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Loweswater

Top 20 Lakes around Loweswater

Lakes around Loweswater offers a tranquil retreat in the western fells of the Lake District. This area features Loweswater, a lake approximately 1 mile long, situated in a wooded valley. It is part of a chain of three interconnected lakes, including Crummock Water and Buttermere. The landscape around Loweswater consists of rolling hills, with Mellbreak mountain overlooking the lake.

Best lakes around Loweswater

  • The most popular lakes is Buttermere Lake, a natural monument that allows for a full circular walk. This 6 km circuit provides views of spectacular fells, including Haystacks.
  • Another must-see spot is Ennerdale Water, a remote lake known for its solitude. Visitors can expect a circular walk with views of the crystal clear water, which is 4 km long and 1 km wide.
  • Visitors also love Innominate Tarn, a lake on Haystacks. This location is known as the resting place of Alfred Wainwright and offers 360-degree views.
  • Loweswater is known for its serene lakes, tarns, and viewpoints. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from larger bodies of water to smaller, secluded tarns.
  • The lakes around Loweswater are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: July 3, 2026

Low Brandlehow Jetty

Highlight • Lake

Keswick Launch jetty. Tickets can be purchased on the boat. For more details about Keswick Launch, visit keswick-launch.co.uk

These cruises sail past Derwentwater's four islands, now owned by the National Trust and each with its own special history; Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, Rampsholme and St Herbert’s Island. The latter can be seen from the west shore, and is named after the saint who brought Christianity to the area in 685 AD. Legend tells us that on St Herbert's death on 20th March 687, his wish to die the same day as his great friend, St Cuthbert, was fufilled. After his death, the island he lived on as a hermit became a place of pilgrimage, and St. Herbert’s cell can still be identified amongst the undergrowth.

St Herbert’s is also the inspiration for the fictional Owl Island in Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin’. Derwentwater and St. Herbert’s Island was also used as a filming location for the 1974 and 2016 Swallows and Amazons films.

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Buttermere Lake

Highlight • Trail

As one of the few lakes in the national park that you can walk all the way round, Buttermere is well worth a visit. At 4 miles (6 km), the easy-going circuit allows you to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Buttermere, which lies at the foot of some spectacular fells, including Wainwright's favourite, Haystacks.

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Innominate Tarn

Highlight • Lake

Innominate Tarn on Haystacks is where Alfred Wainwrights ashes were scattered. These are his own words, taken from his Western Fells guidebook - "All I ask for, at the end, is a last long resting place by the side of Innominate Tarn, on Haystacks, where the water gently laps the gravelly shore and the heather blooms and Pillar and Gable keep unfailing watch. A quiet place, a lonely place. I shall go to it, for the last time, and be carried: someone who knew me in life will take me and empty me out of a little box and leave me there alone. And if you, dear reader, should get a bit of grit in your boot as you are crossing Haystacks in the years to come, please treat it with respect. It might be me."

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Ennerdale Water

Highlight • Trail

Ennerdale is a great place to visit if you're looking to escape from the world. It's location means it's a bit out of the way, thankfully this means a lot less people.

You can do a circular walk around Ennerdale and the views are fantastic.

Other nearby hikes can be seen here visorando.co.uk/walk-lake-district.html

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Hawes End Jetty, Derwent Water

Highlight • Structure

There's no finer way to approach Catbells than across the serene Derwent Water and stepping onto land at Hawes End. Whether you arrive via a lake cruise or a rowing boat, it's a delightful and adventurous way to approach the fell.

However, it's not all about Catbells. There are plenty of other glorious places to explore from Hawes End, such as the scenic Newlands Valley and its pretty little church. If you're feeling peckish, the Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden is a great shout.

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Popular around Loweswater

Trash Free Trails Purposeful Adventure: Running the least visited Wainwrights

10 sublime lakeside trail runs in the Lake District National Park

Discover the dramatic beauty of the Northern Lake District

Hiking around Loweswater

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Cycling around Loweswater

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Other adventures around Loweswater

Trash Free Trails Purposeful Adventure: Running the least visited Wainwrights

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Tips from the Community

Paul
April 20, 2025, Ennerdale Water

Great walk

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Great place to start a walk up to Catbells

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Peaceful lapping of water

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Andy
January 15, 2024, Innominate Tarn

This is the place where Wainwright's ash's are scattered

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Andy
January 13, 2024, Buttermere Lake

Views of Haystacks.Wainwrights resting place

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Pier for the ferry

Translated by Google

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Tranquil place where you can go open water swimming

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Peaceful albeit can get busy with hikers on a clear day. Perfect spot for lunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best circular walks around the lakes near Loweswater?

For a popular and accessible option, the circular walk around Buttermere Lake is highly recommended. It's an easy-going 6 km (4 miles) circuit that offers spectacular views of the surrounding fells. Loweswater itself also features a pleasant 4-mile lakeside path through Holme Wood, perfect for a tranquil stroll.

Are there family-friendly activities or walks around the lakes?

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. The circular walk around Buttermere Lake is suitable for families, with plenty to see including a rock-formed tunnel. Loweswater also has a gentle 4-mile lakeside path. For a unique experience, rowing boats can be hired at Watergate Farm on Loweswater, and the area around Low Brandlehow Jetty (on Derwentwater, a short drive away) is also noted as family-friendly.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Loweswater?

Loweswater is an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Holme Wood, located on the southern side of the lake, is a significant habitat for red squirrels, deer, and various woodpecker species. The tranquil nature of the area makes it ideal for observing these animals in their natural environment.

Are there any waterfalls to visit near Loweswater?

Yes, Holme Force is a beautiful waterfall hidden within Holme Wood on the southern side of Loweswater. It's less visible from the main lakeside path, offering a more secluded discovery. For more waterfall adventures, you can explore various routes listed in the Waterfall hikes around Loweswater guide, which includes routes to Holme Force and Scale Force Waterfall.

Can I go wild swimming in the lakes near Loweswater?

While the guide does not explicitly detail wild swimming spots for all lakes, the crystal-clear waters of Ennerdale Water are often appreciated for their pristine quality. Additionally, Low Brandlehow Jetty on Derwentwater is mentioned as a tranquil place for open water swimming.

What are the best times of year to visit Loweswater?

Loweswater offers tranquility year-round. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and warmer weather for walking and boating. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors to Holme Wood, while winter offers a peaceful, less crowded experience, though conditions can be challenging for some trails. The remote nature of Ennerdale Water means it offers solitude at any time of year.

What kind of hiking opportunities are available in the fells around Loweswater?

The fells around Loweswater, such as Mellbreak, offer quieter, gentler walks with impressive views. For more challenging ascents, you can explore routes to summits like Crag Fell Summit, which provides excellent views over Ennerdale Water. The Mountain Hikes around Loweswater guide provides detailed routes for various difficulty levels.

Are the lakes around Loweswater dog-friendly?

Many walking paths around the lakes in the Lake District, including Loweswater, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock and to protect local wildlife, particularly red squirrels in areas like Holme Wood. Always clean up after your dog.

What makes Innominate Tarn a significant place to visit?

Innominate Tarn, located on Haystacks, holds special significance as the resting place of the famous fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright. It offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and is considered a quiet, lonely place, as per Wainwright's own wishes.

What other outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?

Beyond walking and hiking, the area offers cycling opportunities. You can find various routes, from moderate to difficult, in the Cycling around Loweswater guide. Boating is also available on Loweswater, with rowing boats for hire from the National Trust at Watergate Farm.

How does Loweswater compare to nearby Crummock Water and Buttermere?

Loweswater is known for its tranquility and less crowded atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat with gentle, rolling hills and wooded shores. It's the first in a chain of three lakes. Crummock Water, connected to Loweswater, is known for its clear, rocky bottom and expansive views. Buttermere, the third in the chain, is famed for being ringed by dramatic crags and peaks, offering a more dramatic mountainous backdrop. Each lake provides a distinct character and beauty.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints around the lakes?

Many locations offer stunning views. The summit of Crag Fell Summit provides an excellent vantage point over Ennerdale Water. The circular walk around Buttermere Lake offers continuous scenic views of the fells. Even the gentle hills surrounding Loweswater provide appealing scenic contrasts, and Innominate Tarn on Haystacks boasts 360-degree panoramic views.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Loweswater? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

BorrowdaleSt John'S Castlerigg And WythburnAbove DerwentButtermereKeswickLortonBassenthwaiteUnderskiddawWythopBlindbothelIreby And UldaleDeanEmbletonCaldbeckCockermouthDerwent WaterSetmurthyBrighamPapcastleBothel And ThreaplandBlindcrakeBridekirkBlennerhasset And TorpenhowBewaldeth And SnittlegarthPlumblandWinscalesBoltonsLittle CliftonGreysouthenGreat CliftonAllhallowsThirlmereLoweswaterGilcruxButtermereBroughton

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