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Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest lakes at 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, but also one of the shallowest (70 ft). It is also the only lake in the Lake District to actually have 'lake' in its name, the others being 'meres', 'waters' or 'tarns'. It takes about one hour to reach Bassenthwaite from Sedbergh, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Map of journey.
There are no major settlements on its shores but the lake is often full of sailing boats from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club.
As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Bassenthwaite Lake is home to many species of wildlife. In 2001, and for the first time in 150 years, Ospreys nested at Bassenthwaite and successfully reared their first chick. By 2003 they had raised their fourth chick. An Osprey viewpoint has been set up at the Forestry Commission's Dodd Wood, near Keswick, which also offers magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake.
Bassenthwaite Lake remains largely unspoilt as it is not as accessible as the more central lakes (much of the shoreline is privately owned), and nearby Derwentwater attracts the attention of most visitors to this corner of Lakeland. Still, it is a lovely palce to visit and see the unspoilt beauty of the Lake District.
