Brothers Water

Brothers Water is a small lake in the Hartsop valley near Patterdale, in the Lake District of Cumbria, England. It sits at the foot of the northern side of Kirkstone Pass, with the A592 running along its shore. It ranks among the easiest lakes in the park to visit, because a short stroll from the car park puts you at the water's edge, ringed by fells.

Why is it called Brothers Water?

The lake used to be known as Broad Water. The new name arrived in the 19th century, and local tradition links it to two brothers who drowned after walking onto the ice during a thaw.

What is there to see?

The lake is shallow and fringed with reed beds, so moorhens, coots and swans are regular sights. Hartsop Dodd rises to the south-east, a subsidiary top on the north ridge of Caudale Moor.

Beside the path round the lake stands Hartsop Hall, a 16th-century Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust. It marks the mouth of Dovedale, where Dove Crag, one of the steepest cliffs in the Lake District, closes the valley head. In the Low Wood native woodland you can find the remains of Hartsop Hall Mine, a lead mine worked from at least the 17th century until 1942.

How do you get there?

Cow Bridge car park on the A592, between Hartsop and Patterdale (postcode CA11 0NS), is the usual starting point. It holds about 22 cars, charges a fee, and is free for National Trust members. In summer it fills early. Bus 508 links Penrith and Windermere and stops at Cow Bridge and at the Brotherswater Inn; in winter it runs only between Penrith and Patterdale. Drivers coming from Windermere cross Kirkstone Pass, which suits neither large vehicles nor nervous drivers and is best avoided in snow or ice.

Which walks are worth doing?

The lakeside circuit is short and easy. The Lake District National Park's Miles Without Stiles route 2 runs from Cow Bridge to the Brotherswater Inn and is designed for people with limited mobility, though it has steep gradients near the end. Toilets are for inn customers only. A longer loop from Patterdale via Cow Bridge, the lake and Hartsop covers about 6.5 miles (10.5 km), takes around 3 hours and climbs roughly 200 m. Confident walkers can head from Hartsop up Hartsop Dodd and on to Stony Cove Pike.

When should you visit?

Summer is the easiest season but also the busiest. Spring and autumn bring quieter paths and richer colour on the slopes. In winter the Kirkstone road can close and paths may be icy.

Frequently asked questions

Is there parking at Brothers Water? Yes. Cow Bridge car park on the A592 has about 22 spaces. Everyone pays except National Trust members.

How long does the lakeside walk take? The lake circuit itself is a short, easy stroll. The longer loop from Patterdale through Hartsop takes about 3 hours.

Is the route suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters? Miles Without Stiles route 2 is aimed at limited-mobility visitors and allows class 2 and 3 scooters. Expect steep sections near the end.

Can I get there by bus? Yes, on service 508 from Penrith or Windermere. In winter it runs only from Penrith to Patterdale.