Top 20 Lakes around Wasdale

Wasdale is home to England's deepest lake, Wastwater, known for its dramatic scenery and towering mountain backdrop. Beyond Wastwater, you can discover smaller, more secluded tarns like Innominate Tarn, famous as the resting place of Alfred Wainwright, or Stickle Tarn, nestled below the craggy Pavey Ark.

The lakes in Wasdale offer a range of activities. Wastwater is popular for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even deep-water diving. The surrounding fells provide excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing, with Wasdale Head being a starting point for ascents of Scafell Pike. For cycling enthusiasts, there are various routes, including gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes.

Yes, there are options for families. While some areas are rugged, you can find easier walks. For instance, the 6 km circular walk around Buttermere Lake is considered easy-going and offers spectacular views. Lakeside paths around Wastwater also provide opportunities for pleasant strolls and picnics.

The Wasdale Screes are dramatic steep slopes of loose rock on the southeastern side of Wastwater, formed by Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. They drop abruptly into the lake and are a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can view them from various points around Wastwater, with iconic views often captured from the southwestern end of the lake.

Wild swimming is possible in some of the lakes and tarns, though conditions can be cold. Wastwater is known for its clear, deep waters, and some visitors enjoy swimming there. Stickle Tarn is also mentioned as a place for wild swimming for those who are brave enough.

The summer months are popular for visiting Wasdale, offering warmer weather for outdoor activities like hiking and watersports. A free shuttle bus service operates during summer to help manage visitor access. However, the region offers dramatic beauty year-round, with spring and autumn providing vibrant colors and fewer crowds, while winter offers a stark, rugged landscape for experienced hikers.

Yes, for a more tranquil experience away from the main crowds, consider visiting Greendale Tarn or Scoat Tarn. Greendale Tarn, located above Wastwater, offers quieter walks and panoramic views. Scoat Tarn is part of more challenging, remote hikes in the fells, providing a sense of solitude amidst rugged beauty.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic scenery, especially the views of Wastwater framed by towering mountains like Scafell Pike. The sense of solitude and wildness, particularly around Ennerdale Water, is highly valued. Many also enjoy the opportunities for challenging hikes, scrambles, and the unique experience of wild swimming in the tarns.

Many trails in the Lake District are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or on popular paths. The circular walk around Buttermere Lake is a good option, and many lakeside paths allow dogs. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Parking is available at various points around Wasdale, including Wasdale Head at the eastern end of Wastwater. It's recommended to arrive early during peak seasons, especially if you plan to access popular hiking routes. During summer, a free shuttle bus service can help reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Wasdale's lakes are primarily glacial ribbon lakes, characterized by their deep, narrow forms. Wastwater, as England's deepest lake, is a prime example, with its bottom extending below sea level. The surrounding landscape features towering fells, dramatic screes, and clear, oligotrophic waters, creating a unique and rugged natural environment.