Top 20 Lakes around Longsleddale

For family-friendly options, consider visiting Orrest Head, which offers extensive views across the Lakeland skyline and is easily accessible from Windermere. Another great spot is Bowness Bay, a pleasant lakeside area with refreshment options and facilities, perfect for eating ice cream and feeding ducks.

While specific accessible paths are not detailed, Orrest Head is noted for being easily ascended from Windermere station, offering a sublime viewpoint for relatively little effort. It's a popular destination in any weather due to its good views of the lake.

You can find parking at Mardale Head, which serves as an excellent starting point for many adventures in the Far Eastern Fells, including routes around Haweswater. There are also donation cairns for RSPB and Mountain Rescue in the car park.

The area offers rich history. You can explore The Coffin Route, a historic walking path known for its magnificent views over Rydal Water and its connection to traditional burial routes. Additionally, at Mardale Head, when water levels are low, you can sometimes see the remains of the submerged village of Mardale Green, which was flooded when the reservoir was created.

For a quieter experience, the area around Mardale Head is described as lonely but beautiful and quiet, offering a peaceful starting point for exploring the Far Eastern Fells away from busier spots.

The Longsleddale area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, such as the 'Small Water – Mardale Ill Bell loop' or 'Branstree – Selside Pike loop'. There are also road cycling routes like the 'Quiet Back Lanes to Staveley loop' and general cycling routes including the 'Kentmere Valley Road' loop. For more details on these routes, visit the Mountain Hikes around Longsleddale, Road Cycling Routes around Longsleddale, and Cycling around Longsleddale guides.

Yes, Mardale Head, located at Haweswater, is a popular starting point for trails leading to High Street, the Kentmere Horseshoe summits, and tranquil Branstree and Selside Pike. You can find moderate mountain hikes like the 'Small Water – Mardale Ill Bell loop' starting from this area. More hiking options are available in the Mountain Hikes around Longsleddale guide.

The trails around Longsleddale lakes vary in difficulty. For instance, the ascent to Red Screes summit cairn is described as a challenging and steep climb. However, many routes, such as those mentioned in the nearby mountain hikes, are rated as 'moderate', offering a good balance for experienced walkers. Some cycling routes are also rated 'easy'.

Given the varied terrain and potential for changing weather in the Lake District, it's advisable to wear appropriate hiking gear. For challenging ascents like Red Screes, sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to temperature changes, and waterproofs are always a good idea. In poor weather, conditions can become dangerous, so be prepared for slippery rocks and strong winds.

While the guide does not explicitly list wild swimming spots, the Longsleddale Valley is known for its natural tarns and waterways. Many visitors to the Lake District enjoy wild swimming, but it's important to research specific locations, water quality, and safety guidelines before attempting to swim in any natural body of water.

The Lake District, including the Longsleddale area, is beautiful year-round. However, for hiking and outdoor activities, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. Winter walks can be stunning but require proper gear and experience due to potentially challenging conditions, especially at higher elevations like Red Screes.

The guide mentions that Mardale Head at Haweswater is quite remote, described as 'the end of the world here'. While there isn't a pub directly at Mardale Head, the wider Lake District region has many traditional pubs in nearby villages. It's best to plan ahead for refreshments if you're spending a day around Haweswater.