Skelwith Bridge and on to Langdale
One option, which is not to be sneezed at, is simply to follow the lanes up to and past the Drunken Duck. The roads are narrow, scenic and generally pretty quiet. The tarmac can be a bit wearing though, so this is an alternative route which takes you off road as much as possible.
Set off as if for Tarn Hows or Little Langdale but turn off the stoney track from Knipe Fold before it gets to the A593 and head north on the footpath to Arnside, cross the A593 and join up with the path to Skelwith Bridge, walking past the magnificent Skelwith Force on the way. From Skelwith Bridge you can take the riverside path up stream to Elterwater.