Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Lake District of England. It is long and narrow, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) long and 3/4 mile wide, but is also extremely shallow, with a maximum depth of about 70 feet (21 m).

It is the only lake in the Lake District with ‘lake’ in its name, all the others being waters (for example, Derwent Water, Ullswater), meres (for example, Windermere, Thirlmere, Buttermere) or tarns (for example, Dock Tarn, Red Tarn). It is fed by, and drains into, the River Derwent. The lake lies at the foot of Skiddaw, near the town of Keswick. Some maps dating from the 18th century do in fact mark this lake with the name Bassenwater, and the use of name Broadwater for this lake is also attested.

The A66 dual carriageway runs roughly north/south along the western edge of the lake. With breathtaking views, the laybys are a popular spot for photographers and bird watchers looking for Osprey. The section running south towards Keswick was built on top of the old rail tracks leading to Penrith (Bassenthwaite station can still be seen to this day and is overgrown with trees – see Links). The section running north towards Workington was the original two-way road and can be an enjoyable drive if conditions allow.

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