Windermere - England's Largest Lake

Windermere – England’s Largest Lake

Windermere – England’s Largest Lake

Windermere is England’s largest natural lake was formed following the melting waters of retreating glaciers around 15,000 years ago.

The ice crept north through the valleys containing the rivers Brathay, Rothay, and Trout Beck.

All three rivers still feed into the 11-mile-long lake to this day.

Windermere is also home to a Lakeland rarity. The Arctic charr is a fish similar to a trout that was stranded deep in the cold waters of Windermere when the waters receded at the end of the ice age.

The fish was popular in the 17th century when it was spiced and preserved in butter-topped pots and then shipped to London.

Overfishing and netting led to a decline in the numbers, but up to a dozen fishermen still catch char on Windermere to this day.

The fishermen use long lines and spinners trailed from a moving rowing boat.

Charr can also be found in Wastwater, Buttermere, Ennerdale, and Crummock Water.

Overlooked by the Langdale Pikes, Windermere is considered the quintessential Lake District and draws people from all over the world.

Windermere - England's Largest Lake

Walkers and cyclists flock to the area to complete the 45-mile loop of the lake.

The town of Windermere is located around half a mile from the town of Bowness-on-Windermere at the top of the hill.

The town was originally known as Birthwaite before the arrival of the railway., which opened in 1847.

There are many spectacular views in the Lake District, but few as important as this one.

From the top of Orrest Head, the way of life changed for Alfred Wainwright, the Lake District’s most famous fell walker.

He first visited the area in 1930 as a 23-year-old from Blackburn in Lancashire.

Most visitors find themselves on, or in, the lake which is a haven for watersports and home to the Great North Swim.

Windermere also accounts for one-third of one of the world’s great canoe/kayak trials – the Three Lakes Challenge.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can hire a pleasure boat or jump on board one of the steamers.

Windermere - England's Largest Lake

Steamers run the length of the lake regularly throughout the day.

The Windermere Ferry crosses the lake roughly half way up the lake from Ferry House to Ferry Nab.

You can board the ferry with your car, or bike to cross the lake.

The landing points are at Far Sawrey or Bowness.

Windermere also hosts the annual stone skimming championship at Fell Foot Park.

There is so much to explore around Windermere if you only scratch the surface.

If you are looking for a holiday cottage with easy access to Windermere click here.

 

 

 

 

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