Wast water or Wastwater was originally known as Wasdale, which means the valley with the lake. This lake, which is owned by the National Trust is approximately three miles long, a third of a mile wide and approximately two hundred and fifty eight feet deep – making this the deepest lake in England. This lake is the source of the River Irt, which flows into the Irish Sea near Ravenglass.
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Lake: Wastwater
Location: Cumbria, England
Coordinates: 54° 26′ 30″ N, 3° 17′ 30″ W
Max length: 3.0 mi (4.88 km)
Max width: 0.49 mi (0.79 km)
Surface area: 1.09 mi² (2.8 km²)
Max depth: 259 ft (79 m)
Height above sea level: 200 ft (61 m)
Nearest village(s): Wasdale, Wasdale Head, Howtown
This lake is a perfect example of a glacially over deepened valley, with the surface of the lake being around two hundred feet above sea level and the lake bed being approximately fifty foot below sea level.
This is a favourite starting point for mountaineers and walkers, as some of the highest mountains in England, such as Great Gable, Scafell Pike and Lingmell can be found at the head of Wasdale Valley. The screes can look quite frightening when, on a still and sunny day, they are reflected in the lake.
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