Once an iron ore quarry, Longlands Lake has been transformed into a peaceful nature reserve where still water, birdsong and wildflowers have replaced the sounds of industry. Wheelchair-accessible paths wind around the lake, where duckweed gathers along the sheltered margins and native wildflowers flourish at the water’s edge. A fringe of trees is reflected in the calm surface, providing a tranquil refuge for coots, mallards, moorhens and many other wetland birds. Today, the reclaimed quarry is valued as both a wildlife haven and a place for quiet recreation beside the River Ehen.

From the southern shore, the view looks north across the calm waters of Longlands Lake, where a lone angler waits patiently on one of the fishing platforms. A fully surfaced circular path follows the shoreline, providing easy access for visitors of all abilities, with benches offering peaceful places to pause and enjoy the scenery. Beyond the far bank, a crescent of modern homes stands within the former grounds of the historic Ehen Hall Estate, their reflections shimmering gently across the still water on calm days.

Stretching across the former iron ore workings, Longlands Lake is a peaceful expanse of open water where wildlife has reclaimed an industrial landscape. Beneath its still surface lie four flooded mines that operated between 1879 and 1924 before subsidence and natural flooding created the lake seen today. Now owned by Cumberland Council and leased to Wath Brow Anglers, the lake is carefully managed for both recreation and conservation, supporting coots, mute swans, mallards, tufted ducks and a rich variety of other wetland birds.

Beyond the northern end of Longlands Lake, the River Keekle quietly joins the River Ehen beneath a canopy of mature trees, creating a peaceful meeting of flowing water and still lake. A narrow strip of land separates the rivers from the lake itself, allowing the circular walking path to wind between tranquil waters on one side and the gently flowing river on the other. Although easily overlooked, this secluded confluence supports a rich variety of wildlife and offers one of the quietest corners of the Longlands Nature Reserve.

South of Longlands Lake, the River Ehen flows broad and unhurried beneath a narrow metal footbridge, where grassy banks give way to pebble shallows and deeper pools. When I visited, the bridge and riverside were alive with the laughter of local families enjoying the warm summer weather. The gentle current, clear pools and leafy surroundings create an inviting riverside scene, offering a lively contrast to the quiet wildlife haven of neighbouring Longlands Lake.

Crossing the River Ehen from the lakeside car park, Longlands Bridge provides the principal pedestrian approach to the northern shore of Longlands Lake. Just beyond, a second footbridge spans the River Keekle before it joins the Ehen, allowing walkers to follow attractive riverside paths through this peaceful corner of the reserve. Together, the two bridges link the lake, woodland and waterways, offering easy access to the quiet confluence of two of west Cumbria’s most important rivers.