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Bassenthwaite Lake
Not too far from the market town of Keswick, in the northwest of England’s internationally famous, hot spot – Lake District – is, the beautiful and un-spoilt Bassenthwaite Lake. Widely acknowledged for its abundant wild life, over 70 species of birds and the rare fish species, ‘Vendace’, Bassenthwaite Lake is the largest of its kind in the Lake District. One reason that gives Bassenthwaite Lake its exclusive, un-spoilt allure is, because, unlike other central lakes in the Lake District, it is not easily accessible.
Along the length of its western shoreline, there is a path to Bassenthwaite Lake but the east side has no access, except the one at Mirehouse. In 1974, a small open-air theatre was built at Mirehouse where the reading of Lord Alfred Tennyson’s famous novel, ‘Morte d’Arthur’, takes place. This is believed to be the very place that Lord Tennyson composed much of his work.
To the east of Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District, lies the imposing and mighty Skiddaw Fell. Nearby, a traditional practice is performed on a craggy outcrop, called the Bishop of Barf, along the scree slope of Barf Fell near Thornthwaite in the Lake District. This practice involves painting the craggy outcrop white by locals and the landlord of a hotel in the vicinity.
A fact that’s unique to Bassenthwaite Lake is that it is the only lake in the Lake District that includes the word ‘Lake’ in its name, as opposed to all other lakes of the Lake District, which have ‘water’ or ‘mere’ in their names. Although its 4 mile long and ¾ mile wide size makes Bassenthwaite Lake one of the largest lakes in the Lake District, it also has the distinction of being one of the shallowest at 70 ft. The National Park Authority of the Lake District is the owner of Bassenthwaite Lake, the most northerly located lake in the Lake District. There is no major human habitation on the shores of the Bassenthwaite Lake. However, many sailing boats from the Bassenthwaite Sailing Club can often be seen in the lake.
Bassenthwaite Lake is encircled by the northern fells of the Lake District National Park and is a beautiful inland water body ideally suited for sailing. The unique, tranquility of Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District is enhanced by restrictions imposed on power craft. The constant SE or NW, but mainly, SW winds of this area of the Lake District, create superb, lengthy sailing courses. The incomparable scenery around the lake makes it ideal for touring and trekking. For visitors, there are several boarding houses and hotels, including camping and caravan sites, as well as many eating places in close proximity to the lake.
Apart from its scenic ambience and sailing opportunities, Bassenthwaite Lake, in the Lake District, is home to England’s only breeding ‘Ospreys’ during the summer months. With the more than 70 bird species found in its southern wetland habitat, Bassenthwaite Lake is also a paradise for bird lovers.
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