Loweswater
Cumbria
This easy loop of the charming ‘leafy lake’ is a quiet alternative to Lakeland’s honeypot sites and the ideal spot for photographers.
DISTANCE: 3.6 MILES/5.8KM TIME: 2 HOURS LEVEL: EASY ASCENT: 91Mn TERRAIN: A mile or two of walking on quiet country roads followed by generally flat, easy woodland tracks.
Lying on the south-western shores of one of the Lake District’s most idyllic waters is peaceful Holme Wood. This classically English mixed woodland of oak, chestnut, ash, sycamore, alder and lime provides the dappled sunlight that bluebells seek in late spring, and the perfect habitat for red squirrels.
Save this waterside wood for the end of the walk by parking on the roadside layby near Loweswater Hall, although alternative parking is available at Maggie’s Bridge.
1 LOWESWATER LINE
Take the minor road along the north-eastern shore of Loweswater (there are several opportunities to step off the tarmac on to paths that cling to the lakeside, but they always return to the road). Loweswater is unique because it’s the only lake that drains into the national park; all the others drain away from the centre.
Loweswater is only about a mile long, and you soon leave its shores behind as the road climbs, passing Thrushbank and High Thrushbank. Pause to take in fantastic views of Holme Wood opposite, stretching up the side of 519m Carling Knott.
2 MAGGIE’S BRIDGE
Take the next single-track lane on the right, which drops gently and bears round to the right to reach Maggie’s Bridge car park. Use Maggie’s Bridge to cross over Dub Beck and follow a wide track through the fields to reach Watergate Farm. Turn right and then pass through a gate to make your way into Holme Wood.
3 TIME AMONG TREES
At only 16 metres deep, Loweswater is a great place to watch fish leaping from the shallow waters near the shore. Look out for red squirrels and deer as you follow the path through the wood. This is not a walk to be hurried. Pause to absorb the stunning views, framed by the trees, across the lake to Whiteside and Grasmoor. This leafy lake offers fine photo opportunities.
The best viewpoint is from the small bay by Holme Wood bothy (available for hire from the National Trust). The stone building used to be a fish hatchery, but now offers basic accommodation, and a wonderful opportunity to hear owls at night in this far-from-still environment.
Continue along the track, crossing over Holme Beck. If you have time, take the path on the left to visit Holme Force waterfall, which is more impressive after heavy rain.
Back on the path, continue around the lake, eventually reaching a gate at the edge of the wood.
4 WILD VISTA
Pass through the gate and follow the stone track to a gate at Hudson’s Place. Go through the farm, and head back towards the road.
Where the track turns sharp left, take the fork on the right, through a gate, and cross fields with great views along the length of the lake.
Cross over a stream, then bear right, through a hedge into the adjacent field and follow the footpath to the road, turning right to return to the parking area.
