Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake is a large body of water in the northern Lake District that stretches for about 6 kilometers in length and roughly 1 kilometer in width. The water is shallow and surrounded by farmland and wooded hills, creating a calm landscape that reflects the sky and nearby slopes.

This is the only body of water in the Lake District officially called a lake, while others are named meres or waters. The area has been used for farming and outdoor pursuits for many generations, though in recent decades interest has grown in protecting the wildlife, especially the bird species that nest here.

The name comes from the nearby village and reflects centuries of settlement in the area. Today, visitors notice that the place is shaped by the rhythms of wildlife watching, with bird enthusiasts regularly gathering to observe ospreys that return each year.

Parking is free in several spots, including laybys along the A66 road and at Banks Point on the northern end. The western shore path offers walking, though the southern end can be muddy, while trails on the eastern side and in Dodd Wood are better maintained and more accessible.

This is the only body of water in the district officially called a lake, while all others are named meres or waters. Rare vendace fish live here and nowhere else in the region, making it important for conservation efforts.

Location: Allerdale

Location: Cumberland

Elevation above the sea: 68 m

Length: 6.4 km

Width: 1.3 km

Address: Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick, UK

GPS coordinates: 54.65200,-3.21500

Latest update: January 9, 2026 17:02