Wast Water

Wast Water is a glacial lake in the Wasdale valley of England’s Lake District National Park and is the deepest lake in England at about 79 metres maximum depth. It is noted for its dramatic, steep-sided valley setting.

The shoreline and lake are framed by high fells and the steep screes on the eastern shore, creating a compact, rugged landscape popular with walkers and photographers. The lake is roughly 2.5 to 3 kilometres in length and is overlooked by routes that ascend surrounding peaks.

Historically the lake and valley are the product of glacial excavation during the last ice ages; the high surrounding fells have long been used for sheep grazing and hillwalking. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the area became popular with outdoor recreationists and is now managed within the Lake District National Park.

Wast Water sits in the remote Wasdale valley in Cumbria in northwest England, with the small settlement of Wasdale Head at the valley head; larger towns on the coast and elsewhere in the national park provide the nearest services.

• Depth: Maximum depth is about 79 metres, making it the deepest lake in England.

What to See #

• Wast Water lake and screes: A narrow lake about 2.5 to 3.0 kilometres long set in a deep glacially carved valley, with steep scree slopes known as the Wasdale Screes along its eastern shore.
• Wasdale Head and access points: The small settlement of Wasdale Head sits at the head of the valley and serves as a common starting point for walks onto the surrounding fells, including routes toward Scafell Pike.