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The lakes of the English Lake District
Click map markers to show details on the right »The English Lake District is made up of series of over 80 glacial lakes, mountain tarns and several reservoirs. Of these around 20 are considered significant.
The sizes of the lakes varies, with Windermere being the largest in both length and width (10 x 1 miles or 17 x 1.6 Km). The deepest of the lakes is Wastwater with a maximum depth of 250 feet (76 metres).
Only Bassenthwaite Lake, is officially referred to as a lake, the remaining names end in either water or mere. - the latter term refers to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth. A tarn is used to refer to any small lake although it originally meant a form of glacial mountain lake
The Lake District
1. Thirlmere
Thirlmere was originally 2 lakes until it was dammed to make a reservoir. The shoreline here is wooded and the fells beyond create a dramatic backdrop
2. Crummock Water
Located between steep and dramatic fellsides is Crummock Water. The water here is exceptionally clear
3. Brothers Water
Whether you regard Brothers Water as the smallest lake or the largest tarn is debatable, its stunning location is not. Set amongst some of the highest peaks in the park
4. Coniston
Coniston is the third largest lake at 5 miles long it is also one of the most photogenic with wooded banks and islands
5. Ennerdale Water
Most westerly of the lakes and also the most remote. Ennerdale is one of the smallest lakes but is deep too
6. Esthwaite Water
Located between Windermere and Coniston, Esthwaite Water is teeming with wildlife - great spot for fishing
7. Windermere
Windermere is the largest of the lakes at 12 miles long. The towns of Bowness, Windermere and Ambleside are all located on the shores of this lake
8. Rydal Water
One of the smallest lakes, Rydal Water is intimately connected with the poet Wordsworth
9. Buttermere
Surrounded by high peaks and pasture land Buttermere has one of the most picturesque backdrops in Lakeland
11. Wast Water
Arguably the most scenic of all the lakes. Wastwater is set in the tranquil Wasdale Valley and surrounded by imposing peaks
12. Grasmere
Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District. The scenery around the lake is stunning and a great starting point for fell walkers and mountaineers
13. Ullswater
The second largest of the lakes Ullswater is also one of the most stunning as it weaves its way through some spectacular scenery
14. Elter Water
Elterwater is located centrally with stunning views to the Langdale Pikes. The name means Lake of the Swan
15. Tarn Hows
This small pretty lake was artificially constructed and was once owned by Beatrix Potter
16. Haweswater
Haweswater is the most easterly of the lakes and as such quite isolated. It is in fact a reservoir and contains the sunken village of Mardale
17. Bassenthwaite
Owned by the National Park Authority, Bassenthwaite Lake is a medium sized lake rich in wildlife including the rare vendance fish
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