Details for Bassenthwaite Lake

The southern most end of the lake provides a breeding ground for more than 70 species of birds. Sailing on Bassenthwaite is restricted and power boating is not allowed, this is to help protect the habitats of the breeding birds. A lot of the shoreline along Bassenthwaite is privately owned so therefore restricts access to visitors, leaving the lake mostly unspoilt. This is in contrast to nearby Derwentwater which attracts the majority of the tourists to this area of the Lakes.

Bassenthwaite lake is owned by the National Park Authority, and is one of the largest lakes, at 4 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide. It is however one of the shallowest lakes at just 70ft deep. Bassenthwaite was the inspiration for Lord Alfred Tennyson's description of the lake from the famous novel Morte d'Arthur. There are no major settlements on any of its shorelines and it is mainly used by Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. A shore path allows access along the west shore and it is well worth the effort, but there is no access to the east shore only at Mirehouse where there is an open air-theatre which was built in 1974 for the reading of Morte d'Arthur.

Breeding Ospreys attract over 80,000 visitors annually. As well as Ospreys the lake is home to the vendace, a very rare and endangered species of fish which is only found here and in Derwentwater. Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, Lamprey Species, Otter, Floating Water Plantain, Atlantic Salmon and Water Crowfoot are also found in...