Thirlmere

Thirlmere, set in the heart of the Lake District, was initially two smaller lakes before its ownership was taken over by the Manchester City Corporation Waterworks in 1889. 

The area was subsequently damned with a dam of 104 feet at its highest point and is now one single reservoir. Thirlmere is 3.5 miles long, 1.2 miles wide and around 158ft deep. It is now owned by North West Water and has recently been opened to the public. 

On the eastern side of Thirlmere is the Helvellyn Ridge while to the west are a number of fells, such as Raven Crag and Armboth Fell. There are several car parks dotted around the edge of the lake so walkers and explorers can enjoy the landscapes.