Esthwaite Water
Lake Small lake in England's Lake District
A modest Lake District waterbody near Hawkshead where walkers, anglers and birdwatchers visit; trails skirt the shore and nearby lanes link to classic Lakeland scenery.
Esthwaite Water is a small freshwater lake in the Lake District, Cumbria, England, located within the national park near the village of Hawkshead. It is relatively compact compared with larger Lake District lakes and is noted locally for its wetland vegetation and wildlife.
The lake is visited mainly for birdwatching and quiet recreation rather than large-scale boating; shoreline paths and nearby lanes give access for walking and wildlife observation. Anglers also use the lake, which supports coarse fish species typical of shallow lowland lakes.
Esthwaite Water occupies a glacial hollow formed during the last Ice Age and has long been studied for its biological productivity and ecology. Its lakebed and surrounding wetlands reflect centuries of natural and small-scale human influence, including traditional fishing and nearby agricultural land use.
The lake sits in the southern area of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, just west of Windermere and close to Hawkshead and other small villages of the southern fells region.
How to Get to Esthwaite Water #
Esthwaite Water lies 2-3 km south of Ambleside in Cumbria. It is accessible by local roads and footpaths from Ambleside; parking and pathheads are available at the southern end near the A592 in certain spots.
Tips for Visiting Esthwaite Water #
- Visit on weekdays for quieter paths-Esthwaite Water is popular with local walkers on weekends.
- Rent a small boat or kayak from nearby Ambleside if available; the lake's scale rewards a water-level perspective.
- Look for the reedbeds on the southern shores for otter signs and birdlife.
Best Time to Visit Esthwaite Water #
Summer for easy access and boating; shoulder seasons for quieter visits and birdlife.
Weather & Climate near Esthwaite Water #
Esthwaite Water's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1781 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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