96) Loweswater, Maggies Bridge, Cumbria, CA13 0RU

https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws26

This route is brought to us by Caroline Fishpool, who recently visited the area.

Taken from the Miles without stiles, route 26, Loweswater.

Route length approx 4km in total, starting at Maggies Bridge, limited parking.

Route:

The route (2km each way) starts at the small car park at Maggie's Bridge (spaces for six to eight cars) and follows a stone track to Watergate Farm. This is a tranquil and unspoilt corner of the Lake District. The views across Loweswater to the craggy southern slopes of Fellbarrow are probably unchanged for decades. Over your left shoulder is the steep and rocky northern end of Mellbreak, a reminder that the high fells around Buttermere are not that far away.

The track goes past the farm (ignore the short-cut over the grass) and through a gate into Holme Wood, taking you to the lakeshore. The route is now fully accessible for wheelchairs. There is a small stream to cross before you reach a small lakeshore bothy. This is a beautiful place to stop and rest and take in the peacefulness of the surroundings.

A new path continues past the bothy and alongside the shoreline for 0.5 km or 0.3 miles, where it re-joins the main track, turn left here to return to Watergate Farm. The main path to the right from this junction is too rough for wheelchairs but walkers could continue on past Hudson Place to the road. A right turn will lead you back along the western shore of Loweswater, on tarmac roads, to complete a fantastic little circuit.

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