Route: Circuit of Loweswater
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 26th May 2016
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.2 miles
Ascent: 300 feet
Weather: Overcast
Loweswater is unique in the Lake District, as it is the only lake that drains towards the centre of Lakeland – to Crummock Water which it was once joined to
We parked in one of the roadside spaces beyond the head of Loweswater and followed the path past Hudson Place and into Holme Wood. The wood, managed by the National Trust, is one of our favourite places in the district with many inviting paths and some superb mature trees – alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash, sycamore and others. The bluebells were still in flower but only just and in a matter of days they will be over
Having followed the path through Holme Wood we emerged at the head of Loweswater and walked along the track through the fields to Maggie’s Bridge. From there we followed the lane to the Loweswater road. The roadside section is the only slightly unsatisfactory part of the walk but having said that, it’s a fairly quiet narrow road and the surroundings are attractive
When we reached the pinfold we were able to join a narrow path which runs beside the lakeshore and this took us back almost as far as the foot of the lake, where we rejoined the road and made our way back to the start
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
View from the roadside parking spaces, looking towards Mellbreak
Foot of Loweswater, and Holme Wood beyond
We join the track leading to Hudson Place
At Hudson Place we turned left to follow the path leading down to the lake
Path beside Loweswater
‘Ten little ducks went swimming one day…’
Bonnie climbs the stone steps in the wall leading into Holme Wood
We descend to the lakeshore
The lakeshore path
The bluebells are starting to go over (but see my previous walk for bluebell photos if these ones disappoint)
We cross the footbridge over Holme Beck
Holme Wood Bothy on the shore of Loweswater. It can be rented from the National Trust, click here for details
Looking across the lake to Whin Ben leading up to Whiteside
We continue along the woodland path
Loweswater as we reach the far end of Holme Wood near Watergate Farm
Head of Loweswater
Whin Ben again as we follow the track to Maggie’s Bridge
Looking back along the track
Approaching the small car park at Maggie’s Bridge
The lane leading to the Loweswater road
Rannerdale Knotts enjoying an isolated burst of sunshine
Looking across to Highnook Farm
The road section which continues for half a mile or so
Looking across Loweswater back to Watergate Farm and Holme Wood
Stitchwort
The pinfold. In days gone by it was the job of the pinder to impound stray animals here, to be released to the owner on payment of a fine
At the pinfold we’re able to leave the road and join a narrow track by the side of the lake
Looking across Loweswater to Holme Wood
We rejoin the road for a short distance
Hudson Place
A last look back across the lake to Holme Wood as we arrive back at the start
