Stage 2 of the Cumbria Way runs Coniston to Great Langdale: about 11.9 miles (19.2 km) with around 541 m of ascent and a high point of 240 m. It's rated Easy and takes most walkers 5 hours. A short, beautiful day through woodland to Tarn Hows, past the waterfalls at Colwith and Skelwith Bridge and up into Great Langdale.
Free and un-gated, no sign-up. Waymarks are patchy, so carry the GPX with you.
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Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Facts
The Route & What to Expect
A gentle climb out of Coniston leads through woodland to Tarn Hows, one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District, ringed by conifers with the fells beyond.
The route then follows low wooded hills and riverside paths past Colwith Force and the falls at Skelwith Bridge, before tracing the shore of Elter Water to Elterwater village and Chapel Stile.
The last miles run up the flat floor of Great Langdale beneath the Langdale Pikes to the valley head. It's the shortest and gentlest stage, a good day for a late start or a detour.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Coniston has bus links to Ambleside and Windermere. Finish: Great Langdale is served by the Langdale bus from Ambleside via Elterwater. Check seasonal timetables.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings, on Sundays and in winter.
Where to Stay & Eat
Great Langdale has walkers' hotels and inns at the valley head, plus campsites and a youth hostel, and there are more options in Elterwater and Chapel Stile. Beds are limited and popular, so book well ahead. There are cafés at Skelwith Bridge and a shop in Chapel Stile.
Accommodation or café near Great Langdale?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 2 of the Cumbria Way. Advertise here free for 6 months, with no obligation to continue.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 2 FAQs
Our GPX measures 11.9 miles (19.2 km) from Coniston to Great Langdale, with around 540 m of ascent. Allow about 5 hours.
Yes. Stage 2 climbs from Coniston through woodland to Tarn Hows, then continues past Colwith Force, Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater into Great Langdale.
Yes. You can download a free Stage 2 GPX (Coniston to Great Langdale) from this page, with no sign-up. Full-route and all-stage files are on our Cumbria Way GPX page.
Continue the Walk
All five stages, itineraries and transport: Cumbria Way guide · Kit & safety