the best lakes in the Lake District
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The Lake District has 16 different lakes in total but which ones are the best?
Although the area is known as the Lake District, there is technically only one that can be classed as a lake as the others all include different names within their title like ‘mere’ ‘water’ or ‘thwaite’ which just symbolise bodies of water. But with that being said, most locals and visitors still class the full 16 as lakes, and they are all incredible to visit when you’re in the area. Below we have put a list of some of the best lakes in the Lake District to include in your plans when you are next here.
Windermere
Windermere, LA23 1AD
Known for being the longest lake in the Lake District at 10.5 miles long, Windermere is an impressive lake to visit and one with plenty to see and do. The lake has both the lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere town nearby with both offering various cafes and restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat or drink along with plenty of boat rides that will take you along the lake as well as places to hire a boat and sail yourself. If you are looking for a viewpoint, Orrest Head is a great choice which takes you along a well signposted path up to panoramic views over Windermere and beyond.
Ullswater
Penrith, CA11 0JH
Ullswater is a glacial lake and the second largest in the area at around 7 miles long. Surrounded by mountains there are plenty of fell walks to choose from if you are after a viewpoint in this area. But there is also the Aira Force Waterfall just a short walk away from the lake which is a 65 foot waterfall with various woodland trails to explore. And along the lake you can also book onto different private and public boat tours that will take you around Ullswater where you can really take in the scenery.
Buttermere
Cockermouth, CA13 9XA
Buttermere is a slightly smaller lake than the others with only being around 1 and a half miles in length but is still definitely worth the visit. The walk around the lake is around 5 miles long but some just do a there and back style route as far as they please. One of the main things this lake is popular for is the resident highland cows that can sometimes be found grazing along the lakeside. Make sure you keep an eye out whilst you’re there and see if you are lucky enough to catch them.
Wast Water
Seascale, CA20 1EX
Wast Water is around 3 miles long and is most known for being the deepest lake in England at 258 feet! The lake is in the Wasdale Valley and has been formed in an ‘over-deepened’ glacial valley right at the foot of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. So whether you fancy the challenge of the climb or are wanting to walk along the lakeside there are plenty of options to choose from around Wast Water. If you are wanting to walk around the lake it takes around 2 and a half hours and has a gentle elevation.
Derwentwater
Keswick, CA12 5DG
Derwentwater can be found in Keswick and offers plenty to see and do on the lake and around the area. There are boat trips that take you across to Galmire Bay and around the lake as well as various viewpoints and scenic points all the way around the lake. The walk around Derwentwater is around 10 miles and is relatively flat taking you through woodland and the lakeside. And of course with it being so close to Keswick there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or something to drink before or after your visit.
Thirlmere
Keswick, CA12 4TW
Technically Thirlmere is a reservoir that is around 4 miles in length and is an impressive body of water to see in the Lake District. It is surrounded by a few fells offering incredible views if you are wanting the challenge of a climb. One of the most popular fell walks in the whole of the Lake District due to its shortness but also the views you are rewarded with at the end is Raven Crag. If you are just wanting to walk around the reservoir you can do so with a 10 mile loop that takes you around the shoreline and surrounding forests.
Crummock Water
Cockermouth, CA13 9UY
This rocky bottomed lake is right by Buttermere and is another one to consider visiting if you are nearby. It is a lot larger than Buttermere at 2 and a half miles long and is fed by various streams, one of them being from Scale Force which is the tallest waterfall in the Lake District. You can enjoy a walk around the lake with Lanthwaite Wood being right at the top and definitely worth exploring as you make your way along the lakeside.
Grasmere
Ambleside, LA22 9PX
Grasmere is one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District but is one you will probably consider visiting due to its location. When you visit you can head into Grasmere village which is famously associated with William Wordsworth and the infamous Grasmere gingerbread. The lake is away from the village in between Rydal and Grasmere but along the way you could also see Rydal Cave which can be incorporated with the walk around the lake.