Brothers water
Escape the crowds at one of the Lake District’s quietest lakes
Brothers Water is a small, peaceful lake in the eastern Lake District near Hartsop, sitting at the foot of Kirkstone Pass, offering quiet lakeside walks, wild swimming and access to surrounding fells.
If you’re looking for a peaceful corner of the Lake District to slow down and breathe, Brothers Water is one of our all-time favourite spots.
Tucked away in the eastern fells near Hartsop, this small but beautiful lake feels worlds away from the busier honey-pot locations. It’s the kind of place where you can wander along the shoreline, sit quietly with a flask of tea, or simply watch the light move across the water.
We’ve spent many calm days here, and it never fails to help us reset.
Where to park
The easiest place to park is Cow Bridge Car Park (CA11 0NZ), which gives quick access to both Brothers Water and Hartsop village.
Parking is free for National Trust members (charges apply for non-members), so don’t forget your card if you have one.
From the car park, gentle paths lead you to the lakeshore within minutes.
A bit about the area
Brothers Water sits at the foot of Kirkstone Pass, just south of Ullswater. It lies in the Hartsop valley, surrounded by rolling fells and higher peaks, with High Hartsop Dodd rising above one side and views stretching toward Place Fell and Fairfield on clear days.
Originally called Broad Water, the lake was renamed in the 19th century following a tragic local story involving two brothers. Today, it’s known for its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty.
Brothers Water also supports trout and is one of only a handful of Lake District waters that still harbour the rare schelly fish.
Why we love Brothers Water
While many visitors head straight for Windermere or Ullswater, Brothers Water remains refreshingly calm.
There are no big cafés, visitor centres or attractions here, just water, woodland and fellside paths. It’s ideal if you’re looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, or enjoy a gentle walk without crowds.
It’s peaceful, simple, and grounding.
Things to do at Brothers Water
Wildlife watching
Herons, ducks and woodland birds are regular visitors, and if you’re lucky you may even spot deer in the surrounding fields. It’s a lovely place to sit quietly and observe the natural world.
Wild swimming
Swimming is allowed here and on warm days it’s a beautiful spot for a refreshing dip. Please always swim responsibly and respect other visitors.
Paddleboarding and boating aren’t permitted, which helps keep the lake calm and wildlife-friendly.
Nearby camping and food
Just along the road you’ll find Sykeside Campsite, a year-round campsite with stunning views. Next door, the welcoming Brotherswater Inn is a lovely place for an evening meal or relaxed lunch after exploring.
A perfect base for fell walks
We’ve also used Brothers Water as a base for ticking off several surrounding Wainwrights, including Red Screes, Dove Crag, Hart Crag and Middle Dodd.
Whether you’re heading uphill or staying lakeside, it’s a brilliant starting point for both gentle days and bigger adventures.
Why visit Brothers Water
Brothers Water is one of the most peaceful lakes in the Lake District, offering a quieter alternative to the busier shores of Windermere and Ullswater. Set beneath the eastern fells near Hartsop, it’s a place where you can enjoy calm lakeside walks, safe and respectful wild swimming, and uninterrupted fell views without the crowds that gather elsewhere.
This small lake is surrounded by open grassland, woodland edges and classic Lakeland peaks, creating a landscape that feels both expansive and grounding at the same time. With minimal facilities and no busy waterfront development, the focus here is entirely on nature. You can wander along the shoreline, sit beside the water with a flask, watch birds move across the surface, or simply pause and breathe.
Its location close to Hartsop and Sykeside makes it easily accessible, yet it still feels tucked away and unhurried. Whether you are exploring the eastern Lake District for the first time or returning to walk nearby fells, Brothers Water offers a slower, calmer experience that is increasingly rare in popular national park locations.
If you are searching for a quiet Lake District lake for walking, swimming or simply switching off for an hour, Brothers Water is a genuine hidden gem and a place we return to time and time again when we need to reconnect with nature.
A Moment of Calm at Brothers Water
There’s something about Brothers Water that naturally slows you down.
Maybe it’s the stillness of the lake, the way the surrounding fells hold the valley, or the gentle sounds of birds moving through the trees. We’ve spent many quiet moments here, sitting by the shoreline, watching ripples move across the water, or simply taking a breath after a walk.
It’s not a place that asks you to do much. You don’t need a plan or a long route. Just being here feels enough.
Whether you arrive after climbing nearby fells or come simply to wander by the lake, Brothers Water offers space to pause, reset and reconnect with nature.
It’s one of those places that reminds you why getting outdoors matters.
Quick Facts
Location
Brothers Water, near Hartsop in the eastern Lake District
Parking
Cow Bridge Car Park (CA11 0NZ). Free for National Trust members, charges apply for non-members
Access
Easy lakeside paths from the car park, suitable for gentle walks
Best for
Quiet walks, peaceful views, wildlife watching and calm wild swimming
Facilities
No facilities directly at the lake. Nearby food and camping available at Sykeside and the Brotherswater Inn
Swimming
Wild swimming is allowed. Always swim responsibly and be mindful of others
Paddleboarding and boating
Not permitted, helping keep the lake calm and wildlife friendly
Dog friendly
Yes, but please keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife
Decimal coordinates
54.51247, -2.92444
OS grid reference
NY 4024 1341
Location
Northern end of Kirkstone Pass, eastern Lake District near Hartsop
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