Route: Loweswater and Holme Wood
Area : Western Lake District
Date of walk: 19th October 2024
Walkers: Andrew, Gilly, Phil and Denise
Distance: 5.7 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Weather: Mixed sunshine and cloud
After yesterday’s wonderful walk around Buttermere, we decided to revisit another local favourite, Loweswater. This is one of our favourite walks which, in the space of less than 6 miles, manages to cram in a huge variety of scenery including farmland, ancient woodland, a lake, a tarn, open moorland and a lonely valley. Along the way there are wonderful views over the Solway Plain looking north (including Scotland in clear weather) and to the high lakeland fells looking south
We parked in the one remaining space in the small car park at Maggie’s Bridge. Alternative starting points are at the north end of Loweswater by the roadside, or further along at Fangs Brow. Instead of heading directly to Loweswater we followed the track to High Nook Farm, where Alfred Wainwright used to stay when he was researching his Guide to the Western Fells. After passing through the farm we carried on to the head of the valley before joining the wonderful terraced path above Holme Wood, known as the old coffin road from Loweswater to St Bees (the description may be fanciful but the name has stuck). The views from here are superb, especially those from a well sited bench. Follow the link for a panorama
The path contours around the sides of Carling Knott and Burnbank Fell and reaches a height of over 1,000 feet – higher than one or two lakeland fells. However the climbing is so gentle that it’s hardly noticed. There is a shorter alternative for anyone who is tiring, click here for more information. We carried on towards Fangs Brow, on the very edge of the Lake District, before turning back at Iredale Place and following the path past Jenkinson Place and Hudson Place
We then descended into Holme Wood, and along the shore of Loweswater, passing by the bothy, followed by an easy stroll from Watergate Farm back to Maggie’s Bridge. It had been a fantastic walk, enhanced by autumn colours in the woodland and lovely light at times
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The start of the walk - we turn left after the cattle grid and will return via the track on the right
We head towards High Nook Farm - Carling Knott is on the right of the picture
Beyond the farm, looking back to Low Fell and Lorton vale
A glimpse of Loweswater below Darling Fell and Low Fell
Looking across Highnook Beck to the slanting path which we will follow below Carling Knott and above Holme Wood
Gilly and Denise approach the head of the valley
We cross the bridge over Highnook Beck and turn sharp right
Low Fell and Lorton Vale on our right
The old coffin road above Loweswater
Looking back to High Nook Tarn
At the edge of Holme Wood, looking across to Grasmoor and Mellbreak
Hen Comb on the right
A view back, with Holme Wood on the left
We follow the path as it contours around Carling Knott and the foot of Burnbank Fell ahead
Anyone looking to shorten the walk could do so here by descending back through Holme Wood via the gate
We cross over Holme Beck and continue around the fellside
Windswept trees at the edge of Holme Wood
A glorious section of the walk as views of Loweswater appear
A belted galloway looks down on us as we round the corner
Rainbow at the head of Loweswater (the lake is unusual as it drains out towards the fells rather than away from them, as would be expected)
Queen of the Benches overlooking Loweswater
We lingered here for a while waiting for the light and our patience was rewarded with this view over Holme Wood, looking towards Low Fell, Whiteside and Grasmoor
We continue along the elevated path
Looking back along the path, with Crummock Water in the distance
Contrasting scenery on the fringes of the Lake District as we head towards Fangs Brow...
Just before Fangs Brow and at the far point of the walk we turn sharp right and pass through the gates
We descend in the direction of Darling Fell
We pass above Iredale Place
We follow the lane towards Loweswater...
Loweswater comes into view again...
We enter into Holme Wood and follow the path around the shore of the lake...
Path through Holme Wood
We cross the bridge over Holme Beck
Just beyond the bridge, a view along Lowewater
We pass by the bothy, available to rent from the National Trust
Loweswater, Mellbreak and autumn colours in Holme Wood
Loweswater, Low Fell, Whiteside and Grasmoor
We continue along the path through Holme Wood...
Beyond the wood we arrive at the head of Loweswater
An easy access track takes us back to the start of a wonderful walk...
