Sheep grazing by Loweswater copyright Charlie Hedley

Miles Without Stiles 26: Loweswater

Update 28 March 2024: This route is now useable again following forestry works but currently only meets the 'for many' grade.


Miles Without Stiles

This is a lovely level walk in one of the quieter corners of the Lake District - OS Explorer Map OL4

Route for all. 4km distance.

Route

The route (2km each way) starts at the small car park at Maggie's Bridge (spaces for six to eight cars) and follows a stone track to Watergate Farm. This is a tranquil and unspoilt corner of the Lake District. The views across Loweswater to the craggy southern slopes of Fellbarrow are probably unchanged for decades. Over your left shoulder is the steep and rocky northern end of Mellbreak, a reminder that the high fells around Buttermere are not that far away.

The track goes past the farm (ignore the short-cut over the grass) and through a gate into Holme Wood, taking you to the lakeshore. The route is now fully accessible for wheelchairs. There is a small stream to cross before you reach a small lakeshore bothy. This is a beautiful place to stop and rest and take in the peacefulness of the surroundings.

A new path continues past the bothy and alongside the shoreline for 0.5 km or 0.3 miles, where it re-joins the main track, turn left here to return to Watergate Farm. The main path to the right from this junction is too rough for wheelchairs but walkers could continue on past Hudson Place to the road. A right turn will lead you back along the north-eastern shore of Loweswater, on tarmac roads, to complete a fantastic little circuit.

Details

Start point:

Maggie's Bridge car park.

Postcode: CA13 0RU
Grid reference: NY 13449 21040
W3W: ///quietest.extensive.swipes

Turning point:

Grid reference: NY 11979 2184
W3W: ///increases.rests.visitor

Facilities:

None on route. The Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater village is the nearest place for toilets (for customers) and refreshments.

Getting there:

No public transport to start of route. Car: B5292 from Cockermouth and B5289 through Low Lorton. Follow signs for Loweswater and turn right (grid ref. NY 138211), not signposted for Maggie's Bridge. Parking at the Maggie's Bridge car park is limited and can become very busy.