The lake that gives the village its name is one of the smaller lakes in the district — about a mile long and half a mile wide — but its setting is exceptional. Surrounded by low fells on all sides, with the village visible at the northern end, it has a self-contained, almost theatrical quality. Wordsworth called it "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found."
The path around the lake takes about an hour at a gentle pace and offers changing views of the surrounding hills. A small wooded island sits in the centre — accessible only by rowing boat — which Wordsworth wrote about in some of his early poems. Rowing boats can be hired at the northern end of the lake in summer. Swimming is technically not prohibited but the water is cold year-round.
For walkers, the lake circuit can be extended south along the River Rothay to Rydal Water, adding another hour to make a pleasant half-day walk.