Crossing Slater’s Bridge: A Hiker’s Delight In Little Langdale

Nestled within the tranquil natural beauty of the Lake District is one of the most quaint and beautiful man-made bridges you’re likely to find in the UK, if not the wider world. Slater’s Bridge (which we’ve also seen written as Slaters Bridge and Slater Bridge, but the possessive is the correct format) can be found spanning the River Brathay, which is not far from the tiny and picturesque village of Little Langdale in the Lake District.

So, what makes Slater’s Bridge so special? Well, if you’re not particularly interested in British history or the English countryside, you might think there’s nothing outstanding about this area. However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to spend some time in the most beautiful spots Britain has to offer, then Slater’s Bridge should definitely be on your list. Let’s talk about this tiny yet mighty bridge: what is it, where is it, and why should you go?

What is Slater’s Bridge?

Historically, the village of Little Langdale found itself at the intersection of several packhorse routes. This meant that many travellers would move through this village to reach their destinations.

• Slater’s Bridge is a packhorse bridge that would frequently bear the weight of these noble beasts and their masters.
• If you were alive in the 17th century, you would often see travellers moving along this bridge to transport whatever goods they were carrying.

The bridge itself was constructed in the 16th century and is made of slate, which is also usually what would be carried by those crossing the bridge, poetically enough.