Loweswater loop — Lake District National Park

Nestled in a wooded valley in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater is a well-kept secret that’s a delight to explore. Uniquely, this is the only lake that drains towards the centre of the Lake District – emptying into Crummock Water, to which it was once joined. Looked after by the National Trust, this area is a haven for wildlife, including adorable red squirrels.
This Tour is a run of two halves, with straightforward navigation and nothing too technical underfoot. The first half takes you out along the wild and remote southern shore on tranquil, wooded lakeside trails. The return trip follows the quiet road that hugs the northern shore, easy underfoot, allowing your eyes to wander across the lake and up towards the imposing Mellbreak Fell. In total this is a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop with just 262 ft (80 m) of ascent, perfect for an evening run ending at the excellent Kirkstile Inn.
Some sections of the southern shore can get muddy in wet weather, so trail shoes are recommended. There aren’t any refreshment stops on the loop until you reach the Kirkstile Inn. Most runners will take less than an hour to run this Tour but it’s still worth carrying a snack and a jacket just in case.
Start at Maggie’s Bridge car park (CA13 0RU) if travelling by car. Public transport isn’t easy, but you can get a bus from Keswick to Lanthwaite on the B5289 Buttermere valley road and run from there, adding about 2.5 miles (4 km) to the run.
The Kirkstile Inn on route is an excellent pub with great food, a beer garden with spectacular Lakeland views, and comfortable rooms. The National Trust’s Holme Wood Bothy on Loweswater’s southern shore can be booked for private use and sleeps six in a stunning, wild location. For other cafes, shops and accommodation Buttermere, Cockermouth and Keswick are all within easy reach.