4.6
(5142)
50,015
hikers
335
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Hayeswater are set within a dramatic mountain amphitheater, characterized by steep slopes and impressive fells like The Knott and Gray Crag. Hayeswater Gill, which feeds the tarn, features waterfalls and cascades, adding to the scenic beauty. The area also showcases unique geological features such as glacial moraines. Hayeswater itself was re-naturalized in 2014, restoring it to a mountain tarn.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.7
(3)
50
hikers
4.15km
01:29
250m
250m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(17)
177
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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A great gravel-based car park working on an honesty-box principle. It is primarily used for walkers heading to Hayeswater Gill, Angle Tarn, and Rest Dodd. It is a blessing in disguise in this congested little valley, and it is a decent size too. If this is full, there is also parking about a kilometre away at Cow Bridge Car Park.
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No bridge currently. But if the water isnt too high after rainfall. There's plenty of step stones to get over the other side.
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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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You can reach this lovely Tarn by way of a good (though quite steep in places) track that goes up from Hartsop. It was apparently dammed in 1908, supplying water to Penrith, but this has since been removed. The water is crystal clear, and the banks are grazed by sheep. On a calm day, it's a very peaceful spot.
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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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There are over 60 easy hiking trails around Hayeswater, offering a variety of scenic routes suitable for different preferences. In total, the area features more than 330 hiking tours across all difficulty levels.
The easy trails around Hayeswater are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 4900 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic mountain scenery, the serene tarn, and the picturesque waterfalls along Hayeswater Gill.
Yes, several easy trails showcase the beautiful waterfalls of Hayeswater Gill and Angletarn Beck. A popular option is the Hayeswater – Hayeswater Gill Waterfalls loop from Hartsop, which directly follows the gill and its cascades. Another trail, Angletarn Beck Waterfall – Hartsop Village Car Park loop from Hartsop, also passes by a waterfall.
Absolutely. Many of the easy trails around Hayeswater are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Angletarn Beck Waterfall – View of Hartsop Valley loop from Angletarn Pikes South Top and the Brothers Water loop from Cow Bridge, both offering accessible circular routes.
Yes, the easy trails are generally well-suited for families, offering manageable distances and gentle elevation changes. Routes like the Angletarn Beck Waterfall – Hartsop Village Car Park loop from Hartsop are relatively short and provide engaging natural features like waterfalls, making them enjoyable for children.
Most trails in the Lake District, including the easy routes around Hayeswater, are dog-friendly. However, it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock and to protect local wildlife. Always follow the Countryside Code.
While the more prominent historical sites like the Roman High Street are often part of longer, more challenging hikes, you can still encounter glimpses of the area's past. Near Hayeswater Gill, you might find remains of an old lead mine and the foundations of a water wheel, offering a peek into the region's industrial history.
Parking is typically available in nearby villages such as Hartsop, which serves as a common starting point for many trails leading to Hayeswater and Brothers Water. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as spaces can fill up quickly.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Hayeswater are limited. The nearest main transport hubs would be in larger towns in the Lake District, from which you might need to rely on local bus services or taxis to reach trailheads like Hartsop. Planning your journey in advance is recommended.
Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for easy hikes around Hayeswater, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The landscape is particularly vibrant in spring and autumn. While winter walks are possible, they require appropriate gear due to potentially colder temperatures and icy conditions.
Hayeswater itself is known as a destination for adventurous wild swimmers. While the head of the lake can be soft and muddy due to its re-naturalization, the tarn offers a unique wild swimming experience. Brothers Water, located downstream, is another popular spot for a refreshing dip.
While popular, the area offers numerous trails. To find less crowded options, consider hiking during off-peak times (weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons). Exploring routes slightly further from the main Hartsop starting point, or those that don't directly lead to the tarn's edge, might also offer more solitude.


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