Best lakes around Egremont serve as a gateway to the Western Lake District, a region known for its diverse natural landscapes. This market town in West Cumbria provides access to several notable lakes, each offering distinct features. The area is characterized by dramatic fells, tranquil waters, and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Not as daunting as some make out. Only put my hands down a couple of times the rest was just picking where to put your feet. Could be slippy when damp under foot.
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The map will show you two ways to go. There is a scramble down on the left. On the right there is a pile of rocks. Take the right. The scramble down itself is tricky, but then you reach another scramble across two rocks to a path down below. The second scramble is difficult and very dangerous. Avoid it.
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Ennerdale Water is beautiful all the way around with loads of great swimming spots and places to take in the views. Robin Hood's Chair though is probably the best, it sits slightly higher on Angler's Crag and therefore the water under this point is deeper. A good place to plan a stop on a run around the lake. The circuit is about 7 miles (11.5 km).
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The only slightly tricky section of the circuit of Ennerdale. Not bad with good footwear but not ideal if you don't like heights. Great views.
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Lovely quiet spot in the western Lake District. You won't see many people but don't tell anyone.
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Here you'll find a very steep rocky bit to climb over. A bit tricky if you're with dogs.
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A beautiful spot with great views along the lake. The trail is also great. Don't expect tarmac though, it is rocky and will not suit the less infirm.
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The lakes near Egremont offer a diverse range of experiences. For instance, Wastwater is England's deepest lake, famous for its dramatic Wastwater Screes and being nestled at the foot of Scafell Pike. Ennerdale Water is known for its remote, tranquil, and unspoiled natural beauty, being part of a rewilding project. Loweswater provides a serene and less crowded experience with rolling hills, while Buttermere is celebrated for its picturesque setting and family-friendly circular walk.
Yes, the area offers excellent hiking. You can find trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging fell walks. For example, a popular and relatively easy 4.5-mile circular walk goes around Buttermere. Loweswater also has a pleasant lakeside path for circular walks. For more challenging routes, you can climb Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head near Wastwater, or explore the trails around Ennerdale Water, which include a traffic-free route as part of the Coast to Coast Walk. For more hiking options, explore hiking routes around Egremont.
You can discover several unique natural features. Wastwater is famous for the dramatic Wastwater Screes, where millions of rock fragments plunge into the lake. At Ennerdale Water, you can find Robin Hood's Chair, a rock formation offering tranquil views, and the Crag Fell Summit provides a great vantage point over the lake. Loweswater features Holme Wood and the rarely visited Holme Force waterfall.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Buttermere is particularly suitable, with its relatively easy and mostly flat 4.5-mile circular walk around the lake. The village also has an ice cream parlour and cafes. Ennerdale Water offers quiet walks and opportunities to spot wildlife, making it a peaceful option for families seeking nature.
For Wastwater, parking is available at Wasdale Head, which is also the starting point for climbs up Scafell Pike. For Ennerdale Water, there are parking facilities, though specific details on locations are best checked locally upon arrival, as the area is known for its remote nature.
On lakes like Wastwater, visitors can enjoy watersports such as canoeing, paddleboarding, and diving to explore its depths. Ennerdale Water also offers opportunities for canoeing. For Loweswater, rowing boats can be rented, and fishing for trout and perch is popular.
The Lake District offers beauty year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather for walking and fewer crowds, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is popular for watersports and longer daylight hours, though it can be busier. Winter offers a dramatic, serene landscape for those prepared for colder conditions.
Yes, there are cycling opportunities. Ennerdale Water has cycle paths, including a traffic-free route. You can find various cycling routes around the Egremont area, including gravel biking and road cycling. For detailed routes, explore gravel biking around Egremont or road cycling routes around Egremont.
Visitors particularly appreciate Ennerdale Water's remote and tranquil atmosphere, offering a real sense of solitude away from busier areas. Its unspoiled natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and diverse wildlife, including red squirrels and otters, are highly valued. Many enjoy the circular walk around the lake for its fantastic views and the opportunity to connect with nature.
Yes, some lakes have nearby amenities. For example, the village near Buttermere has an ice cream parlour, cafe, and pubs. The Wasdale Head Inn, known as the birthplace of British climbing, offers hospitality near Wastwater. While Ennerdale Water is more remote, there are options in nearby villages.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in some of the lakes. Loweswater is known among anglers for its trout and perch. Ennerdale Water also provides opportunities for fishing, particularly for trout. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Ennerdale Water, you might spot Galloway cattle, red squirrels, otters, and various bird species. The Buttermere area is also known for red squirrels. The rewilding project at Ennerdale aims to further enhance biodiversity, making it a great spot for nature lovers.


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