Bassenthwaite Lake lies at the foot of Skiddaw, close to the town of Keswick. Although being one of the largest lakes, it is also one of the shallowest. It is approximately 4 miles long, three quarter miles wide and only about 70 feet deep. As with many of the other lakes in the Lake District, this lake lies in a glacially eroded valley (as explained on the Derwent Water page). Originally Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water were one larger lake. The Derwent River flows through Bassenthwaite Lake. There are no islands on this lake.
Lake: Bassenthwaite
Location: Cumbria, England
Coordinates: 54° 39′ 0″ N, 3° 13′ 0″ W
Max length: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Max width: 0.8 mi (1.3 km)
Surface area: 1.98 m² (5.1 km²)
Average depth: 70 ft (21 m)
Height above sea level: 223 ft (67 m)
Nearest village(s): Braithwaite, Keswick
Bassenthwaite Lake has a fertile habitat due to having one of the largest catchments as well as a large percentage of cultivable land within this drainage area. Not only is it home to a variety of different fish species, but it is also where the Osprey’s come to nest.
Bassenthwaite Lake unfortunately has a few problems like erosion, pollution and a few foreign types of flora, which are threatening the local species. Fortunately, the Bassenthwaite Restoration Project is currently addressing these problems.
Windermere Bowness on Windermere Ambleside Coniston Hawkshead Keswick
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Lake Windermere Coniston Water Derwent Water Ullswater