The Lake District is renowned for its lakes, its in the name! Combined with the surrounding fells they characterize the landscape. However it is not always straightforward to find the best ones. This is particularly so when much of the shoreline is privately owned and not accessible (shame!) to the public.
These are my 10 favourites. They are perfect if you do not want, or cannot, venture higher up. The cloud may be down, conditions are poor, you have young children, are older or simply do not have the confidence to further venture afield.
Each walk (and some are more hikes) have a link for the full walk details.
Take the boat from Glenridding to Howtown and return via the lakeshore path. Quiet, rough in places with outstanding views across the lake to Helvellyn and its neighbours. It is my favourite lakeside walk.
Full Walk Details
Rydal Water and Loughrigg Tarn are two exquisite areas of water linked by a low col. As an added attraction they have places of real solitude, missing the crowds that flock round Grasmere.
This would be voted most walker’s favourite lakeside walk, short but lovely throughout. In many ways the prefect lakeside walk, easy to complete the full circuit to boot.
I really enjoy the shores of Ennerdale Water. It is quiet (being away from the more popular centres), split between a rough lakeside path and a good track, unusual scenery and the best lake to wild swim.
A bit of a cheat as these are tarns not lakes. However the walk brings hikers to two spectacular bodies of water, tucked tightly in to the mountains with good paths linking them up. A real taste of the mountains.
Loweswater is tucked away on a side valley near Buttermere. The 4 mile circuit is easy to complete, the southern shoreline in the woods a real delight. The local pub is rather good as well.
A short walk along the Cumbria Way is the best way of seeing the iconic lake. History was made tragically by the death on the water of speedster Donald Campbell. The village and lake make a suitable epitaph.
Devoke Water is a rarely visited mini lake/large tarn lying between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. It is easily accessible from the road and perfect for enjoying the low lying hills which frame the waters as well as the lake itself.
This hike is a classic combination of mountain and lake in perfect harmony. The lakeshore section is very peaceful with hidden beaches and quiet coves but the walk is much improved by the (steep) climb up Mellbreak with its wonderful views.
Enjoy the quiet, woodland on the banks of Derwentwater. It is accessed best by using the ferry service from Keswick or Lodore and walking one way.
Of these 10 walks it is most noticeable that none are of the largest lake, Windermere. Despite years of walking I have never found a satisfactory stretch of shoreline. Maybe there is too much private and inaccessible land, maybe the surroundings are less dramatic or maybe it is just too crowded. If you find a good walk let me know!
If you prefer walks further afield which include wilder tarns you can find my favourites here.
Enjoy your walking
Jonathan
There is a lovely Windermere lakeside walk from Wray to Claife, taking in the two NT properties of Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station. Both ends of the walk have parking and refreshments, and each is accessible by ferry. The walk can be made circular by returning via one of the many paths in Claife Woods, and it’s also possible to take in the two Wainwright Outer Fells of Latterbarrow and Claife Heights.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Δ
