The Lake District boasts three of the most impressive geographical features in England. It contains the highest mountain along with both the largest and deepest lakes.
The highest mountain in the Lake District is Scafell Pike which reaches some 978 metres above sea level. In 1920 the peak and surrounding land was donated by Lord Leconfield to the National Trust and became the catalyst for the creation of the entire national park. The park contains five more peaks that reach to over 900 metres, these being Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Great End and Bowfell.
Stretching a staggering 10.5 miles long is Windermere, the largest lake to be found in England. It covers a total area of 5.7 square miles and drops to 220 feet at its deepest point. Glacier formed during the ice age and filled with melt water it lays between bands of much harder rock which form a natural valley along most of its length.
Whilst the lake of Wastwater does not compete with Windermere for sheer size, it does drop to a depth of 258 feet making it the deepest lake in England. Formed at the base of the Barrowdale Volcanic Group, Wastwater provides the source of the river Irt which eventually flows into the Irish Sea.
Whilst these natural sites are seen by some to be the centre point to any visits to the Lake District, it should not be forgotten that there are many more interesting things to do and see here. Many man-made highlights can be found including the decade's old dry stone walls and the quaint, white painted cottages peculiar to the area.
The highest mountain in the Lake District is Scafell Pike which reaches some 978 metres above sea level. In 1920 the peak and surrounding land was donated by Lord Leconfield to the National Trust and became the catalyst for the creation of the entire national park. The park contains five more peaks that reach to over 900 metres, these being Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Great End and Bowfell.
Stretching a staggering 10.5 miles long is Windermere, the largest lake to be found in England. It covers a total area of 5.7 square miles and drops to 220 feet at its deepest point. Glacier formed during the ice age and filled with melt water it lays between bands of much harder rock which form a natural valley along most of its length.
Whilst the lake of Wastwater does not compete with Windermere for sheer size, it does drop to a depth of 258 feet making it the deepest lake in England. Formed at the base of the Barrowdale Volcanic Group, Wastwater provides the source of the river Irt which eventually flows into the Irish Sea.
Whilst these natural sites are seen by some to be the centre point to any visits to the Lake District, it should not be forgotten that there are many more interesting things to do and see here. Many man-made highlights can be found including the decade's old dry stone walls and the quaint, white painted cottages peculiar to the area.