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.

Geography

Windermere is 10½ miles (17 km) long and varies from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide (400 m to 1500 m). It reaches a depth of about 220 feet (65 m) near its northern end and has an elevation above sea level of 130 feet (40 m). The lake is drained from its southernmost point by the River Leven. It is replenished by the rivers Brathay, Rothay, Trout Beck, Cunsey Beck and several other lesser streams.

Related Topics:
Sea level - River Leven - Brathay - Rothay - Trout Beck - Cunsey Beck

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There are two towns which border the lake, Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere. The town of Windermere, confusingly, does not directly touch the lake.

Related Topics:
Ambleside - Bowness-on-Windermere - Town of Windermere

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The lake is largely surrounded by foot-hills of the Lake District which provide pleasant low-level walks; to the north and north-east the higher fells of central Lakeland commence.

Related Topics:
Lake District - Fell

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