Wonderful Winter walks with water

grasmere

Not everyone aspires to the heights in winter and there is great pleasure to be had in wrapping up warmly and going for a bracing winter's walk by water without expending too much energy, whilst still enjoying the views and rewarding yourself afterwards in the pub, by the fire. Here are a few favourite Lakeland suggestions.

Loweswater Lakeshore

Loweswater is one of the smallest lakes on the western edge of the National Park. It's the only lake where the water flows back towards the park and not towards the sea and is a beautiful, peaceful place. In two and half miles, the path will take you from Maggie's Bridge through Holme Wood and back again (you can continue right round by taking the road if you prefer a loop), giving you beautiful views of Mellbreak and the high fells round Buttermere. Reward your efforts in the Kirkstile Inn.

Circuit of Ennerdale

The most westerly of all the lakes and the most remote. It's a deep glacial lake and the only one with no roads running alongside it and which has been the subject of a successful rewilding project. Much of the pretty shoreline is National Trust owned, and the full walk is along the shoreline for about six and a half miles on good paths. The views are superb looking up the valley. Very tranquil.

ennerdale

Devoke Water

The biggest tarn and one of the highest in the Lake District, is just off the Birker Fell Road in Eskdale. Even on a warm day in the height of summer, it's still possible to be the only people there and the views are staggering. The path round the tarn is mostly good, but can get a little marshy in places and part of the loop will be via Water Crag and Rough Crag, but the climbs are not too strenuous.

Aira Force to Glenridding on the Ullswater Way

A three mile walk by what some say is Lakeland's most beautiful lake. Straightforward paths, some surfaced, some not, run alongside the lakeshore taking you through Glencoyne Deer Park, all the while enjoying the stunning views this beautiful area has in spades. There is a small stretch on the road, so take care. New last year was the Dalemain Loop of the Ullswater Way - a five mile route across fields and parkland.

Wise Een Tarn

Located in Claife Heights, a favourite area of Beatrix Potter, this pretty tarn has beautiful views over to the Langdale Pikes. There are a number of ways to reach the tarn with walks of varying lengths, but the paths are all good and not too taxing. It's a lovely, gentle area to explore, with glimpses of Lake Windermere along the way.

wise een tarn