Top 15 Lakes around Selside And Fawcett Forest

Visitors often enjoy Gurnal Dubs Tarn for its wild swimming opportunities and views of Kendal. Potter Tarn is another favorite, offering scenic views down into Kendal and easy accessibility. For a more tranquil experience, Small Water is a quieter spot ideal for a wild swim and picnic.

Haweswater Reservoir is notable for its dramatic landscape and poignant history. Originally a natural lake, it was dammed in the 1930s to supply water to Manchester, submerging the village of Mardale Green. When water levels are low, remnants of the 'lost village' can still be seen, offering a unique glimpse into the past. It's also one of the few places in England where golden eagles have been spotted.

Yes, wild swimming is possible in certain spots. Gurnal Dubs Tarn is a popular choice for a refreshing dip, and Small Water offers a quieter, sheltered spot with a small beach, though be prepared for cold water even in summer due to its elevation.

Absolutely. The area around the lakes, particularly near Mardale Head and Haweswater Reservoir, serves as an excellent starting point for various hiking adventures in the Far Eastern Fells of the Lake District. You can find routes leading to fells like Branstree and Selside Pike, or even undertake the challenging full circuit of Haweswater itself.

You'll find a range of hiking trails, from easy to difficult. For example, there are easy loops like the 'Gurnal Dubs – Gurnal Dubs Tarn loop from Garnett Bridge' (6.6 km). Moderate options include the 'Potter Tarn – Gurnal Dubs Tarn loop from Selside' (14.1 km) or 'Small Water – Mardale Ill Bell loop from Branstree' (11.9 km). More challenging routes, such as the 'Whiteside Pike Cairn – Todd Fell loop from Selside' (18.7 km), are also available. You can explore more options in the hiking guide for Selside And Fawcett Forest.

Yes, Mardale Head is a significant historical site. It's located at the head of Haweswater Reservoir, where the village of Mardale Green once stood before being submerged during the reservoir's construction in the 1930s. When water levels are low, the ghostly remnants of the village, including building foundations, can still be seen.

Yes, some areas offer family-friendly options. Potter Tarn is noted as being family-friendly and accessible via various routes. For easier walks, consider routes like the 'Gurnal Dubs – Gurnal Dubs Tarn loop from Strickland Roger' (5.5 km), which is categorized as easy. Always check the specific route details for suitability with children.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and wild swimming. Autumn brings beautiful foliage. For those interested in the historical aspect of Haweswater, visiting during periods of low water levels (which can vary) increases the chance of seeing the submerged village of Mardale Green.

Parking is available at key access points. For instance, there is a car park at Mardale Head, which serves as a starting point for many hikes around Haweswater. This car park also hosts donation cairns for local conservation and mountain rescue efforts.

The area is characterized by undulating fells, ancient woodlands, and diverse flora and fauna. Around Haweswater, you'll find dramatic landscapes and a sense of wildness. The region is also known for its wildlife, including various bird species, and is one of the few places where golden eagles have been sighted in England. You'll encounter both natural tarns and significant reservoirs, each with its own unique setting.

Yes, several bodies of water in the area are artificial or have been significantly modified. Gurnal Dubs Tarn is an artificial tarn, and Potter Tarn is a small reservoir. The most prominent is Haweswater Reservoir, which was enlarged by a dam in the 1930s, transforming a natural lake into a much larger reservoir.