Wastwater at Overbeck

England's deepest lake lies under the Wasdale Screes, with Great Gable closing off the head of the valley. There are no powered boats or sailing boats, so the pebbly shore near Overbeck is usually quiet, but at 79 m deep the water stays cold well into summer. Water shoes help on the stones, and the nearest toilets are at the National Trust's Lake Head car park.

Directions

Photo: John260660 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 76/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 12°C, wind 9 km/h, UV 0. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Still, settled days, when the lake reflects Great Gable; stay near the shore so you can get out easily.
Getting in: Owned by the National Trust. Swimming is allowed; canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rowing boats are permitted but sailing boats and powered craft are not (Lake District National Park Authority).
Parking & transport: Small National Trust pay-and-display car park at Overbeck, by the beck; free for members, and cash is advised because mobile signal is very limited. The larger Lake Head car park to the north has toilets and a welcome centre. No overnight parking. A free Wasdale Explorer shuttle bus runs from Ravenglass to Wasdale Head between 18 April and 21 September.
Water quality: Not a designated bathing water. Wikipedia describes the lake as relatively clear (oligotrophic); the lake and screes are protected conservation sites.
Watch for: Deepest lake in England (79 m) and cold year-round; cold water shock
Blue-green algae can occur in Lake District lakes in warm, dry weather
Remote valley with very limited mobile signal
Facilities: Toilet block and welcome centre at the National Trust Lake Head car park