Loweswater

Loweswater, 1.25 miles in length, ½ mile wide and 60 feet deep makes its home in an area carved by glacial action. Geologists believe it and its neighbours, Buttermere and Crummock Water, were once connected. Over time silt built up to make them three separate lakes. Loweswaters waters drain into nearby Crummock Water making it the only Lakeland lake with its waters flowing inland.

Loweswater the name means the leafy lake and its surrounding woods are in care of the National Trust. Traditional clinker built rowing boats are available for hire at the National Trust Watergate Farm on the southeastern end of the lake.

Five fells lie to the south of the lake, each with valleys leading southward. The fells are broken by watercourses above the woods. To the north of the lake the land climbs to cols and peaks.

A tree fringed road runs close along Loweswaters northern shore providing views over the tranquil little lakeits ½ mile wide and 60 feet deep. Here softer fells and forests mix. Leafy paths run through the mature woodlands, and a low-level path circles the lake. Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of conifers and deciduous trees, runs for a mile along Loweswaters shore and up the fellside to the 900-foot height.

The village of Loweswater lies between the lake and Crummock Water. Good views of the lake lie south of the village from the summit of Melbreak.

All around hedgerows blossom with pink roses and red briar roses and honeysuckle. Sheep-grazed meadows are scattered with meadowsweet and ragged robin. Red squirrels frequent the woods.

Nestled in its fellside and forest setting in the western Lake District, Loweswater is a quiet, peaceful lake offering a rewarding visit.

The lake is west of the B5289, 6 miles south of Cockermouth. Access is at High Lorton.

Photos courtesy of Graeme Dougal and Ann Bowker

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