The Lakes The Lake District comprises sixteen lakes each possessing their own unique features and charms, standing as they do framed by glorious backdrops of mountains, fells and woodland. Little wonder that Wordsworth and other lakeland writers and poets were so inspired. Brief descriptions of the lakes follow with accompanying photographs :-
Bassenthwaite Lake is the largest and only true lake in Cumbria - Lake District, the others are all 'meres' or 'waters'. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest it is home to many species of wildlife. In 2001, and for the first time in 150 years, Ospreys nested at Bassenthwaite and successfully reared their first chick. During 2003 they successfully raised their fourth chick. An Osprey viewpoint has been set up at the Forestry Commission's Dodd Wood, near Keswick, which also offers magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake.
____________ Buttermere is a peaceful lake located in the western corner of the Lake District and surrounded by an impressive, rugged landscape. There are a number of walks around the lake that are low level, making for a great family day out in a beautiful setting. The picturesque village of Buttermere is nestled between Crummock Water and Buttermere.
____________ Coniston Water is located in the centre of the Lake District National Park under the gaze of Coniston Old Man, popular with fell walkers. Coniston Water's Peel Island was featured in Arthur Ransome's famous book, Swallows and Amazons. A popular way of enjoying the lake and taking in the spectacular scenery is on board the famous Gondola, a refurbished steamboat from 1859.
____________ Crummock Water, lying next to Buttermere, is 2½ miles long and ¾ mile wide. It is fed by many streams, including Scale Force, the Lake District’s highest waterfall, dropping 170 feet.
____________ Derwentwater is the widest of the lakes in the Lake District. Overlooked by the mighty Skiddaw and with the bustling market town of Keswick on its northern shore, it is a popular choice with visitors. The majority of the land next to the shoreline belongs to the National Trust and there are some picturesque walks through the woods and along the shores of the lake. It has recently been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest to help protect the rare species of wildlife that inhabit the lake and its surroundings.
____________ Elterwater located to the south of Grasmere and to the west of Lake Windermere, boasts fantastic views of the nearby Langdale Pikes in the heart of the Lake District.
____________ On the western flanks of the Lake District, Ennerdale Water is the only road-free lake in the whole of the Lake District. Sitting in an area of woodland under the surrounding fells of the Ennerdale Valley, the lake offers visitors both solitude and beautiful scenery. The mountains of Haycock, Steeple, and Pillar form an impressive rocky barrier to the east of the lake.
____________ Surrounded by rolling fells in the heart of the Lake District, Esthwaite Water lies between Coniston Water and Lake Windermere. The water teems with fish and wildlife and the summer water lilies on its surface add to the scenic beauty. A footpath meanders around the waterside from the north-western corner offering walkers spectacular views.
____________ Grasmere is a small lake made famous by Wordsworth and his Romantic contemporaries in the 19th century. Grasmere's stunning location has inspired generations of poets and painters alike. For the fell walker and mountaineer Grasmere is the perfect base for an ascent of the nearby Helvellyn range, Fairfield and Dollywagon Pike. The nearby village of the same name is the epitome of a traditional Lakeland setting, with a number of tearooms, pubs and shops selling local fare, with an unparalleled backdrop.
____________ Haweswater is the highest lake in the Lake District and is also an important reservoir. Situated to the south of Penrith and to the north of Windermere until recently it was home to England's only breeding pair of Golden Eagles. The eastern end of the lake was dammed in 1940 and the Mardale valley was flooded, submerging the village of Mardale and increasing the size of the lake. In times of drought the underwater village can be glimpsed again which is a much-anticipated occurrence with locals and visitors alike.
Haweswater in drought conditions (November 2003)
____________ Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater is a peaceful lake and one of the smallest to be found in the Lake District. Red squirrels can be found in the locality.
____________ Rydal Water is located in the heart of the Lake District and is connected to the larger lake of Grasmere to the west by the Rover Rothay. A dramatic view of the lake can be gained from "Wordsworth's Seat", a natural outcrop on the west end of the lake believed to have been one of the poet's favourite places in the Lake District. Close to the road between Grasmere and Ambleside this tranquil spot is ideal for a gentle stroll.
	Grasmere & Rydal Water
____________ Thirlmere is a pretty, clear lake with a wooded shoreline and is best enjoyed from the west shore which winds its way through the trees. The views around the lake up to Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike are impressive. Thirlmere was once two smaller lakes called Leatheswater and Brackmere. The two lakes were joined by a footbridge until damning in 1879 created a rise in the water levels and Thirlmere was formed as the two lakes overflowed. It now serves as a water supply for Manchester.
____________ Ullswater bends and twists its way through spectacular panoramas against a backdrop of mountain scenery on one side and a gently curving shoreline of green fields and woodlands on the other. The lake offers a variety of water-based activities from canoeing, sailing and windsurfing to a leisurely cruise on one of the famous steamers. Many walks start in the Ullswater Valley from the trek up to Helvellyn to low level strolls along the shoreline.
____________ Situated in the west of the county, Wast Water is England's deepest lake and lies at the foot of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Voted 'Britain's Favourite View' it is simply stunning. The road winding along the lakeshore to the head of the Wasdale Vallley offers impressive views of the famous screes that drop dramatically to the waters edge. You might catch a glimpse of groups of deep water divers who love the lake to submerge themselves in.. or if you have a good couple of hours or so, you can walk around the entire perimeter.
____________ Situated at the heart of the Lake District, Windermere is England's longest lake and most well known. The lake is very popular with visitors as the bustling towns of Bowness, Windermere and Ambleside all nestle on its shore. The lake offers a plethora of water-based activites including wake boarding, sailing, swimming or even a leisurely cruise.
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