LOWESWATER Love, circular walk visiting a waterfall and Shaun the Sheep!

Loweswater is nestled in the western part of the Lakes and is a great Lake District walk away from the crowds with a choice of routes. On this walk you can visit the Holme Force waterfall and also discover Shaun the Sheep on holiday. Worth reading the comments as well for more info.

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We begin the walk on the eastern side of the lake having parked in a lay-by near Loweswater Hall. This side of the lake alternates between walking on the quiet road and a dirt footpath by the edge of the lake. We have the opportunity to rest on a bench overlooking the lake and take in the great views.

On one of the occasions where we are forced onto the road we come across an ancient enclosure called a Pinfold. The was used to hold sheep that had wondered on to common land. To retrieve sheep the owner would have to pay a fine. Next we come across an old farm house dating from the 17th century.

Eventually, we find the turning that takes us down to the southern end of the lake via Maggie's Bridge. It is here we also see the available free car park for about 15 cars. Next we reach the main path alongside the lake on the western side near Watergate Farm.

Here we have a choice of taking the high ground onto the fells through Holme Wood or staying on the easy route alongside the lakeshore. For now we choose the high route, but we return later to do the easy route.

Up through the woods we travel a steep path and we discovered is blocked due to tree felling. However, there is good signage which we follow all the way to the top and out of the woods. Gaining a footpath high on the fells we are rewarded with some magnificent views of the Loweswater lake and the mountain tops of the lakeland fells. Having admired the views we now head downward to eventually join the path near to the lakeshore at Hudson Place. This is where the high route and the easy route come together.

We now return to the junction at Watergate Farm and take the easy route. However, this route splits with the option to visit the waterfall or alternatively, the lakeshore walk. Initially, we take the path to the waterfall passing the Wishing Tree. The spectacular waterfall of Holme Force is shown to its full potential in the glorious sunlight.

Having visited Holme Force we now take the path along side the lake. Firstly, we come across the Bothy owned by the National Trust. Around here, we find a substantial beach that could be used for swimming and we admire the great vistas that can be gained from this advantage point.

Now we continue the walk and as we near Hudson Place we come across Shaun the Sheep on holiday in one of the fields. Having admired Shaun we take the footpath that crosses the northern end of the lake and end our journey in a field of Buttercups.

The easy route is around four miles and the longer route is around six miles.