{"id":16071,"date":"2022-05-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=16071"},"modified":"2022-05-12T10:33:27","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T08:33:27","slug":"loweswater-cumbria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/2022\/05\/05\/loweswater-cumbria\/","title":{"rendered":"Loweswater Cumbria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Loweswater
Cumbria<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

This easy loop of the charming \u2018leafy lake\u2019 is a quiet alternative to Lakeland\u2019s honeypot sites and the ideal spot for photographers. <\/p>\n\n

By Simon Whaley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"\"
The view from Watergate Farm across Loweswater \u2013 the shallowest lake in the national park \u2013 with Grasmoor and Grisdale Pike looming to the east<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

DISTANCE:<\/span> <\/strong>3.6 MILES\/5.8KM TIME:<\/span> <\/strong>2 HOURS LEVEL: <\/span><\/strong>EASY ASCENT:<\/span> <\/strong>91Mn TERRAIN: <\/span><\/strong>A mile or two of walking on quiet country roads followed by generally flat, easy woodland tracks.<\/p>\n\n

L<\/span>ying on the south-western shores <\/span>of one of the Lake District\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n

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\u2019s Bridge.<\/p>\n\n

1 LOWESWATER LINE<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
\"\"
Holme Wood is one of several Cumbrian sites to support red squirrels <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

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\u2019s the only lake that drains into the national park; all the others drain away from the centre. <\/p>\n\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

2 MAGGIE\u2019S BRIDGE <\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Take the next single-track lane on the right, which drops gently and bears round to the right to reach Maggie\u2019s Bridge car park. Use Maggie\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

3 TIME AMONG TREES<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

Back on the path, continue around the lake, eventually reaching a gate at the edge of the wood.<\/p>\n\n

4 WILD VISTA<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n

Pass through the gate and follow the stone track to a gate at Hudson\u2019s Place. Go through the farm, and head back towards the road.<\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

<\/p>\n\n

Photos: Getty<\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This easy loop of the charming \u2018leafy lake\u2019 is a quiet alternative to Lakeland\u2019s honeypot sites and the ideal spot for photographers. 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easy loop of the charming \u2018leafy lake\u2019 is a quiet alternative to Lakeland\u2019s honeypot sites and the ideal spot for 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