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Wast Water in the Lake District
Welcome to the EDGE Guide to Wast Water in Cumbria.
Length: 3mls/5km.
Nearest towns.
Whitehaven NW on the A595, 15.5mls/25km.
Millom SW on the A5093 via the A595, 21mls/34km.
You approach Wast Water down a narrow minor road seeing the impressive 'Screes' on your right and further up the vaIley Scafell Pike, Lingmell and others making this one of the most impressive of the Lakes.
Wast Water is the deepest lake in England, it's bottom is lower than sea level.
At the head of the valley, beyond the lake, is Wasdale Head - a collection of cottages and an Inn that is very popular with the walkers who flock here.
From Wasdale Head you have access to some of the best hiking in Europe.
Wast Water, like the other lakes in the west of the National Park, is comparatively remote, walkers and hikers are the most frequent visitors.
In order to get to the Lake from the east where most people come from, involves driving over the two passes of Wrynose and Hardknott. Hardknott is particularly disconcerting but the experience is worth having.
There are some lovely villages west of the lake that should be visited along with many other attractions on the coast.
Walks:
You can (if you dare) walk round the whole lake though you should think twice before walking along The Screes. There are dozens of paths up some of the best fells in the county, though these require a certain amount of stamina and experience and may prove unsuitable for those wishing to have a quiet stroll.
Scafell is the highest point in England and is an established training ground
for those aiming at the Himalayas and the Andes.
In the west of the Lake District and to the south of Ennerdale Water.
