Best lakes around Great Clifton, a village in Cumbria, England, serves as a gateway to the Lake District National Park. While Great Clifton itself does not have large lakes directly within its boundaries, several renowned bodies of water are easily accessible nearby. The region offers diverse features and activities for visitors, including tranquil waters and scenic viewpoints. This area provides an excellent base for exploring the natural landscape of the Lake District.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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The National Trust owns and maintains a series of these bothy style buildings around the country. Unlike a traditional mountain bothy, they are available for private hire through the NT holidays website. This one sleeps six on wooden sleeping platforms. There is a log burner but nothing else so it's a bit like camping with walls. The location on the southern bank of Loweswater is a great adventure base. The lakeside trail is a a nice easy run and Mellbreak Fell is nearby.
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you can book this through the national trust
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Such pretty views of the lake as you go past, water on the road and some potholes but overall decent road surface
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Over 150 species of bird have been sighted at Siddick Ponds Nature reserve, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Formed when the building of the railway sidings flooded the marshy land, it is a favourite haunt of local birdwatchers. When starlings roost in autumn, the likes of peregrines, merlins and sparrowhawks are attracted to the area, with the prospect of easy pickings.
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A favourite view - with a memorial bench; great place for a snack stop.
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Convenient Bench down by the waterside not easily seen from the road.
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The region offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit Holme Wood Bothy and the beach at Loweswater, a serene woodland area with a beach on the tranquil shores of Loweswater. For panoramic vistas, head to the View of Loweswater, Crummock Water, and Buttermere, offering views across three beautiful bodies of water. Additionally, Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its diverse birdlife with over 150 species sighted.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Windermere, for instance, has Brockhole on Windermere, a visitor centre with gardens, treetop trekking, archery, and mini-golf. Fell Foot Park on Windermere is also great for picnics and boat rentals. Loweswater's Holme Wood is ideal for leisurely walks, and Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve is a good spot for family birdwatching.
You'll find a variety of walking trails. Loweswater offers an excellent lake circuit with magnificent views, and Holme Wood provides serene woodland walks. Derwentwater has the popular 10-mile circular Derwentwater Walk. For more options, you can explore various routes listed in the Easy hikes around Great Clifton guide, including trails like the 'Joe's Walk – The Lakeland Shepherd Monument loop'.
Absolutely. Cycling is popular in the area, especially around Loweswater, with proximity to mountain passes and Whinlatter Forest offering mountain biking trails. For road cycling, consider routes like the 'Kirkstile Inn – Loweswater loop' or the 'Navvies Bridge – River Derwent loop' which you can find in the Cycling around Great Clifton guide.
Loweswater is particularly known for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, nestled in a wooded valley. It offers a tranquil experience away from the larger crowds found at some of the more prominent lakes. Coniston Water also provides a quieter experience compared to Windermere, making it a good choice for those seeking relaxation.
Loweswater is unique as the only lake in the Lake District that drains towards the center of Lakeland. It's a peaceful, secluded lake nestled in a wooded valley, known for its tranquility and the presence of red squirrels. The Holme Wood Bothy and the beach at Loweswater is a notable highlight, offering a unique accommodation experience right on its shores.
Yes, many lakes offer water sports. Windermere is a hub for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboat hire. Derwentwater allows rowing boat, motorboat, and sailing boat rentals, along with kayaking and paddleboarding. Coniston Water is also popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, with boat hire available from Coniston Boating Centre.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for water sports and family activities, though it can be busier. Winter offers a serene, often dramatic landscape, perfect for quiet walks, but be prepared for colder weather and shorter days.
Yes, Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching. It's a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest where over 150 species of bird have been sighted. During autumn, the roosting starlings attract birds of prey like peregrines, merlins, and sparrowhawks.
Komoot users appreciate the tranquil lakes, natural reserves, and scenic viewpoints. Highlights like Holme Wood Bothy and the beach at Loweswater are loved for their unique accommodation and adventure base. The View of Loweswater, Crummock Water, and Buttermere is highly rated for its panoramic views across multiple lakes. The area is valued for its diverse experiences, from secluded waters to expansive vistas.
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find various routes suitable for jogging around the area, such as the 'John Dalton's Birthplace loop' or the 'Curlbeck Wood loop'. More running options are detailed in the Running Trails around Great Clifton guide.
Windermere is England's largest natural lake, spanning 10.5 miles. It's a major hub for activities, including boat cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboat hire. Its shores are lined with hills and traditional cottages, and towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside provide dining and shopping.
Coniston Water has historical significance, being the setting for Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons' and the site of Donald Campbell's water speed record attempts. You can take a Coniston Launch cruise with stops at points of interest like Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin. Derwentwater also has St Herbert's Island, which inspired Beatrix Potter.


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