Bassenthwaite Lake :
Bassenthwaite / Cockermouth / Keswick
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is one of the largest at 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, but also one of the shallowest (70 ft). It is the most northerly of the lakes, and has no major settlements on its shores. Its is often full of sailing boats from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club.
There is a shore path which runs the length of the west shore, but there is no access to the east side except at Mirehouse. Here there is a small open-air theatre, built in 1974 for the reading of ‘Morte d’Arthur’ to the Tennyson society at the place where it is thought that Tennyson, who often stayed at Mirehouse, composed much of the poem.
Bassenthwaite is home to the vendace, a rare and endangered fish species found only here and in Derwentwater.
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.
Near to the north end of the lake is The Lakes Distillery, opened in December 2014 and producing artisan whisky, gin and vodka. There is a visitor centre with distillery tours, and a bistro.
See also Recommended garden services in the Bassenthwaite lake area
Menu:
Grid Ref: NY 220290
