Route: Loweswater circuit
Area: Western Lake District
Date of walk: 27th May 2021
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.2 miles
Ascent: 300 feet
Weather: Sunny
Loweswater is unique in the Lake District, as it is the only lake that drains towards the centre of Lakeland, into Crummock Water to which it was once joined
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
There’s a choice of paths running through the the wood – a wide track is the most direct route, but we preferred to follow an alternative path which follows the lakeshore. At the end of 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 (look out for a dry stone wall enclosure with an information board) 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
The day before the walk, the annual visit to see the Rannerdale bluebells, which are unusual as they grow on open fellside
Later that day, another display of bluebells around nearby Lanthwaite Wood
Back home, it was good to see the endangered spotted flycatcher in the garden
Having seen a pair of them, I spent some time looking for a nest, and finally spotted one above the front door!
Next day, view from the roadside parking spaces at Waterend
The path to the lake is a few yards away
Looking across to Mellbreak
We cross the footbridge over Dub Beck, which flows into lakeland rather than away from it as would be expected
Looking back along the path to Darling Fell
Beyond Hudson Place we descend to Loweswater...
Holme Wood ahead
Just before entering the wood we divert to the lakeshore for this view...
Bluebells in Holme Wood...
Mellbreak
Whiteside and Grasmoor
We continue through Holme Wood...
Looking across to Low Fell as we reach the end of the wood
Whiteside and Grasmoor from the track to Maggie's Bridge
Mellbreak...
Beyond Maggie's Bridge we follow the lane to the Loweswater road
A short road section, with views of Loweswater and its fells to compensate for the tarmac...
We pass by the pinfold, which dates back to at least 1655. Grazing animals which escaped or got out of control on the way to market were put in the pinfold by the pinder, and to get them back a fine had to be paid
Near the pinfold it's possible to leave the road and follow a narrow path along the lakeshore. It's easy to miss the start of the path but there are various opportunities to join it along the way
Looking back to the foot of Loweswater
A final view over the lake as we reach the parking area, and the end of a fine walk
Next day, it was good to see this red squirrel in the garden
