Windermere (lake)

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, and is entirely within in the Lake District National Park. It has been one of the country's most popular places for holidays and summer homes since 1847, when the Kendal and Windermere Railway built a branch line to it. Since 'mere' means 'lake', referring to Windermere as 'Lake Windermere' is tautologous, though common.

Boating

Racer Norman Buckley set several world waterspeed records on Windermere in the 1950s.

Related Topics:
Norman Buckley - 1950s

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A road ferry service runs across the lake from a point south of Bowness on the eastern side of the lake to Far Sawrey on the western side of the lake. This service forms part of the B5285.

Related Topics:
Far Sawrey - B5285

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For many years, power boating and waterskiing have been popular activities on the lake. However, in March 2000, the Government controversially decided to put in place a compulsory 10 knot (11.5 mph, 18.5 km/h) speed limit, technically starting in 2000, but enforced in practice from 29 March 2005.

Related Topics:
March 2000 - Knot - Mph - 2000 - 29 March - 2005

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Many organisations, including the Lake District National Park Authority, support the move, primarily on the grounds of restoring the tranquil nature of the lake and making it safer and more accessible for all users. Opponents, particularly those interested in the affected sports, are concerned by the lack of other suitable inland waters to which to move these activities.

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