Wastwater

Located in Wasdale, a valley in the western part of the Lake District, Wast Water measures three miles in length and around 500 metres in width. It is a glacial lake which was formed in a glacially over-deepened valley. It is the deepest lake in England reaching 258ft at points. 

Norse Farmers made use of the valley during the 9th and 10 centuries. 

Wast Water is surrounded by a brace of mountains, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, as well as Red Pike, Great Gable and Kirk Fell.

Across the south-east side of the lake are steep slopes known as the Wast Water Screes, sometimes called The Screes. They are made up of millions of fragments of broken rock and rise from the floor of the lake to almost 200ft. 

At Wasdale Head you will find St Olaf’s church which is one of the smallest in the country. The little church is home to the graves of climbers who have died on the surrounding fells. Also at Wasdale Head is a campsite while at the other end is Wasdale Hall youth hostel. 

In 2007, an ITV television programme named Wast Water as Britain’s favourite view. Today, the lake  is owned by the National Trust alongside neighbouring mountain Scafell Pike.