The Lake District is home to some of the most impressive lakes in the UK, set among the dramatic fells of the Cumbria landscape. While their beauty is evident, many people do not realise just how deep some of these lakes are.
Here are the six deepest lakes in the Lake District.
Wastwater
79 metres (258 feet)
Wastwater is the deepest lake in England, reaching a depth of 79 metres. Located in the western Lake District, it is surrounded by towering peaks, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. The lake is known for its striking scenery, with steep scree slopes plunging into the dark waters. It is a popular spot for divers, who explore its hidden underwater landscapes.
Windermere
67 metres (219 feet)
Windermere, the largest lake in England, is also one of the deepest, with a maximum depth of 66.7 metres. It stretches for over ten miles and is a hub for water sports, cruises, and lakeside walks. Towns such as Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside offer easy access to the lake, making it one of the most visited spots in the Lake District.
Ullswater
63 metres (207 feet)
Ullswater, the second deepest lake, stretches for nearly nine miles and reaches a depth of 63 metres. Often compared to a fjord, it is surrounded by rolling hills and the dramatic slopes of Helvellyn. Ullswater is a favourite for sailing, kayaking, and the historic Ullswater Steamers, which offer scenic boat trips.
Coniston Water
56 metres (184 feet)
Coniston Water is famous for its connection to Donald Campbell, who attempted the world water speed record here in the 1960s. At 56 metres deep, it is a favourite for sailing, canoeing, and open-water swimming. The lake is also linked to Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, inspiring generations of adventure seekers.
Haweswater
57 metres (187 feet)
Haweswater is a reservoir, created by the damming of the original natural lake in the 20th century. At 57 metres deep, it provides water for Manchester and has a remote, untouched feel. The village of Mardale was flooded to create the reservoir, and in times of drought, its remains can sometimes be seen.
Thirlmere
50 metres (164 feet)
Like Haweswater, Thirlmere is a reservoir, originally formed from two smaller lakes to supply water to Manchester. It reaches a depth of 50 metres and is surrounded by forests and steep hills. The lake is a peaceful retreat, with quiet walking trails and stunning views of Helvellyn.
Why are the lakes of the Lake District so deep?
The lakes are so deep because they were formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, which carved out deep U-shaped valleys in the landscape. When the ice melted, these valleys filled with water, creating the deep lakes we see today. This geological process is called glacial overdeepening and happened over hundreds of millions of years.
Another factor which makes these lakes deeper than you’d expect is the volcanic rock which lines the valleys. This does not allow the water to seep away, and when combined with high rainfall we get these deep lakes.