England > Cumbria > Lake District Lakes > Wast Water lake

Wast Water looking east

Wast Water

Wast Water (sometimes spelled Wastwater) is the deepest lake in the Lake District. In fact, it is even deeper than the Irish Sea! This beautiful lake is located in some of the best climbing country in the National Park.

The hamlet of Wasdale Head, located at the eastern end of the lake, is an extremely popular walking centre. Paths lead from Wasdale Head to some of the most travelled (and deservedly so) trails in the area. Wasdale can make a good claim to be the birthplace of British rock climbing. Visitors have flocked here since the early 19th century to take advantage of the challenging peaks that ring the Wasdale valley. The most popular walk is probably the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England at 3210 feet.

There are several routes up Scafell Pike; one of the most popular starts at the National Trust parking lot at Brackenclose and leads up a well defined trail to the summit, via Lingmell Gill and Hollow Stones. Though the climb is not difficult, the usual precautions apply - weather can change extremely quickly, so always come prepared!

The scenery of Wast Water is utterly compelling; the outline of the three peaks that stand at the eastern end of the lake (Lingmell, Scafell Pike, and Great Gable) was selected as the symbol of the Lake District National Park.

There is no path per se along the northern shore of the lake, but the minor road to Wasdale Head skirts the shoreline for the entie length of the lake. There is a path along the southern shore, which hugs the steep cliffs known as The Screes. This trail can easily be combined with the road route to create a spectacular, easy walk around the entire circumfeence of Wast Water.

Photos of Wast Water lake
Wast Water looking east. The outline of the three peaks of Great Gable, Scafell pike, and Lingmell was selected as he emblem of the Lake District National Park.	Looking west down Wast Water	Wast Water and Ilgill Head, from Scafell Pike. The climb up Scafell is not difficult, but it affords superb views over the lake below.
Wasdale Head is one of the most popular destinations for walkers. One popular trail leads up Scafell Pike from here. This old bridge across Mosedale Beck lies at the foot of Yewbarrow.	Ilgill Fell reflected in the waters of Wast Water. A footpath runs right along the water at the foot of the fell, making for a circular walk around the lake.	Wast Water at sunset, looking west

Location map for Wast Water lake

Nearest Hotels to Wast Water lake

Bridge Inn - 3.5 miles away Santon Bridge, Cumbria Stay from: £65.00

Bower House Inn - 4.6 miles away Santon Bridge, Cumbria Stay from: £84.00

Lutwidge Arms Hotel - 6.4 miles away Holmrook, Cumbria Stay from: £Check availablity for discounted prices

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