Ways to enjoy Thirlmere for free There are plenty of fun and adventurous ways to enjoy Thirlmere for free, here are just a few ideas: Round Lake Family Cycle: Enjoy a cycle around the lovely Thirlmere Reservoir. The route starts at Wythburn at the southern end of the lake and then follows the National Cycle Network route on the western side of the lake. Read more Climb a Mountain: Helvellyn from the Thirlmere sideIf you want to savour the fantastic view down on to the edges from the summit, and if you want to walk rather than scramble then there is no finer way scaling Helvellyn than approaching up the well-graded paths from the Thirlmere side.Read more Go Miles without Stiles – a walk for the less mobile. Miles Without Stiles 39: Armboth and Station Coppice Route type: For all. Two short routes with excellent views of Thirlmere Reservoir - OS Explorer Map OL5Distance: 0.25 km and 0.25 km or 0.2 miles Read more Go Red Squirrel Spotting: Once a common site all over Britain, red squirrels can now only be seen in wooded areas in the north of England, western Wales and in many parts of Scotland. Surrounded by trees, Thirlmere Reservoir is one recommended place you may spot a red – Woodland Walk NY320150 – numerous car parks and Forest Walks on western side of reservoir. Read more Delve into History: Thirlmere was created as a reservoir in the late Victorian era. Previously, two small tarns, Leathes Water and Wythburn Water, were connected by a stream and small causeway bridge. They disappeared when the valley floor was flooded. Take a walk through the history of conservation at Thirlmere. Read a description of the valley and its history from the Lake District National Park's World Heritage Site Nomination Dossier here Summer Bouldering: climb the Thirlmere Boulders Only able to climb when the level of the lake has dropped enough which is normally during mid summer. The rock is very clean due to being submerged for 9 months of the year. Also known as the Lost Boulders of Atlantis! Read more Go Rock Climbing at Raven Crag: A superb and impressive crag with a good selection of Extremes - Totalitarian (E1), Empire (E3), Medlar (E3/4), Blitzkreig (E4), Gates of Delirium (E4), Peels of Laughter (E5), Creation (E5) and Das Kapital (E6). Read more Paddle in a Tarn (or skim stones!): Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk A good family walk, whatever the weather as much of it is sheltered by coniferous trees. Read more Manage Cookie Preferences