Top 20 Lakes around South Lakeland

South Lakeland offers a variety of popular walking trails. For a historical and scenic experience, consider The Coffin Route, which offers magnificent views over Rydal Water and passes literary landmarks like Dove Cottage. Another excellent option is the accessible circular walk around Tarn Hows, known for its beautiful countryside and mountain views. For more challenging hikes, routes like the Fairfield Horseshoe or the Langdale Pikes are popular. You can find detailed routes and guides for hiking in the area on the Hiking around South Lakeland guide.

Yes, South Lakeland is very family-friendly. Windermere offers attractions like Brockhole on Windermere, a visitor center with adventure playgrounds and gardens. The circular walk around Tarn Hows is also well-maintained and suitable for families. Many lakes, including Windermere and Coniston Water, offer boat trips and water sports that are enjoyable for all ages.

Windermere is England's largest lake and a major hub for water sports, offering boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and year-round cruises. Coniston Water also provides opportunities for a range of water sports, with rentals available from Coniston Boating Centre and scenic cruises on the historic Steam Yacht Gondola. Grasmere is popular for swimming and kayaking, with motorboats banned to maintain its tranquility.

The region is rich in history and culture. Near Grasmere, you can visit Dove Cottage, the former home of poet William Wordsworth, and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Coniston Water is associated with Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons' and Donald Campbell's speed record attempts; you can learn more at the Ruskin Museum and visit Brantwood, John Ruskin's former home. The historical Coffin Route also passes by Rydal Mount, another Wordsworth residence.

Esthwaite Water is a smaller, privately owned lake particularly known for its excellent fishing, especially for pike and trout. It's also a significant location for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of otters and ospreys, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

For stunning panoramic views, Orrest Head is easily ascended from Windermere station and offers a sublime viewpoint over the Lakeland skyline. The historical Coffin Route also provides magnificent views over Rydal Water and the surrounding mountains. For a more dramatic setting, Stickle Tarn, nestled below Pavey Ark, offers breathtaking scenery.

Windermere can be explored in many ways. Windermere Lake Cruises operate year-round, offering a scenic way to see the lake with stops at key locations like Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside. You can also rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. For land-based exploration, there are numerous walking opportunities, from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain treks, and the Claife Heights Trail offers great views.

Yes, the circular walk around Tarn Hows is known for its well-maintained and accessible path, suitable for many visitors including those with limited mobility. Additionally, the Windermere Ferry is wheelchair accessible, allowing for scenic crossings of the lake.

Wild swimming is popular in some of the lakes. Grasmere Lake is a favored spot for swimming due to its tranquility and lack of motorboats. Stickle Tarn is also mentioned as a place for wild swimming, offering a memorable experience amidst dramatic scenery.

The South Lakeland area provides excellent running opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Grasmere and Rydal Water loop' or the 'Windermere western shore and Claife Heights loop'. For more challenging runs, consider the 'Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside' or 'The Old Man of Coniston & Wetherlam loop'. Detailed running trails are available in the Running Trails around South Lakeland guide.

Many towns and villages around the lakes, such as Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Coniston, offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. While specific establishments aren't listed here, you'll find numerous options with charming settings, and many will offer views of the surrounding fells and, in some cases, the lakes themselves, especially in bustling areas like Windermere.

Coniston Water offers a gentler, more tranquil atmosphere compared to Windermere. It's famous for inspiring Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons' and was the site of Donald Campbell's world water speed record attempts. Visitors can enjoy the historic Steam Yacht Gondola cruises, explore the Ruskin Museum, or visit Brantwood, John Ruskin's former home, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Coniston Old Man.