Thirlmere

Thirlmere is a reservoir in the Lake District of northwest England, running for several kilometers through a narrow valley between wooded slopes. The water sits between steep rocks and forests, with paths running along both shores.

Manchester city authorities purchased two natural lakes in the 1880s and merged them with a dam into a single drinking water reservoir. Work began in 1890, destroying two small settlements and several farms in the valley.

The name comes from an Old Norse term meaning the hollow lake, referring to the valley shape that holds the water. Local stone walls and footpaths near the shore still trace routes that once connected the drowned villages.

Walking paths along the western and eastern shores give access to the water, with some sections including steep climbs and uneven ground. The area remains open year-round, though autumn and winter often bring more rainfall and slippery conditions.

A small chapel at the southern end was moved before the flooding and still stands as one of the few buildings from before the reservoir. Some of the planted conifer trees now reach over 30 meters in height and form dense woodland sections along both shorelines.