Top 20 Lakes in Lake District

For a wide range of watersports including sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, and paddleboarding, Windermere is an excellent choice. It also offers numerous boat cruises, with options for hop-on-hop-off passes. Ullswater is also popular for sailing and offers scenic boat cruises on the Ullswater 'Steamers'. At Coniston Water, you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat hire from the Coniston Boating Centre, or take a cruise on the Coniston Launch or historic Steam Yacht Gondola.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Windermere is a top choice due to its wide range of activities and amenities. Derwentwater, easily accessible from Keswick, is popular for walking, picnicking, and renting rowing boats. The viewpoint at Orrest Head, offering sublime views of the Lakeland skyline, is also considered family-friendly and easily ascended from Windermere.

Wastwater, located in the remote Wasdale Valley, is renowned for its dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery, with imposing screes rising directly from the water's edge and surrounded by England's highest mountains. Ullswater is also considered one of England's most beautiful lakes, characterized by dramatic mountain scenery to the south. For stunning panoramic views, consider the summit of Helvellyn Summit, which overlooks Ullswater, or Catstye Cam for magnificent views of Helvellyn and Ullswater.

Grasmere is a significant literary landmark, being the former home of William Wordsworth (Dove Cottage) and the location of his grave. Ullswater also inspired Wordsworth's famous 'Daffodils' poem. Windermere has strong literary connections, having inspired Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons', a connection also shared with Coniston Water. Additionally, Rydal Cave, near Rydal Water, is a man-made former slate quarry with historical significance.

Absolutely. Ullswater offers exceptional walking and hiking, including the challenging ascent of Helvellyn and the 20-mile Ullswater Way path. Buttermere is known for its excellent circular lakeshore walk (4.5 miles) that is relatively easy. Wastwater is a popular starting point for hiking the Scafells. For easy walks, you can explore routes like 'Aira Force and Gowbarrow Park Trail' or 'Around Tarn Hows', which are part of the Easy hikes in Lake District guide.

The Lake District offers various cycling opportunities near its lakes. For road cycling, consider routes like 'Derwentwater, Buttermere & Honister Pass loop from Keswick' or 'A circumnavigation of Coniston Water from Coniston village', detailed in the Cycling in Lake District guide. If you prefer gravel biking, routes such as 'Coniston, Great Langdale & Windermere loop' are available in the Gravel biking in Lake District guide.

For a more tranquil and less commercialized atmosphere, Coniston Water is a great option compared to some of the busier lakes. Buttermere is also known as a smaller, peaceful lake nestled in a picturesque valley, offering a haven for relaxation. Wastwater provides a sense of wildness and solitude due to its remote location.

Visitors particularly enjoy the magnificent views from high points like Helvellyn Summit and Orrest Head. The unique experience of exploring places like Rydal Cave, a man-made quarry, is also highly rated. The overall appeal lies in the diverse natural landscapes, from expansive waters to tranquil, secluded spots, offering varied terrain for exploration and stunning photographic opportunities.

Yes, Orrest Head provides a sublime panorama of the Lakeland skyline and played a pivotal role in the development of fellwalking culture. From Helvellyn Summit, you can enjoy absolutely magnificent views, especially over Ullswater. Red Screes summit cairn also offers excellent views in all directions.

While the guide doesn't specify particular wild swimming spots, the Lake District is generally known for its opportunities for wild swimming. Lakes like Buttermere are often mentioned as suitable for this activity, offering clear waters and picturesque surroundings. Always exercise caution and check local guidelines before swimming in open water.

The Lake District lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit often depends on your preferred activities. Spring (April-May) offers blooming daffodils and milder weather, while summer (June-August) is ideal for watersports and longer daylight hours, though it can be busier. Autumn (September-October) provides stunning foliage and pleasant hiking conditions. Winter offers a quieter, more dramatic landscape, especially around lakes like Wastwater, but requires appropriate gear for colder conditions.