Lakes around Loweswater offer a tranquil experience in the western fells of the Lake District. This area is known for its quiet and unspoiled atmosphere, providing a serene escape from more crowded locations. Loweswater itself is approximately 1.6 km long and 0.8 km wide, featuring accessible lakeshore and woodlands like Holme Wood. The lake is owned by the National Trust and provides opportunities for walking and connecting with nature.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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Like all the lakes and low level routes that are more accessible, expect it to be busy
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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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Beautiful spot and surrounded by the finest walking country. Gets very busy on the weekends and parking is somewhat restricted around the lake.
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Holme Wood Bothy sleeps six, is situated on the shores of Loweswater and can be booked via the National Trust - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/bothy-holme-wood-the-lake-district
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When the weather is right, this little beach and swings is the perfect place to relax. The location is usually quiet and is perfect for a barbecue or a picnic.
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Loweswater offers several excellent walking opportunities. A popular choice is the gentle circuit around the lake itself, which provides reflections, woodland scents, and distant views. The path through Holme Wood is particularly noted for its beauty, especially in springtime with bluebells. For more challenging hikes, nearby fells like Mellbreak offer panoramic views of both Loweswater and Crummock Water. You can find various hiking routes, including moderate and difficult options, in the Hiking around Loweswater guide.
Yes, Loweswater is very family-friendly. The accessible lakeshore and mixed woodland of Holme Wood are ideal for families. You can explore the woodland, look for wildlife like red squirrels, and discover the hidden waterfall, Holme Force. There's also an accessible route for wheelchairs leading to a small lakeshore bothy. The lake itself, Loweswater, is listed as family-friendly, as is the Holme Wood Bothy and the beach at Loweswater.
Holme Wood, on the opposite side of the lake, is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot deer, red squirrels, and various woodpeckers. The tranquil and undisturbed nature of Loweswater makes it an excellent spot for naturalists to observe local fauna.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. While a full circuit directly around Loweswater might be limited, there are dedicated cycling routes in the wider area. For example, the Loweswater to Keswick Cycling Route offers stunning scenery. You can also explore various mountain biking and traffic-free cycling routes in the MTB Trails around Loweswater guide and the Traffic-free bike rides around Loweswater guide.
The lake itself offers magnificent views, especially from the path around its perimeter. A particularly favored spot is the View of Loweswater, which even features a memorial bench, making it a great place for a snack stop. For panoramic vistas, consider hiking up Mellbreak, one of the accessible fells surrounding the lake, which provides views of both Loweswater and Crummock Water.
Yes, you can book the Holme Wood Bothy, which sleeps six people and is situated on the shores of Loweswater. It's available for private hire through the National Trust holidays website. It offers a rustic experience, similar to camping with walls, and includes a log burner.
Loweswater is beautiful year-round, but springtime is particularly lovely when bluebells and other wildflowers bloom in Holme Wood. Summer is also recommended, especially for staying at the bothy. The lake's peaceful nature makes it a serene escape in any season, offering a chance to connect with nature's rhythms at a slower pace.
Absolutely. Loweswater is part of a chain of three lakes in a scenic valley. It drains into Crummock Water, a clear, rocky-bottomed lake known for its unparalleled views. Further on is Buttermere Lake, ringed by dramatic fells like Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. Visiting these lakes together offers a broader Lakeland experience.
There is a National Trust car park located at the south end of Loweswater. While parking can be somewhat restricted around the lake, especially on weekends, this designated car park provides a convenient option for visitors.
Loweswater is known for its exceptionally peaceful and undisturbed atmosphere, often described as a 'hidden treat' away from the more crowded areas of the Lake District. It's ideal for those seeking solitude and natural splendor. Unusually for the Lake District, it drains towards the center of Lakeland, flowing into Crummock Water. Its accessible lakeshore, diverse wildlife in Holme Wood, and National Trust ownership contribute to its unique, tranquil charm.


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