Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake lies in the Lake District near Keswick, surrounded by fells and farmland. It is the fourth largest lake in the region, stretching about four miles long and up to three-quarters of a mile wide. The lake sits 68 metres above sea level and reaches a depth of 19 metres in places. Its main waterway is the River Derwent, which flows into the Irish Sea at Workington. The A66 runs along the western shore, where lay-bys offer views and access for photographers and bird watchers. The lake is the only one in the Lake District to carry the word ‘lake’ in its name, while others use terms like ‘water’ or ‘mere’. Its basin was carved by glaciers in the last ice age, and it may once have formed one larger lake with Derwent Water. The name comes from the Old Norse for ‘Bastun’s clearing’, referring to an early settlement. Bassenthwaite supports a wide range of fish, including salmon, trout and pike, though the vendace is now extinct there. Ospreys returned to nest by the lake in 2001 and can be watched from Dodd Wood and Whinlatter Forest. Visitors find calm waters set against rolling hills and wooded slopes. The shoreline is bordered by fields and occasional stone barns, with the A66 providing easy access to viewpoints. Herons and cormorants fish along the edges, and rare ospreys nest nearby. The lake’s catchment is the largest in the Lake District, making it a fertile habitat. Restoration work aims to improve water quality after years of pollution from sewage and farm runoff. A network of paths and viewpoints lets walkers explore the area while watching for wildlife.