Wastwater

About

Situated in the west of the county, Wastwater or Wast Water is England's deepest lake and stretches to nearly three miles (five kilometres) long at the foot of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Wasdale Valley is famous and beloved for having some of the best views in the UK. Wastwater is a glacial lake, and reaches a depth of 258 ft (79m) at its deepest.

The road winding along the lakeshore to the head of the Wasdale Valley offers impressive views of the famous screes that drop dramatically to the waters edge. You might catch a glimpse of groups of deep water divers, or - if you have a good couple of hours or so - you can walk around the entire perimeter.

During the summer months, a free shuttle bus service is offered to make your visit to Wasdale easier and better for the climate, the community and the landscape. Parking in the valley is very limited, but you can catch the shuttlebus from Ravenglass Village, home of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, to Wasdale Head, the starting point for walks to Scafell Pike, Great Gable and other popular walks. In 2024, a stop was added for Muncaster Castle and Gardens.