Thirlmere

Thirlmere is a pretty, clear lake with a wooded shoreline and is best enjoyed from the west shore which winds its way through the trees.

Thirlmere was originally two small lakes ‘Brackmere’ and ‘Leatheswater’, separated by a stream over which was a wooden footbridge thought to have been of Celtic origin. There were also two small villages called Wythborn and Amboth. In 1879, the two lakes and the surrounding area were bought by The Manchester Corporation water works who built a two part dam at the northern end, raising the water level by 54 feet. Unfortunately the villages of both Wythburn and Amboth were flooded. All that remains of this small settlement today is Wythburn Church, built in 1640 and restored in 1872. The church is still in use today.

Dob Gill with low water levels during dry spell. Helvelyn is to the right of the image.

The lake is nearly 4 miles long, almost ½ mile wide at its widest point and with a maximum depth of 130 feet. The Helvelyn ridge lies to the east of Thirlmere while to its west are a Armboth Fell and Raven Crag, both of which give views of over the lake with Helvellyn beyond.

Thirlmere and the surrounding forest are owned and managed by United Utilities who are replacing many of the conifers planted earlier in the century by native deciduous trees. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Red Deer and Roe deer can be seen in the lake side forests and there are several footpaths have been opened up into the surrounding hills including Helvellyn, Raven Crag, Armbroth Crag and others. The lake is seasonal home to a variety of migratory water fowl including Great Crested Grebe, Mute swan, Red Breasted Merganser, Goldeneye and others, whilst the forest are full with bird life of all kinds. Thirlmere also has the first Red Squirrel sanctuary and observation hide in the Lake District.

Minor road to the western side of the lake passes through forested area near to the dam

The A591 follows the shore of the lake on the eastern side for much of its length but the road is busy and there are few places to stop. The western side of the lake, however, can be accessed by a minor road that is not as busy. Care should be taken as the last time I used this road there were some quite serious potholes that, when filled with rain water, could hardly be seen. There are several car parking places along the western shore line where access to the lake shore can be obtained, offering photo opportunities of the lake with Helvelyn in the background. The time of day is important as the tall fells cast shadows over the lake from mid to late afternoon (depending upon season).

Autumn trees reflected in still waters of Thirlmere. Taken from the dam at the north of the lake

Autumn is.a good time for a visit as the trees on the eastern shore of the lake display stunning fall colour that can be captured as a reflection if the waters are still.

Getting There:

From Keswick, follow the A591 heading out of town towards Grasmere and Windermere. The road rises up Chestnut Hill and then falls down Castlerigg Brow and Nest Brow before becoming dual carriageway. Shortly after the dual carriageway reverts to single there is a turn on the right for High Bridge End Caravan Park. Follow the road to the head of the lake and dam.

Continue to the T junction and turn left to follow the road along the lake shore. There are a number of car parks on the left hand side in the woods that lead down to the lake side, including Dob Gill car park with views of the stream feeding into the lake.

Continue on this road to return to the A591 at the southern end of the lake.

Dob Gill Car Park Grid Ref: NY 315 914