Miles Without Stiles 2: Brothers Water
Details
Route type: For many. This level route takes you along the wooded shoreline of Brothers Water, past Hartsop Hall, to the campsite at Sykeside - OS Explorer Map OL5
Distance: 3.75 km, 2.3 miles
Start point: Cow Bridge car park - grid ref. NY 403134
Turning point: Sykeside campsite - grid ref. NY 403119
Facilities: None on route, but toilets available at Sykeside. Brotherswater Inn is at the end of the walk, but the gradient up to it is steep
Getting there: Bus: Kirkstone Rambler 517 operates in the summer from Bowness and the 108 and 208 services stop at Patterdale from Penrith and Keswick respectively. Car: A592 over Kirkstone Pass from Windermere or Penrith
Route
Leave the car park at its southern end and follow the newly surfaced path to Brothers Water. Formerly Broad Water, the name is said to have changed in the 19th century, after two brothers drowned in the lake. Shallow and fringed with reed beds, look out for the summer blooms of water lilies. Moorhens, coots and swans can all be seen. The mixed oak of Low Wood is also wildlife rich and the autumn colours can be superb.
Continue along the track to historic Hartsop Hall, a 16th century Grade I listed building, owned by the National Trust. It stands guard over the side valley of Dovedale. At its head, you will see Dove Crag, one of the steepest cliffs in the Lake District.
The route passes the back of the hall and carries on over level ground to Sykeside campsite and a 1:10 short slope to the Bank End Bar. The Brotherswater Inn is up a steeper 1:7 slope behind the bar.
Map
