Esthwaite Water
Esthwaite Water is flanked by the more well-known (and larger) lakes of
Windermere and Coniston Water. As
such, Esthwaite is not troubled by too many visitors, despite the fact that
Hawkshead, arguably the prettiest village in the whole of
Lakeland, sits at the northern tip of the lake and receives many thousands of tourists every
year. The lake was very probably larger in times gone by, as suggested by Priest's Pot,
a ditch which is now separated from Esthwaite Water by a band of silt.
Esthwaite Water is the most nutrient-rich of all the lakes and consequently holds many fish. The lake is a haven for wildlife, and in summer months the surface is carpeted with waterlilies.
To the south of Esthwaite Water is Grizedale Forest, an enchanting coniferous forest with marked walks, photographic hides and a Visitor & Wildlife Centre.
...Life was sweet, I knew not why"