Bassenthwaite Lake

The basics

Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the Lake District’s major lakes and is often visited as part of sightseeing tours of the national park. A relatively easy walking path runs along the west shore. For a more challenging hike, climb to the 3,054-foot (931-meter) high peak of Skiddaw, which rises up to the east. On the east shore of the lake sits Mirehouse, a 17th-century manor house with links to literary legends such as Tennyson; the estate opens to the public between April and October.

Things to know before you go

• Bassenthwaite Lake is a must for travelers looking to escape the busier lakes to the south.
• This is one of the shallowest and warmest lakes (though it is by no means warm!), making it an ideal spot for wild swimming.
• Wear boots if you plan on walking as the lakeside path can be boggy and wet.

How to get there

Bassenthwaite Lake is the most northerly of the Lake District’s major lakes, and is about a 40-minute drive from Carlisle. The Caldbeck Rambler 73/73A runs seasonally between Carlisle and Caldbeck, stopping at Mirehouse and Dodd Wood.

When to get there

Thanks to its off-the-beaten-path location in the north of the Lake District and the absence of any major shoreside settlements, Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the quieter parts of the national park. Even in summer, you can often find a tranquil corner all to yourself.

What Else to See at the Lake

At the north end of the lake sits the Lakes Distillery, which produces craft whisky, gin, and vodka. Take a guided tour of the distillery and enjoy a guided tasting of their spirits. The north end is also home to the Dubwath Silver Meadows Wetland Nature Reserve, featuring pathways and boardwalks leading to viewpoints and bird hides. Species often spotted at the wetland reserve include grasshopper warblers, curlews, and greylag geese.