Elter Water facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elter Water |
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![]() Elter Water with the Langdale Pikes in the background
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Location | Lake District, Cumbria |
Coordinates | 54°25′39″N 3°01′33″W / 54.427469°N 3.025875°W |
Type | Tarn |
Primary inflows | River Brathay, Langdale Beck |
Primary outflows | River Brathay |
Basin countries | United Kingdom |
Max. length | 1,030 yd (940 m) |
Max. width | 350 yd (320 m) |
Surface area | 0.06 sq mi (0.16 km2) |
Max. depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
Shore length1 | 2.9 km (1.8 mi) |
Surface elevation | 187 ft (57 m) |
Islands | 2 |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Elter Water is a beautiful small lake located in the famous Lake District in England. You can find it about half a mile (800 meters) south-east of the village called Elterwater. Both the lake and the village are nestled in the lovely valley of Great Langdale.
This lake is quite long, stretching about 1,030 yards (930 meters). Its width changes, but it can be as wide as 350 yards (320 meters). The lake covers an area of about 0.06 square miles (0.15 square kilometers).
Elter Water is also quite deep, reaching a maximum depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters). It sits 187 feet (57 meters) above sea level. The River Brathay flows out of Elter Water and travels south. Eventually, it joins Windermere, which is another large lake, near the town of Ambleside.
It's important to know that boats are not allowed on Elter Water. This helps protect the lake's natural beauty and wildlife.
What's in a Name?
The name Elterwater has an interesting history! It comes from an old language called Old Norse. In this language, "elptr" or "alpt" means 'swan'. So, Elterwater likely means 'Lake of the Swan'.
This name makes a lot of sense because Whooper swans still visit and spend their winters on the lake even today. It's a special place for these elegant birds.