Loweswater
Lake Small Lake District lake surrounded by fells
In England’s Lake District, Loweswater attracts walkers for its compact lake, surrounding fells and linked trails; hikers combine quiet paths with stone-walled farmland and views toward Crummock Water and the High Stile ridge.
Loweswater is a small lake in the northwestern English Lake District, in the county of Cumbria. It is set among low fells and gives its name to the nearby village of Loweswater.
The lake is valued for short circular walks and for views of the surrounding Loweswater Fells rather than large-scale boating or commercial visitor infrastructure. Paths run around parts of the shoreline and upland tracks lead onto adjacent ridges.
The lake is of glacial origin and has long been integrated into local pastoral land use; surrounding slopes have been used for sheep grazing for centuries. The settlement of Loweswater sits at the western end of the lake.
Geographically it lies in the northwestern sector of the Lake District National Park, within easy reach of the small towns that serve the western lakes region.
- Visitor note: Smaller and less crowded than the larger lakes in the Lake District, making it popular for quiet walks and fell views.
How to Get to Loweswater #
Loweswater is about 10-15 minutes’ drive from the A66 road; Cockermouth is the nearest larger town (approx. 15-20 km), while Workington is roughly 20 km west. The nearest rail stations are in Workington and Cockermouth (bus or taxi required). Small country lanes lead directly to parking at Loweswater village.
Tips for Visiting Loweswater #
- Follow the south shore footpath for the classic view back toward the hamlet of Loweswater; the trail is less trodden than some Lakes walks.
- Combine Loweswater with a circuit of the Loweswater fells (Wainwright's route) rather than trying to tackle higher, rockier peaks in poor weather.
- Check local car parks: village parking is limited and narrow lanes are not suited to large vehicles.
Best Time to Visit Loweswater #
Late spring to autumn is ideal for walking; winter offers drama but demands experience and equipment.
Weather & Climate near Loweswater #
Loweswater'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 (1304 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (104 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 (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (142 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 (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.