Thirlmere Circular

Julia Ewart

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The Walk takes us through Highpark Wood, along the base of the west side of Helvellyn, passing numerous waterfalls cascading down the screes, on our way to Wythburn. From here we follow the shoreline path alongside the reservoir as it weaves through Oak & Birch woodland, preserved as a site of scientific interest. At the North end of the reservoir we cross the dam where the plaque is situated, commemerating the building of the reservoir to provide water for Manchester by North West Water. We then head South through Greathow Wood, along the shoreline path to the starting point.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North East

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Public Transport, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

9/27/2020 - Bod Purves

Did this fantastic walk 26.9.20. A few things which may help - Swirls Car park and the other car parks were all full at 11.45am when we arrived. I had to park on the grass verge next to a lay-by. The sign has changed at Swirls Car park, it now states, 'Thirlmere Loop.' The route is marked with blue arrows. There appears to be a new forest track. We followed this for about 3.4 miles to a 90° bend, almost at the end of the track. At this point there is a kissing gate to the left and small bridge over quite a spectacular cascade of waterfalls. Once over this bridge, turn right down through the field, through a gate and back onto a track to the road. Cross over the road onto the minor road and follow the route guide from there. A half mile or so after the dam, when the path climbs up and away from the shore, we popped out on a grassy track. At this point, turn right to go to Dale Head Hall. When we arrived there, we turned left down the entrance road to go back to the main road, from where it's only a 100yds or so back to the lay-by. The altitude gain, as measured by my Garmin, was 448M (1470ft) and in one or two places, the route is pretty steep! I measured the distance at 11.1 miles. Last tip: as it's a circular route, maybe use the quieter car parks on the West shore and start there? I will next time, as I'm sure there will be a next time! It's a fantastic route!

3/20/2020 - Nick & Jaq Gosling

This was a fabulous walk! It has changed slightly due to storms etc... point 6 was very steep downward small path barely visible now. We continued straight and came to point 8. From point 9 to 15 was very challenging. Flooded paths, very narrow paths etc but still amazing! It was 11 miles and took us 5 hours! Very slow for us! Well worth it though! Nick & Jaq

1/20/2020 - Stuart Berry

The route has altered considerably since Storm Desmond in 2015 and could do with an update

8/16/2015 - Richard Cantrill

Managed to do this walk 15/08/15 the pathway is now open to walkers. It took us just over 5 hours to complete although we did stop off twice along the route. Was a fantastic walk and will be doing this again stunning views across Thirlmere. Please note since the original poster has uploaded the instructions some minor things have changed gates that are no longer there and path names that have since changed. There are toilet stops along the route in the car parks although some have since been closed due to vandals. Things to note, at Swirl Car park go back the way you drove in and on the left hand side there's a sign for "Thirlmere Loop Squirrel Trail" this is the start of the walk. The Car park prices at the Swirl are: 2Hrs £2.50, 4 Hrs £4.50 & 12 Hrs £7 so make sure you have a pocket full of change prior to arrival. The car parks all around Thirlmere were owned by United Utilities so are all the same price.

8/16/2015 - Richard Cantrill

Managed to do this walk 15/08/15 the pathway is now open to walkers. It took us just over 5 hours to complete although we did stop off twice along the route. Was a fantastic walk and will be doing this again stunning views across Thirlmere. Please note since the original poster has uploaded the instructions some minor things have changed gates that are no longer there and path names that have since changed. There are toilet stops along the route in the car parks although some have since been closed due to vandals. Things to note, at Swirl Car park go back the way you drove in and on the left hand side there's a sign for 'Thirlmere Loop Squirrel Trail' this is the start of the walk. The Car park prices at the Swirl are: 2Hrs £2.50, 4 Hrs £4.50 & 12 Hrs £7 so make sure you have a pocket full of change prior to arrival. The car parks all around Thirlmere were owned by United Utilities so are all the same price.

6/27/2015 - Richard Cantrill

Attempted this walk today 26/06/15 Parked at Swirl Car Park (not the cheapest car park if you can find somewhere on the road; £4 for 4 hours and £7 for 12Hrs no in-between I'm afraid) The car park has been vandalised and all the signposts for the walk have been ripped off. The walk start point no longer states 'Wythburn' but something else (sorry I forgot the name of the sign). Unfortunately they are felling this part of the path and wont be open until early August 2015. We attempted 1/3 but most of it was impassible. We shall attempt it again hopefully towards the end of the year. There are some stunning views.

5/3/2013 - Debra Wyatt

Did this walk 29/04/2013 It is very hard going as stated before and you should definitely allow more time. I wouldn't recommend it for dog walkers unless like our dogs they are controllable off the lead. As usual the Herdwick sheep can pop up anywhere and a lot of the terrain is only about 12 inches wide and to try and keep your footing while holding a lead and the dog trying to keep their footing is difficult. Trees have fallen and blocked some of the exits around the lake where you have to join the road and then re-join the lake so be careful. We actually parked on the layby just by the dale arms hotel and walked up to the Swirl carpark.

5/2/2011 - Henry Bryce

The name of the car park is Swirl and it is clearly marked, do not look for the name Highwood. Local maps classify the Thirlmere Circular as 9.91 miles but most of the path is only 12 to 18" wide and is pitted with stones, rocks and tree roots. This makes it feel a very long, tiring, walk and I don't think 4 hours is a realistic time, we took over 5 hours. It was however very scenic.

10/12/2005 - Walkingworld Administrator

Remember in places where terrain is more hard going the mileage will seem much more than it actually is. Julia's estimate of mileage is fairly accurate.

10/10/2005 - anita lowe

wow !!!!!!!!!!!!! more like 11 /12 miles... a long walk round... well worthy of a pint at the end... the shoreline is quite rough terrain in places... a good walk in the summertime.