black mass ‘23

A day of walking, chatting and photography in the heart of the lake District

After the very successful first Black Mass (despite the downpours) you all asked when the next would be. Well, I'm very excited to let you know that the next will be held on Saturday 22nd April 2023 and here are the details. 

When is it? 

22nd April 2023. We'll meet at 08:30 for a 09:00 start. 

Where is it? 

We'll be meeting in the National Trust car park in Elterwater. 

Sat Nav: LA22 9HU  

OS: NY328047   

What is it? 

This is one of my favourite low-level walks in the Lakes and if you came along to the first From Lakeland with Love walks I organised back in 2018 you'll be familiar with the route. 

The walk is roughly 6 miles setting off from the NT car park in Elterwater and heading up through the Burlington Slate quarry before dropping down into Little Langdale. We'll cross the River Brathay via Slater Bridge, the 17th century packhorse bridge and straight into Cathedral Cave to explore the various nooks, crannies and inky-black tunnels. From there we'll make our way to Colwith Force for a spot of lunch in the woods. After lunch we'll continue in the direction of Skelwith Bridge where we'll recross the Brathay by Skelwith Force. Then it's a gentle stroll along the river and past Elter Water to finish off the day with a drink (or several) on the grass under the tree at the Britannia Inn in Elterwater. 

This walk has it all: cute Lakeland paths, gigantic caves, waterfalls, breathtaking scenery around every corner and a great pub at the end. All it needs is for YOU to be there! 

Here’s a map of the route, we’ll be walking in an anti-clockwise direction. If you have an Ordnance Survey subscription (which is highly recommended as it's brilliant!) you'll be able to switch on the OS Leisure Map layers to get a clearer understanding of the route. 

How much is it?

The cost per ticket is £10 and 100% of proceeds will be donated to Fix the Fells (https://www.fixthefells.co.uk/) for the amazing work they do to maintain the paths we all enjoy so much. 

Who's it for? 

In terms of difficulty, it would probably be classed as easy/moderate as it undulates throughout the route, but nothing too difficult. The majority of the walk is on well-made paths with a couple of sections of quiet roads. Care needs to be taken in and around Cathedral Cave. Entry into the main cavern is a simple short walk but access to the longer narrow tunnel is via a small section of easy scrambling up OR down steep steps from the top of the quarry. But this is a FUN place, the acoustics are incredible! 

What do I need? 

  • Waterproofs - With it being spring in the Lakes you'll need a waterproof jacket at the least. 

  • Thermal clothing - Fleece layers, hat and gloves just in case 

  • Good footwear - Comfortable walking shoes or boots 

  • Food and drink – There's a nice place for a picnic at Colwith Force  

  • Some money for a drink in the pub at the end. 

  • Camera equipment and a means of keeping it all dry should the day take a soggy turn. 

There is a possibility that it'll rain but we really don't care as some of the best walks are rainy-day walks and we'll go ahead regardless. 

However if we're hit with storm conditions and there are travel problems then we might need to reschedule it to a different weekend. Keep an eye on either this page or my Instagram stories (https://instagram.com/black.crag) for any announcements nearer the time. 

This is a beautiful walk in an iconic part of the Lake District and we'll have a brilliant day out - rain or shine. I hope you can make it. 

Thanks very much, 

Glenn