LAKES PAGE 3

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LOWESWATER    Backup

Loweswater is one and a quarter miles long and half a mile wide, by 60ft deep.  It can be reached by taking the B5292 Lorton Road from Cockermouth, or from Bassenthwaite Lake via the Wythop road through the lovely Vale of Lorton. This is a quiet lake with splendid walks around and above it, including the towering Melbreak at 1676ft.  The north shore is wooded with the best views from the far end of the lake.  Loweswater is also famous for its wildflowers and bluebell woods usually at their best in late May early June.

Rowing boats are permitted on the Lake and Permits are available from Waterend Farm, Mr. & Mrs. Leck Tel: 01946 861465.

Fishing Permits required, and boats for hire can be obtained from Watergate Farm at the southern end of the lake via the Lake Ranger, Mr. Mark Astley.  Tel:  01900 85267.

BUTTERMERE &    Backup

CRUMMOCK WATER    Backup

These lakes lie close together and are connected by a small beck.  They can be accessed from many different directions, for example by the B5292 and B5289 from Cockermouth through the Vale of Lorton, or following  the Wythop road from Bassenthwaite Lake, or travel over Newlands Pass from Braithwaite, a small village located at the bottom of Whinlatter.

Approaching from the Vale of Lorton, Crummock is the first lake you come across, which is 3.5 miles long three-quarters of a mile wide and 140 ft deep. From Lanthwaite Green found at Crummock, there is a rough path which climbs over Coldale Pass and descends down to Braithwaite.

As you continue the road round the top of Crummock Water, a huge fell measuring 2,791 ft towers over you, which is know as Grasmoor. Also located around the lake is Melbreak (1,688 ft) which rises steeply and suddenly out of the water. Like many of the other Lakes and Waters found in Cumbria, Crummock is a reservoir which supplies Cockermouth, the little gem town found to the north-west.

Continuing along the road parallel to Crummock, which is famously known for its bluebells in the Spring, you suddenly come across another lake, known as Buttermere. Located on its shores is the little village of Buttermere, from which Sail Beck runs through. Here there is a tiny church which lies on top of a massive outcrop which was built in 1840. There is also a small cafe and toilets for public convenience.

There are many popular walks which can be taken from Buttermere, for example the route to Bleaberry Tarn and Red Pike, high up on the fells at 2,707 ft, and the major tourist attraction of Scale Force, a waterfall which towers at 120ft, both of which start only a short walking distance from the village itself. More details of the walks can be obtained from Cockermouth TIC or other Local TIC's. 

For the more laid back visitor, perhaps a gentle stroll around the lake itself is more to taste. A well worn path can be followed to the other end of the lake, where Gatesgarth, a very small hamlet of only one or two houses can be found. The rest of the walk has to be completed using the main road, although it does break off for the last quarter, down to the lakeshore itself. Alternatively, one can take the elevated road, which after Gatesgarth continues up Honister Pass to Borrowdale. There is also a rough track up the south side of Fleetwith Pike, called 'Moses Sledgate', reputed to be named after a noted smuggler. One can get to Great Gable as well, via a track which climbs up to Scarth Gap at 1,400ft, and down to the Black Sail Youth Hostel.

Because of Buttermere's fantastic scenery it has become known as the 'jewel in the crown' of all lakes.

Swimming

Apart from walking and climbing, during the hot summers, swimming is permitted, although it is asked that visitors follow the rules, where youngsters are accompanied. Although the shore appears to be very shallow, the shelf bottom falls away very suddenly.

Boating

Speed boating is prohibited, however permission for other lake activities such as rowing or canoeing can be obtained, for Buttermere and Crummock Water from The Lakes Ranger on (017687) 79633, or via the National Parks Office on (01539) 724555.

Fishing

Permits are required.  Contact Lakes Ranger or National Parks office as above.

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