4.6
(9750)
87,753
hikers
507
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Brothers Water are set within the Hartsop Valley in the eastern Lake District, characterized by a mix of woodlands, green fields, and dramatic fells. The area is surrounded by peaks like Hart Crag, Dove Crag, and High Hartsop Dodd, offering varied terrain. Brothers Water itself is a shallow lake with reed beds, contributing to the serene landscape. This quiet location supports abundant wildlife, particularly various wild birds.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.6
(17)
174
hikers
4.13km
01:06
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
51
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
48
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Brothers Water
There is a footpath on both sides of Brothers Water & you can access the shoreline on both, but the west shore is where the main path is and has the best access. Here, you can access the beautiful shoreline from the main path, walk along, and then back to the path. It is possible to climb up the bank back to the main path in places, but this is more technical and is not an official path.
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(As of June 2024) Rather than park at Cow Bridge car park, which charges around £9 for the day, you can park in Hartsop (NY 40962 13092, East: 340962 North: 513092) , which is currently free. Although they'd very much appreciate a donation to the local primary school (cash box & Q R code available). You can also park at Sykeside Camping Park/Brothers Water Inn for £5 per day.
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The perfect car park to go around the smallest lake in the lake district
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Good paths and bacon bun at the campsite
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Car park with approx 20 spaces, provides easy access to Brothers Water and Hartsop. Donation box to provide a contribution towards the car parking 'fee'.
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A fellside pub, open every day (apart from Christmas day) and ready to welcome walkers, climbers and other outdoorsy types. Good food, beer, drinks and snacks as expected. Nice places to sit inside or outside. They also have camping and rooms available.
2
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picnic bench tucked in by the car park but is next to the road so can be a little noisy
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There are over 100 easy hiking trails around Brothers Water, offering a variety of routes through woodlands, green fields, and along the lake shore. In total, the area features more than 500 hiking routes across all difficulty levels.
Easy hikes around Brothers Water typically feature gently undulating paths, often well-trodden or paved. You'll encounter a mix of woodlands, green fields, and sections along the shallow lake with reed beds. Some routes, like the Brothers Water loop from Cow Bridge, offer a gentle walk suitable for many abilities.
Yes, Brothers Water is an excellent destination for family-friendly walks. Many easy routes are suitable for children, with gentle gradients and interesting sights. The 'Miles Without Stiles' route around Brothers Water is particularly accessible, even for prams, offering a pleasant experience for families.
Most easy hiking trails around Brothers Water are dog-friendly. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in areas with abundant wildlife, to protect both your pet and the local environment. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
While hiking, you can explore the charming 17th-century stone farm buildings in Hartsop Village, or spot the historic 16th-century Hartsop Hall. The area also offers stunning views of surrounding fells like Hart Crag and Dove Crag, and the serene Brothers Water itself, especially beautiful with water lilies in July.
Spring and summer are particularly rewarding for easy hikes around Brothers Water, with abundant wildlife, including various wild birds, and the lake adorned with water lilies in July. The weather is generally milder, making for more comfortable walking conditions. Autumn also offers beautiful foliage, while winter can provide a tranquil, snow-dusted landscape, though some paths may be muddy or icy.
Yes, Brothers Water is known for its accessible circular routes. A popular option is the Brothers Water – Shoreline of Brothers Water loop from Caudale Moor, which follows the lake's edge, providing continuous scenic views. Another is the Shoreline of Brothers Water – Brothers Water loop from Brothers Water, offering a similar experience.
The duration of easy walks varies, but many popular routes around Brothers Water can be completed in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. For example, the Brothers Water loop from Cow Bridge is about 2.6 miles (4.1 km) and takes around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Parking is available at various points around Brothers Water. A common starting point with parking is near Cow Bridge, which provides convenient access to the popular lake circuit walks. Always check for local parking regulations and fees upon arrival.
While the Lake District has some public transport options, access directly to Brothers Water can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services that connect to nearby villages like Patterdale or Hartsop, from where you might be able to walk to the lake or find further connections. Planning ahead is recommended.
The easy trails around Brothers Water are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene lake views, the quiet natural setting, and the opportunities to spot wildlife. The well-maintained paths and the picturesque backdrop of the Eastern Fells are also frequently highlighted.
Yes, while Brothers Water itself is a tranquil area, you can find amenities nearby. The Kirkstone Inn, one of England's highest inns, is a short climb from Brothers Water via Kirkstone Pass. Additionally, nearby villages may offer cafes and pubs for refreshments after your hike.


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