Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick

Bassenthwaite Lake, four miles long and three quarters of a mile wide, is the most northerly of the lakes. At Dubwath, on the North Western shore, is Bassenthwaite Sailing Club which hosts a family regatta during the first week of August every year. RYA members can launch sailing boats from the grounds of the club for a daily fee.
Boat, canoe and sail board users must respect the no boating zones as these protect important breeding grounds. There is no right of navigation on Bassenthwaite so to take any craft onto the lake you must have a permit.

For fishing on the lake you need a valid lake permit and an Environment Agency rod licence - maximum two rods per permit. Both are available from Keswick Tourist Information Centre tel 017687 72645.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a very important place for wildlife. Hundreds of birds including the osprey migrate to the lake and fish such as atlantic salmon come to Bassenthwaite Lake to spawn.

A major regeneration project is underway to bring the water in the lake back up to the high quality which will best support its wildlife, including the unique vendace fish and the feeding grounds of the ospreys, now a regular summer visitor. Much of the problem comes from surface run off washing sediment into the lake and the seepage of agricultural fertilisers which encourage the spread of algae. Priorities in the 2 and a half million pound programme are tree planting, improved land use and community involvement.

As part of the Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme the Lake District's first ever wetland nature reserve is being developed at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake. Visitors to the reserve can expect to spot grasshopper warbler, curlew, greylag, geese, reed bunting and meadow pipit. The 10 hectare site will incorporate a new 650m gravel path linking to 900m of recycled plastic boardwalk. The routes are designed to provide access to viewing points and bird hides. The round celtic style wildlife hides will be made from local materials gathered in coppice woodlands and reed beds.

The attractive village of Bassenthwaite, a mile and a half from the shores of the lake of the same name, is situated six miles north of Keswick and a similar distance from Cockermouth.

Bassenthwaite has a traditional village green, which with wooden swings and space for ball games, make it an ideal safe playing area for children. A stream, complete with ducks, runs through the heart of this peaceful Lakeland village. For evening dinner you can choose between the 17thC village inn and a variety of other country pubs and hotels.

Bassenthwaite village is on the Caldbeck Rambler bus route which runs on Saturdays all year round and on weekdays during the summer. This bus route gives access to a wide variety of walks around the Northern Fells and to the fell villages of Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket. ogramme, 

A gentle climb of three miles from Bassenthwaite brings you to the Cumbria Way and Dash Falls. There is an abundance of walking opportunities in the area including the mighty Skiddaw, Lord's Seat, Ullock Pike and Binsey Fell, described by Wainwright as 'a simple walk for a big view'. A stroll through fields takes you to the ancient church of St Bega in an idyllic location and the scene of many weddings. Dodd Wood, on the slopes of Skiddaw, offers a variety of way marked trails and a viewing platform for the Osprey. Excellent views reward those who make it to Dodd Summit. For downloadable walking routes click here.

Dubwath is situated 8 miles from Keswick and 5 miles from Cockermouth with excellent access to the Western Lakes of Ennerdale, Loweswater, Crummock and Wast Water. Several of the guest houses situated in Dubwath have fantastic views over Bassenthwaite Lake, and nearby fells and forestry.