Best lakes around Little Strickland are found within the wider Lake District National Park, as the village itself does not contain named lakes. Little Strickland is a small, predominantly agricultural village in Cumbria, England, situated within or very close to this expansive national park. The area is characterized by its fells, valleys, and numerous bodies of water, offering diverse natural landscapes. Visitors to Little Strickland often explore the prominent lakes within the nearby national park.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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quick stop, little pub in a few minutes walk.
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Now owned by United Utilities, the reservoir was under Manchester Corporation’s ownership when work started on the construction of the dam in 1929. Prior to this, Haweswater held the title of the Lake Districts highest natural lake. The level then rose a further 29 metres with the building of the dam, which completed in 1935. The reservoir was built in order to supply drinking water to the Manchester and it's in a drinking water safeguard zone.
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Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District. It formed in a glacial trough where the glacier scraped out the valley bottom and then dammed the end with sediment. Glenridding is at the southern end and Pooley Bridge at the north. Both are great walking bases with plenty of facilities. The path that follows the western shore is a really nice walk. You can use the steamers which run the length of the lake and stop half way at Howtown to allow an out and back journey.
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You can get the steamer from here to Glenridding or Pooley Bridge! Howton To Glenridding Steamer - Then ride back to Pooley Bridge (busy road) and then back to Howtown
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The Ullswater Steamers stop at Howtown Pier as they sail between Glenridding in the south (35 mins) and Pooley Bridge in the north (25 mins). You can get a single or return from either end of the lake to Howtown and the run back along the quiet eastern shore. Both runs are great but the southern shore from Howtown back to Glenridding is particularly good. The ferry runs all year but it's more regular in the summer.
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Nice rolling, mostly smooth tarmac along the lakeshore. Best done early before the traffic builds up.
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Haweswater was a controversial construction as it flooded the pretty Mardale valley in 1929. It was built to provide water to north-west England but flooded two villages and a farming community. In exceptional drought the remains of some of the villages are still visible.
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Little Strickland itself does not contain named lakes. The main lakes are found within the wider Lake District National Park, which Little Strickland is situated within or very close to. You'll find prominent lakes like Ullswater and Haweswater in the nearby national park.
The area features both natural glacial lakes and man-made reservoirs. These bodies of water offer diverse landscapes for exploration and recreation, from the scenic beauty of Ullswater to the impressive engineering of Haweswater Reservoir.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and running. For example, you can find hiking trails around Little Strickland, MTB trails, and running routes that explore the fells and lake shores.
Yes, several areas around the lakes are suitable for families. For instance, the area around Howtown Hamlet on Ullswater is considered family-friendly, offering beautiful trails and access via Ullswater Steamers. The western shore path of Ullswater is also a nice walk.
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, known for its stunning glacial trough formation and scenic beauty. It offers opportunities for boat trips via the Ullswater Steamers, which connect points like Howtown Pier, Glenridding, and Pooley Bridge. The lake's shores provide excellent walking bases and viewpoints like the Barren Tree on the North Shore.
Haweswater is a man-made reservoir with a significant history. It was originally a natural lake, but its level was raised by 29 meters with the construction of Haweswater Dam, completed in 1935. This controversial project flooded the Mardale valley, submerging two villages and a farming community to supply drinking water to Manchester. In exceptional droughts, the remains of the old villages can still be seen.
Yes, wild swimming is possible in some areas. Ullswater, for example, has designated swim spots, such as near the Barren Tree on the North Shore of Ullswater. Always exercise caution, be aware of water conditions, and respect local guidelines when wild swimming.
Absolutely. The Lake District is rich in natural features. Around Ullswater, you can find scenic viewpoints like the Barren Tree on the North Shore. The fells surrounding the lakes offer expansive views, and the glacial formations themselves are significant natural landmarks.
Walks around Ullswater can vary greatly in length and difficulty. For example, a popular hike is between Howtown and Glenridding or Howtown and Pooley Bridge. You can make these circular by utilizing the Ullswater Steamers. The path along the western shore also offers a nice walk, and you can use the steamers to shorten your journey.
While Little Strickland itself is a small village, public transport options exist to reach the wider Lake District National Park and its lakes. For Ullswater, the Ullswater Steamers provide transport between various points on the lake, such as Howtown, Pooley Bridge, and Glenridding, which can be accessed from nearby towns with bus services.
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning natural beauty, the diverse range of walking and cycling opportunities, and the tranquility of the area. The ability to combine hiking with boat trips on Ullswater, for instance, is a popular highlight, allowing for varied exploration and relaxation while taking in the views.


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