Science & nature · Evidence-backed
Wastwater: England's Deepest Lake and Britain's Favourite View
Wastwater is a glacial lake in Wasdale, a U-shaped valley in the western Lake District National Park, England. At 258 feet (79 m) deep it is England's deepest lake, its bottom lying below sea level. The iconic view from the lake's south-western end toward Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Scafell Pike was voted Britain's Favourite View. The valley head is ringed by some of England's highest mountains, while the steep south-eastern shore forms the famous Wastwater Screes. Access is via a single narrow road, keeping visitor numbers lower than at Windermere. The lake is owned by the National Trust and its name derives from Old Norse Vatnsdalr, 'valley of the lake'.
Wastwater lies in the dramatic Wasdale Valley of the western Lake District. This glacial lake holds the record for England's greatest depth, is flanked by the towering Wastwater Screes and the country's highest peaks, and its south-western vista was voted Britain's Favourite View. Remote and wild, it draws hikers, divers and photographers seeking raw Lakeland scenery.
England's deepest lake
Wastwater reaches a maximum depth of 258 feet (79 m), making it the deepest lake in England. Its surface sits at about 200 feet (61 m) above sea level, while the lake bed descends to over 50 feet (15 m) below sea level. The lake holds approximately 0.110 cubic kilometres of water and is classified as oligotrophic, meaning its waters are relatively clear and nutrient-poor.
Britain's Favourite View
The panorama from the south-western end of Wastwater, looking north-east toward the peaks of Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, was voted Britain's Favourite View in a televised poll. The Lake District National Park Authority highlights this vista as the defining image of the Wasdale Valley, drawing photographers and walkers to the lakeshore near the youth hostel.
Ringed by England's highest mountains
The head of Wasdale Valley is encircled by some of England's loftiest summits. Scafell Pike (978 m), England's highest mountain, dominates alongside Great Gable (899 m), Lingmell (807 m), Kirk Fell (802 m) and Yewbarrow (628 m). These fells create the dramatic amphitheatre that frames the lake and provides the backdrop for the award-winning view.
The Wastwater Screes
The south-eastern shore of the lake is defined by the Wastwater Screes, vast slopes of loose shattered rock rising from the water's edge to the summits of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. These screes are a striking geological feature, formed by frost-shattering of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group bedrock. A popular but demanding path traverses the scree slope, offering close-up views of the unstable terrain.
Wasdale Head: gateway to Scafell Pike
Wasdale Head, a tiny settlement at the north-eastern end of the lake, is the principal starting point for the most direct ascent of Scafell Pike. The village comprises a handful of houses, the Wasdale Head Inn (renowned as the birthplace of British rock climbing), and the diminutive St Olaf's Church, often cited as one of England's smallest churches, nestled beneath ancient yew trees.
Nether Wasdale and visitor facilities
Nether Wasdale lies on the western side of the lake, roughly two miles from the southern shore. It offers two pubs (The Screes Inn and The Strands Inn), a campsite and a café, providing the main refreshment and overnight options for visitors not staying at Wasdale Head. The Low Wood walk, a gentle 2.5-mile dog-friendly route through bluebell woods, starts near here.
National Trust ownership and name origin
The lake and much of the surrounding valley are owned by the National Trust, ensuring long-term conservation. The name Wastwater (or Wast Water) is a contraction of 'Wasdale Water', itself from the Old Norse Vatnsdalr, meaning 'valley of the lake'. This Norse heritage reflects the Viking settlement of the western Lake District in the 9th–10th centuries.
Popular for diving and paddlesports
Wastwater's exceptional depth and clear water make it a noted destination for freshwater diving, with divers exploring the submerged cliffs and scree slopes. The lake is also used by canoeists, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders who value the epic mountain scenery. No powered craft are permitted, preserving the tranquillity of the valley.
Moses Trod and Corridor Route alternatives
Beyond the main Scafell Pike path from Wasdale Head, the area offers quieter high-level routes. The Moses Trod is an historic packhorse trail crossing the fells from Wasdale Head to Eskdale, passing waterfalls and offering a less crowded approach to Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route. These paths reveal the valley's pastoral and trading history alongside its mountaineering heritage.
Low Wood lakeshore walk
At the southern end of the lake near Nether Wasdale, the Low Wood walk follows a 2.5-mile (4 km) route along the quiet western shore road, through level woodland tracks and grassy paths. Suitable for families, dogs and all-terrain pushchairs, it features a purpose-built hikers' shelter, picnic spots and carpets of bluebells in May. Parking is limited to a small layby at grid reference NY 149 051.
Every numbered claim above was required to carry source evidence before this topic could be published.