In terms of lakes, Windermere, the largest lake in England, is certainly the most popular and well-known of the lakes in the Lake District. Its sisters, Ullswater, Coniston and Derwentwater, are also popular, and pleasure boats allow easy and enjoyable access for all.
But there are also several small lakes to enjoy! One of the major benefits of the smaller lakes is that motorised traffic is mainly forbidden, making (most of) these lakes the ideal spot for a swim, dip or paddleboard or a scenic walk along the shorelines.
These are my favourite small lakes that I recommend you visit in the Lake District:
1. Rydal
My favourite small lake in the Lake District, Rydal Water, is centrally located between the popular villages of Ambleside and Grasmere.
Rydal has something for everyone – a lovely lakeside walk on the western fringes with offshoots off to Rydal Caves, Loughrigg Fell and the neighbouring Grasmere plus dramatic views of Nab Scar to the east.
Swimming is popular year-round, with the northern and eastern shores offering stony ‘beaches’ and easy access points for a lovely swim or paddleboard. Due to its relatively small and shallow nature, the water tends to stay slightly warmer than other lakes in the area. The northern area of the lake has an open grassy area, perfect for a picnic in summer.
For nature lovers, look out for the cormorants and Canadian geese congregating around Heron Island in the middle of the lake.
Read More 10 things to do in Rydal in the heart of the Lake District
2. Grasmere
Sitting a short distance from one of the most popular villages in the Lake District, Grasmere lake has a similar charm to the neighbouring Rydal Water. Enjoy a stroll along the western edges, where you can hug the shoreline or head uphill onto Loughrigg Terrace, which links Rydal and Grasmere. The lower path continues on to wardsWhite Moss Woods and Rydal.
The Loughrigg Terrace stony ‘beach’ on the southern shore of the lake is a popular spot in summer for families splashing around and swimming in the lake, or you can also find quieter spots for a swim or a dip in one of the hidden bays on the eastern shore.
The quirky Faeryland tea room hires out rowing boats to explore the lake or enjoy the views in the tea garden with a slice of cake and a hot drink after your stroll.
3. Loweswater
Tucked in the northwestern fringes of the Lake District, Loweswater is often overlooked by its larger neighbours, Crummock Water and Buttermere. The beauty of this is that it makes a relatively quiet spot to head to for a walk or a swim. The western shore is flanked mainly by Holme Wood, which is awash with bluebells in spring and is easily accessible for a walk at any time of the year.
Climb the nearby smaller fells of Burnbank, Darling Fell or Loweswater for stunning views back down to the lake, and be sure to finish your visit with a trip to the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater village, one of the best pubs in the Lake District.
4. Esthwaite Water
Located between the larger lakes of Windermere and Coniston and a short distance from Hawkshead and Near Sawrey, home of Beatrix Potter’s former house of Hilltop, Esthwaite is a peaceful privately owned lake (swimming and boats are forbidden, but you can apply for a fishing permit).
There is also trout fishing, an osprey safari, and a boathouse cafe on the western lake shore, although these were closed at the time of writing. You can check the latest status here.
Whilst it’s technically possible to walk around Esthwaite Water, the western shore is along the road but a small footpath has now been built on the eastern shore, making an enjoyable walk from Hawkshead and up to Near Sawrey, especially if you are visiting Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop House.
5. Buttermere
Edging towards the larger end of the small lake scale, Buttermere has one of the most dramatic backdrops in the Lake District. Fleetwith Pike stands majestically at the head of the lake, and the imposing craggy peaks of Haystacks, High Stile, High Crag and Red Pike complete the towering views.
A walk around the lake is one of the finest circular walks in the Lake District. It begins on the wooded shores of Burtness Woods, rounds the head of the lake just under the Honister Pass, and then returns to Crag Wood through the charming Victorian tunnel built into the rock.
Buttermere is also a stunning spot for a swim, but the water remains pretty chilly year round with only a short distance for the water to travel from the high mountain becks.
6. Elterwater
At just 1km long, Elterwater is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District. It is located a few miles from Ambleside at the start of the dramatic Great Langdale Valley. Three ‘pools’ make up the lake, and whilst the eastern shore borders private land, the western shore is part of the Cumbria Way which runs through the Lake District.
Enjoy a lovely, easy, flat walk from Skelwith Bridge, past Elterwater and finishing in Elterwater, with striking views of the nearby Langdale Pikes. You can find more details of this walk here.
Read more about the Lake District
10 of the best small hills to climb in the Lake District
12 things you need to know before visiting the Lake District
The complete guide to visiting Ambleside in the Lake District
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