Wast Water

#203 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake, Top attraction

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Facts and practical information

Wast Water is a spectacular and serene lake nestled in the remote western reaches of the Lake District National Park in the United Kingdom. With its dramatic and rugged beauty, Wast Water holds the title of the deepest lake in England, plunging to depths of nearly 260 feet. The lake stretches over three miles in length and is roughly half a mile wide, but it is the sheer scale and the wild scenery that truly capture the imagination.

Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in England, including Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Lingmell, Wast Water is framed by a backdrop of imposing rock faces and steep scree slopes, which are reflected in its dark, brooding waters. This creates a sense of solitude and a dramatic atmosphere that is unique to this part of the country.

The lake is owned by the National Trust and is popular for a range of activities including hiking, diving, and fishing. Despite its popularity among adventurers, Wast Water remains an unspoiled gem due to its relative inaccessibility compared to other lakes in the region. The narrow roads leading to the lake wind through quaint villages and offer stunning views, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Wast Water has also been recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and was voted Britain's favorite view in a television program in 2007. Its remote location means that it offers one of the clearest night skies in England, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Alternative names: Area: 1.04 mi²Length: 3.03 miWidth: 2587 ftMaximum depth: 243 ftElevation: 200 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°26'30"N, 3°17'33"W

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EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

Wast Water – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Sca Fell, Scafell Pike, Church of St Olaf, Lingmell.

2.8 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cliff
Sca Fell, Lake District National Park
73 min walk • Scafell is a mountain in the English Lake District, part of the Southern Fells. Its height of 964 metres makes it the second-highest mountain in England after its neighbour Scafell Pike, from which it is separated by Mickledore col.
3.4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Scafell Pike, Lake District National Park
86 min walk • Scafell Pike is the highest and the most prominent mountain in England, at an elevation of 978 metres above sea level. It is located in the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, and is part of the Southern Fells and the Scafell massif.
2.4 miNE
Church, Historical place
Church of St Olaf, Lake District National Park
60 min walk • St Olaf's Church in Wasdale Head, Cumbria, is England's smallest parish church. The earliest record of the church is from 1550, though it probably predates this, and it is likely that there was an earlier church on this site.
3.2 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cliff
Lingmell, Lake District National Park
82 min walk • Lingmell is a fell in the English Lake District, standing above the village of Wasdale Head. It is an outlier on the north-west flank of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
3.4 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Cliff
Haycock
88 min walk • Haycock is a mountain in the western part of the English Lake District. It rises between Scoat Fell and Caw Fell to the south of Ennerdale and the north of Wasdale.
2.9 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Blea Tarn, Eskdale Green
75 min walk • Blea Tarn is a lake in Cumbria, England, located about half a mile north of Beckfoot. Located at an elevation of 217 m, the lake has an area of 3.3 hectares and measures 277 m × 150 m, with a maximum depth of 11 m.
1.6 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Burnmoor Tarn
42 min walk • Burnmoor Tarn, on Eskdale Fell in Cumbria, England, is one of the largest entirely natural tarns in the Lake District. Its waters flow into Whillan Beck at the tarn's north-eastern corner, which immediately turns south and flows into Eskdale, joining the Esk at Beckfoot.
2.9 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Foxes Tarn, Lake District National Park
74 min walk • Foxes Tarn is one of the smallest named tarns in the Lake District of England, situated slightly to the east of the summit of Sca Fell.
0.8 miSE
Hill
Illgill Head, Eskdale Green
20 min walk • Illgill Head is a fell in the English Lake District. It is known more commonly as the northern portion of the Wastwater Screes. The fell is 609 metres high and stands along the south-east shore of Wastwater, the deepest lake in England.
1.1 miNW
Hill
Middle Fell, Eskdale Green
28 min walk • Middle Fell is a hill or fell in the English Lake District. It is a satellite of Seatallan standing above the northern shore of Wastwater.
2.1 miNW
Hill
Seatallan, Eskdale Green
54 min walk • Seatallan is a mountain in the western part of the English Lake District. It is rounded, grassy and fairly unassuming, occupying a large amount of land.