Devoke Water

Devoke Water is a small glacial lake in the south-west of the Lake District, set on Birker Fell at 236 metres above sea level. It is the largest tarn in the district, measuring 1.17 kilometres long and covering 0.34 square kilometres. The lake’s outflow, Linbeck Gill, runs north-west to join the River Esk before reaching the Irish Sea at Ravenglass. Its south-western shore marks part of Eskdale parish’s boundary. A bridle track leads to the water’s edge, where a two-storey stone boathouse and a ruined stable stand beside the shore. The lake is stocked with brown trout and holds perch, with fishing rights owned by Millom Anglers. Alfred Wainwright’s guide *The Outlying Fells of Lakeland* includes a circular walk around Devoke Water, passing six summits known as Birketts. The route climbs Rough Crag, Water Crag, White Pike, Yoadcastle, Woodend Height and Seat How, all offering wide mountain views. From the summits, Pillar, the Scafell group and the Bowfell group are visible, along with the Isle of Man and Sellafield power station on clear days. Wainwright warns that Linbeck Gill becomes impassable after rain. Visitors find a quiet upland setting with open fells and distant ridges framing the lake. The stone boathouse and ruined stable add a touch of human history to the natural landscape. The circular path winds through heather and grass, with each summit providing a different perspective of the surrounding fells. The water itself reflects the sky and the slopes of Birker Fell, while the outflow gill rushes downhill toward the Esk valley. The route suits walkers seeking a full day among Lakeland’s lesser-known heights.