Best lakes around Kirkby Ireleth include several smaller bodies of water known as tarns, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area's tarns provide picturesque landscapes and unique experiences for visitors. While not typically featuring large lakes, these smaller bodies of water are a key feature of the region. They are appreciated for their serene environments and accessibility.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
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Levers Water is a small lake. It lies at the start of Coppermines Valley, above the village of Coniston. To the southwest of it lies Raven Tor, an outlier of Brim Fell, and to the northwest lie Little How Crags and Great How Crags, on the east side of the north-south ridge leading to Swirl How. A dam, built in 1717, enlarged the existing tarn to supply water to the mines and the village below. (Wikipedia)
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Low Water is a spectacular mountain lake at an altitude of 550 metres, directly below the steep north-western rock faces of the Old Man of Coniston. Surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape, it is a popular stopping point for hikers and wild swimmers.
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Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.
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The beautiful Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular walk (2.4km) through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk on a well maintained path. It can get busy though.
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Great spot to take a break before battling the incline to the summit
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Banishead Quarry is a rarely publicised beauty spot in the Lake District that is hidden away on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston. It is a super beautiful location and even has its own waterfall and an 80 foot (24 m) at that. It is a very popular wild swimming spot in the summer months. The waterfall was apparently born out of mischief when three local boys had a flash of inspiration to play ‘Let's divert the river with rocks’ back in the 1950’s. Their efforts obviously worked! If you do stop here, be aware of the dangers of wild swimming and jumping from high ledges at an unknown location.
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Bannishead Quarry and tarn is a real hidden gem. You don’t see it until you are right next to it and most of the tourists heading up Coniston Old Man don’t come this way so you are likely to have it to yourself. A beautiful quarry lake made more spectacular by the waterfall.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Tarn Hows, known for its accessible circular walk and stunning mountain views, especially vibrant in autumn. Another favorite is Low Water Tarn, nestled high in the fells past abandoned copper mines, offering a rewarding destination for walkers. Coniston Water is also very popular, featuring paths along its edge and small beaches perfect for relaxation.
Yes, Tarn Hows is highly recommended for families due to its accessible circular walk and well-maintained paths. Coniston Water also offers family-friendly paths along its edge and small beaches suitable for relaxation.
The area is rich in diverse natural beauty. You'll find picturesque tarns like Pewet Tarn and Burney Tarn, offering serene landscapes and panoramic mountain views. There are also reservoirs such as Ireleth Reservoir, known for its fishing and views over Morecambe Bay. Additionally, you can discover waterfalls like Tom Ghyll Waterfalls and the unique Banishead Quarry Waterfall.
Yes, Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular walk (2.4km) through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views, suitable for various abilities. Ireleth Reservoir also has good accessibility, with provisions for anglers with walking difficulties.
Pewet Tarn, also known as Pewit Tarn or Heathwaite Tarn, is a small and serene body of water within Kirkby Ireleth. It's praised for its panoramic views and sense of calmness, making it ideal for peaceful rambles and birdwatching away from large crowds.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Burney Trig Point – Great Burney Summit loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are trails such as the 'Duck Pond loop from Broughton West'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the 'Head of Coniston Lake – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for hiking, running, and gravel biking around Kirkby Ireleth.
Yes, Ireleth Reservoir is a popular destination for anglers. It is regularly stocked with various trout species, including Rainbows, Tigers, Blues, and Golden trout, as well as occasional Brownies, making it an ideal spot for fishing.
Ireleth Reservoir offers spectacular views over Morecambe Bay, the Isle of Man, and even Snowdonia on clear days. Pewet Tarn provides panoramic views of surrounding mountains like Skiddaw and Blencathra. For a more rugged vista, Burney Tarn offers rewarding views towards the Duddon Estuary and Blackcombe.
While some tarns are suitable, caution is always advised. Low Water Tarn is noted as a great tarn to swim in on a nice day. Banishead Quarry Waterfall is also a very popular wild swimming spot in the summer months, though visitors should be aware of the dangers of wild swimming and jumping from high ledges.
Tarn Hows is unique for its accessible circular walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. It's particularly stunning in autumn when the colors are vibrant. Historically, it was once owned by Beatrix Potter, who later sold half to the National Trust, adding to its charm.
Banishead Quarry Waterfall and its accompanying tarn are considered a real hidden gem. It's often overlooked by tourists heading to Coniston Old Man, offering a more secluded experience with a beautiful quarry lake and an 80-foot waterfall.
Visitors consistently appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the serene tarns to the larger lakes. The accessible walking paths, stunning mountain views, and opportunities for peaceful nature observation are frequently highlighted. The region's unique blend of natural landscapes and recreational activities, such as fishing and hiking, also contribute to its appeal.


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