Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge - Advice Wanted!
Hi all, hope this is ok to ask here! My partner and I are looking to explore off the bus route while we're in the Lakes next week. We're both relatively new to this, and trying to get out and about, get a bit fitter, and see beautiful and picturesque places. Both of us are office job, sedentary lifestyle, and I think we're yearning to get outside, touch some grass, and enjoy something real. To give an idea of where we're at, we did Easedale Tarn and the Coffin Route on our last trip (taking nearly twice as long as recommended, but we weren't rushing!) and will be doing Loughrigg Fell this same trip. We've got good boots and poles and a sense of gentle, hobbity adventure.
I had a brief play around with the OS map and I think I have a relatively sensible route here. The idea was:
Bus to Elterwater mid-morning after breakfast at the B&B, grab a coffee, and set off. Lunch at the Three Shires before heading to Slater Bridge, Cathedral Cave/Quarry, Colwith Force, (google suggests there's a cafe/tea garden near here?) then Skelwith Force, where we'll grab the next bus and head back for a bath and a probably a wee drinkie.
As far as I can see it's mainly footpaths to avoid lakes motorists flying around blind corners, and while I'm sure for some this is a nothing, I'm hoping for us it'll be a lovely day walking around some pretty terrain. Can I ask for advice from you more seasoned walkers and folks familiar with the area? Have I made any rookie mistakes? Is there anywhere gorgeous just a short detour off the route that I'm missing? Is the path beset with herdwicks with a hunger that only newbie hikers can satisfy?
Gosh, that's a wall of text! Sorry!