Nestled amidst fertile meadows, grazing sheep, and picturesque hillsides, Brotherswater lies within the enchanting Lake District National Park in northwest England. Spanning 47 acres, Brotherswater’s size sparks debates regarding whether it is one of the tiniest lakes or the largest tarns in the Lake District. Embraced by the Hartsop Valley and encircled by the majestic peaks of the Eastern Fells, Brotherswater is celebrated as one of Lakeland’s most beautiful water bodies, stretching a mere half a mile in length and less than a quarter of a mile in width. Situated in the scenic Cumbria County, Brotherswater is honored to be one of the initial regions in the Lake District to be safeguarded by England’s National Trust. Originally named Broad Water, the lake underwent a renaming to Brotherswater, paying tribute to two siblings who met a tragic fate by drowning in its depths. Legend suggests that in the past, the lake’s expanse was double its current size, extending towards the southern direction leading to Dovedale, a picturesque valley boasting cascading waterfalls. Sediment carried by the mountain tributaries may have silted over a significant portion of the lake, shaping its current shoreline spanning a mile. Flowing into the southern reaches of Ullswater, located three miles northward, Brothers Water now paints a serene picture of pastoral beauty. Despite its limited accessibility, anglers are drawn to the shores of Brotherswater. The lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning motorized boats are prohibited, and fishing is only permitted on the western side. Hosting one of the United Kingdom’s seven populations of the endangered schelly fish, a species belonging to the whitefish family, the lake also showcases small colonies of trout, perch, and eels. It offers a tranquil fishing experience, allowing anglers to cast their lines in solitude amidst the serene landscape. Boasting a maximum depth of 49 feet and an average depth of 24 feet, Brothers Water’s waters are adorned with reeds and water lilies, offering a haven for Canadian geese, mallard ducks, and migratory birds.
While less frequented than other lakes, the steep slopes and craggy peaks surrounding Brotherswater present unparalleled panoramic vistas sure to captivate all who pass through. To the south and southwest, the skyline is dominated by three prominent summits of the Eastern Fells: Hart Crag (2697 feet), Dove Crag (2598 feet), and High Hartsop Dodd (1703 feet), all providing stunning views and an array of hiking trails. Facing northward, Brotherswater nestles at the base of Kirkstone Pass, reaching an elevation of 1,489 feet, marking it as the highest motor traffic-accessible pass in the region. Visitors to Brotherswater are treated to the picturesque sight of Patterdale Valley and the encompassing hills of Ullswater. Meticulously marked pathways crisscross the fells and hills enveloping Brotherswater, beckoning walkers to venture forth. Commencing from the Cowbridge parking area along the lake’s northeastern shore, a two-mile trail meanders southward along the western bank, passing by operational farms and medieval agricultural structures. The path forms a loop around the southern reach, offering a verdant expanse and a small beach ideal for a tranquil picnic pause. Setting off from the eastern bank, the path trails to the village of Hartsop before circling back to Cowbridge. The National Trust has paved an ancient bridle path enabling wheelchair accessibility to Brotherswater’s shores.