Thirlmere Lake
Reservoir in the Lake District, historic water supply
A reservoir and valley in England's Lake District, Thirlmere offers lakeside walks, cycling routes and forestry; anglers and walkers use the paths that circle the water and climb nearby fells.
Thirlmere at a Glance#
Address: Thirlmere, Cumbria/Greater Manchester boundary area, England
About Thirlmere#
Thirlmere is a reservoir and small settlement in the central Lake District of England, created in the 19th century to supply water to the industrial north. The valley was dammed to form the reservoir, which is set among surrounding fells and is now used for both water supply and outdoor recreation.
The site is popular with walkers and photographers who use the paths along the shore and nearby fell tracks. The surrounding landscape includes upland fells commonly used for hillwalking and is managed within the Lake District National Park. Management and access have evolved since the reservoir’s construction to balance utility supply and recreational use.
Thirlmere lies in the central Lake District, between larger centres such as Keswick and Ambleside, and is within Cumbria administratively. The reservoir sits in a glacial valley flanked by Lake District fells and is accessible by road from nearby towns.
- Walking routes and conditions: A well-maintained lakeside path allows a circular walk around the reservoir and offers viewpoints of surrounding fells; weather can change rapidly in the Lake District so plan accordingly.
How to Get to Thirlmere#
Thirlmere lies on the A591 between Ambleside and Keswick. From the nearby town of Grasmere or Ambleside it’s a short drive; local bus services run from nearby towns but schedules can be infrequent outside peak season.
Tips for Visiting Thirlmere#
- Start early to avoid the worst of the tourist buses around the lake - mornings are quieter and the light is better for photography.
- Combine a hike with a visit to the Thirlmere reservoir for more remote walking routes away from the main car parks.
- Public transport links are limited; if relying on buses from Stockport or Manchester, check schedules on weekends.
Best Time to Visit Thirlmere#
Late spring through early autumn provides the most comfortable walking conditions; winter is atmospheric but can be challenging.
Weather & Climate near Thirlmere#
Thirlmere's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1736 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 4° | -4° | 195 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 4° | -3° | 140 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 152 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 101 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 6° | 99 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 96 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 106 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 128 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 146 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 11° | 4° | 188 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 188 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 197 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
