterwater and Windermere with one of the locals 

As the path rises you have Grasmere Water to the right and Elterwater with its quarry to the left, if you keep them this way as you progress all is good and both directions afford very different but good views. If you are an early riser this part of the walk can often reveal some great sunrises as you look back towards Windermere.  

Continue to follow the route or one of the path options towards Silver Howe with its fantastic view over Grasmere water.  

Paths heading towards Silver How summit 

Silver How - LangdaleActive things to do in the Lake District

The descent takes you on one of the many paths towards the village of Chapel Stile, if you can see the quarry you are heading in the right direction. Thre are shorter options than this route and some of the paths can be steep and slippy if the grass is wet and with exposure at times if you are on the path by Megs Gill so be aware of the surroundings.  

As you descend towards Chaprl Stile if you keep left just before the village the path folloows behind the houses through the old slate quarry, not on the scale of Elterwater quarry you saw earlier but still an important part of the areas industrial and cultural heritage. Look out for rock climbers as this is a popular training spot.  

 

 Be sure to look out for the footpath signs painted on the rocks if you do this way 

Elterwater quarry 

Silver How - LangdaleActive things to do in the Lake District
langdale active.

If you’re not already staying at The Langdale Estate or Brimstone Hotel … check us out for your next break in the Lakes.  Or, if you’re in the area call in to Wainwrights’ Inn or Stove for some well-deserved refreshments!