Until the 1960’s, a large stately home stood in Crofton, named Crofton Hall. The owners of the estate, the Baronets Brisco, created a small lake in front of Crofton Hall, which has subsequently been enlarged and is now actively managed by Carlisle and District Course Angling Club (CADCAC). Sadly, as of 2020, CADCAC decided that they would no longer make day permits available to non-members.
It is privately owned, and generally open to the public to stroll around and to enjoy, although it may at times be closed for competitions, maintenance or safety reasons.
The lake is beautiful all year round, and there is a good quality level path right around the lake. The walk from the site to the lake, right around and back to the site is 1.2km or 0.75 miles, and is particularly beautiful in the early morning and evening. Dogs are welcome on leads, but are not permitted in the water as they can disturb the wildlife.
On our regular walks around the lake we have seen ducks (very often!) swans, geese, and on very notable occasion, an otter walking towards us on the path! There is also a family of grey heron, who are regularly to be seen around the lake or on the islands in the centre.