Wastwater

Wastwater is the deepest lake in England, reaching about 79 metres, and it lies in the remote valley of Wasdale in the western Lake District. It is about 4.9 kilometres long, and its south eastern shore is formed by the Screes, a huge slope of loose rock that falls almost two thousand feet from the summits of Illgill Head and Whin Rigg straight into the water.

At the head of the lake, Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell form a mountain skyline that won the title of Britain's favourite view in a television poll in 2007. The road from Nether Wasdale runs along the north western shore with places to stop, and the light on the lake in the evening can be extraordinary.

Walkers come here mainly for Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, climbed from Wasdale Head, and for Great Gable and the high fells around the valley head. A path runs along the foot of the Screes on the far side of the lake, but it involves crossing a long stretch of boulders and is slow and awkward. A walk to the top of the Screes, along the ridge of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head, gives a view straight down into the lake. Early morning and evening light is best for the view, and spring and autumn bring fewer crowds.

There is no bus, and the narrow road in from Gosforth or Santon Bridge is slow. The car parks at the foot of the lake and at Wasdale Head get very busy on summer weekends. The water is very cold even in summer.