Devoke Water, the largest of the Lakeland tarns, is situated in a bleak location on the western end of Birker Fell. The shoreline is mostly marshy and there is a boathouse at the eastern end. Although the boathouse is in good condition, the attached stable is collapsed.

Although the setting is bleak now, it wasn't always. Originally the fells around were heavily wooded, the forests being cleared by Neolithic man. There are remains of many ancient settlements on the fells in the area.