Thirlmere, Keswick

The reservoir of Thirlmere was created at the turn of the last century when two small lakes and a hamlet were drowned to create the present large reservoir which supplies Manchester through nearly 100 miles of tunnels, channels and pipelines. The reservoir is situated alongside and below the A591 road from Ambleside to Keswick.

Originally fenced and forested with non native trees, a major effort has been made to let in more light and plant more native species in place of the conifers. This has made a huge difference by opening up views of Thirlmere along the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick. Nearly 4000 tons of timber will have been felled by the end of this project, often from very difficult and steeply sloping land. Pathways have been created and improved, with car parks re-surfaced on the western shore.

Access is easiest from the quiet minor road on the western side of the lake where there are car parks, good vantage points and walking trails. United Utilities have established the woodland around Thirlmere as a special red squirrel refuge. This is an ideal place for visitors to see red squirrels and learn about their conservation. A squirrel hide is located within the forest at the Swirls Car Park. The Swirls Trail has way marking to the squirrel hide.

Please see the Bus Timetables.