Loweswater and Holme Wood Circular
Cumbria
Loweswater is one of the smallest and quietest lakes in the Lake District, in the western fells beside Crummock Water. Its south-western shore is lined by Holme Wood, a National Trust woodland of oak, chestnut, ash, sycamore, alder and lime, where red squirrels live, bluebells flower in spring, and dogs can drop down to shingle bays along the water's edge for a paddle. This 6.8km circuit leaves the small car park at Maggie's Bridge, crosses Dub Beck and follows a farm track past Watergate Farm into the wood, where a gravel path runs along the water's edge past the stone bothy that was once a fish hatchery. A short detour climbs beside Holme Force, a waterfall at its best after rain. The return follows the quiet lane along the north-eastern shore past Thrushbank, with views across the lake to Holme Wood and Carling Knott. There is only around 91 metres of climbing.
This is a dog friendly walk that suits almost any dog, with the shingle bays in Holme Wood giving easy places to drink and paddle, and plenty of shade under the trees. Inside the wood there is moderate off-lead potential for a dog with good recall, as there is no stock among the trees. The fields around Watergate Farm can hold cattle and sheep, so dogs should be on a lead there, and the return along the lakeside lane carries some traffic. Parking at Maggie's Bridge is very limited and fills early, so arrive before mid-morning at weekends.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No toilets or cafe on route; Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater village (dogs only allowed in parts of the pub at some times, check first).
- Parking
- Maggie's Bridge car park, National Trust, very small; roadside lay-by near Loweswater Hall as an alternative.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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All dog friendly hotels in CumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Loweswater and Holme Wood Circular dog friendly?
This walk scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness and suits almost any dog. The shingle bays along the shore of Holme Wood offer easy spots for a drink and a paddle, and there's plenty of shade under the trees throughout the woodland section. It's a gentle circuit with only around 91 metres of climbing, so nothing too demanding for dogs of most ages and fitness levels.
Can dogs be off lead at Loweswater and Holme Wood Circular?
Inside Holme Wood there's moderate off-lead potential for dogs with reliable recall, as there's no livestock among the trees. However, the fields around Watergate Farm can hold cattle and sheep, so leads are essential there, and the return route along the lakeside lane carries some traffic, so it's worth keeping dogs close on that section too.
What should I know before visiting Loweswater and Holme Wood Circular with my dog?
The main practical thing to be aware of is parking — the Maggie's Bridge car park is very small and fills quickly, so aim to arrive before mid-morning at weekends. There are no toilets or cafes on the route itself, but the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater village is nearby, though dogs are only allowed in parts of the pub and at certain times, so it's worth checking ahead before you go.
Visitor Reviews
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Maggie's Bridge Car Park, Corpse Road, Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU
54.5772, -3.3405
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