Lakes around Askam And Ireleth are situated on the Furness peninsula, providing access to various notable lakes and tarns. The area features a unique coastal lagoon, tranquil upland tarns, and remote mountain lakes. These natural features offer opportunities for nature observation, wild swimming, and hiking. The region's diverse aquatic landscapes are well-regarded for their natural beauty and recreational potential.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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The Cumbria Way passes by the side of Beacon Tarn. It is a lovely tranquil spot especially on a warm sunny day.
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The footpaths around North Walney Nature Reserve are really nice to walk. Lots of wildlife, peace and quiet and gorgeous views out towards the Isle of Man on once side and the Lake District fells on the other.
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A real Highlight of this section of the England Coast Path/Cumbria Coastal Way. Walking around Hodbarrow outer sea wall (around the coastal lagoon) past the lighthouse is brilliant. It was a bit chilly when I visited but I bet the beach is busy in the summer.
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Beautiful Lake, not a soul around. A very peaceful place to be. The path around the side of the lake was blocked so be prepared to detour a bit.
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Good place for a picnic. Tempting for wild swimming maybe, but on a warmer day!
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A pretty tarn in Urswick, Urswick Tarn is a popular spot among locals, especially anglers. The tarn is surrounded by limestone rocks dating back over 300 million years. Because of the unique way in which limestone dissolves, there are many caverns and caves underneath the tarn, making it a wonder that the water stays in the tarn at all. A tarn is by definition a small mountain lake.
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This pretty tarn is situated nestled within a rugged upland landscape just below Beacon Fell. The relatively shallow tarn has a reputation as a wild swimming spot and you may see a few folks braving the waters in hot weather.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Beacon Tarn for its wild swimming and scenic views, and White Rock and Hodbarrow Lagoon, a coastal nature reserve known for birdwatching and walks. Another favored spot is the Pond at North Walney National Nature Reserve, offering wildlife observation and views towards the Isle of Man and Lake District fells.
Yes, Beacon Tarn is well-known as an excellent spot for wild swimming. Its relatively shallow nature means it warms up more quickly in summer, offering a tranquil experience away from boat traffic. Seathwaite Tarn, though more remote, is also popular for wild swimming.
White Rock and Hodbarrow Lagoon, part of the Hodbarrow Nature Reserve, is a prime location for birdwatching, especially for breeding terns, ringed plovers, and great crested grebes. The Pond at North Walney National Nature Reserve also offers great opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Yes, both White Rock and Hodbarrow Lagoon and the Pond at North Walney National Nature Reserve are considered family-friendly. Hodbarrow offers flat terrain, well-maintained paths, and picnic spots, while North Walney provides easy footpaths for wildlife viewing.
White Rock and Hodbarrow Lagoon (Hodbarrow Lake) has a rich history as a former iron ore mining site, once one of the world's most productive. Today, it has been transformed into a nature reserve, blending its industrial past with natural beauty.
Seathwaite Tarn, located in the remote Duddon Valley, offers a more solitary and peaceful experience compared to larger, more famous lakes. It's an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility amidst impressive Lakeland scenery.
Absolutely. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths along the sea wall at White Rock and Hodbarrow Lagoon offer easy walks with coastal views. Walks to and around Beacon Tarn are highly regarded, and Seathwaite Tarn is a great base for exploring the fells and scenic hiking routes. For more extensive hiking, you can explore the running trails around Askam And Ireleth, many of which pass near these natural features.
Beyond walking and wild swimming, the area around Askam And Ireleth offers various outdoor activities. You can find opportunities for gravel biking and road cycling, with routes like the Coniston Shore Bridleway loop. Seathwaite Tarn is also popular for mountain biking and wild camping.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the unique coastal lagoon at Hodbarrow to the tranquil upland tarns. The opportunities for birdwatching, peaceful walks, and refreshing wild swims are frequently highlighted. The stunning views of the surrounding fells and the sense of remote beauty also contribute to a highly positive experience.
Urswick Tarn is a popular spot among locals, especially anglers. It's known for its serene environment and is surrounded by ancient limestone rocks.
The summer months are ideal for wild swimming, as tarns like Beacon Tarn warm up more quickly. May to July is excellent for birdwatching at Hodbarrow Nature Reserve to observe the tern colony. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and hiking, with beautiful seasonal scenery.

