Nearest train station: Seascale
Wast Water Lake (or Wastwater) holds the moniker of the deepest lake in England, and is one of the jewels of the crown of the Lake District National Park.
The lake is surrounded by stunning Lake District mountain scenery and offers visitors plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping nearby, with Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, not far away.
The water at Wastwaker is, as described, very deep. It is also cold all year round, being a glacial lake, so take care and make sure you come prepared for cold water swimming with the right wild swimming gear.
There are plenty of entry points to the water around the lake. It’s a bit of a hike around the lake but you’ll be sure to find a perfect secluded spot.
How to Get to Wastwater Lake
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this Lake District wild swimming spot by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode CA20 1EX into your sat nav, which will take you to right to the top of the lake in the form of the Wasdale Lake Head car park. The road siphons off from the coastal A595 and winds deep into stunning Lake District scenery.
While this will take you to the car park at the end of lake, you can find plenty of stop off stops along the way to set up camp for the day.
By public transport
The nearest train station to Wastwater Lake is Seascale, which runs between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. From here, you will have to make your own arrangements onward to Gosforth, where you can take a shuttlebus into the lakes.
By bike
There are some stunning bike rides in and around Wastwater which you can readily combine with a wild swim.
Take a look at the Nether Wasdale and Hollow Moor route which features some steep climbs amidst stunning mountain scenery.
What else is nearby Wast Water Lake?
You’re right at in the heart of the Lake District here, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hikes and camping.
On the wild swimming front, Tongue Pot isn’t too far away as the crow flies, though will be a bit of a hike. The Buttermere Infinity Pool is also certainly worth checking out.