Top 7 Lakes around Plumbland

Plumbland is a small village in Cumbria, England, situated just two miles from the outskirts of the Lake District National Park. This advantageous location means it serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's numerous lakes.

While Plumbland itself doesn't feature notable lakes, its proximity to the Lake District offers access to many. Among the most prominent are Bassenthwaite Lake, known for its wildlife and as the only official 'lake' in the district, and Derwentwater, popular for its ferry service and surrounding fells. Windermere is also highly popular, being England's longest lake with many activities.

Yes, for those seeking a quieter experience, Over Water is a secluded lake in the northern part of the Lake District National Park, offering beautiful views away from the crowds. Crummock Water also provides a clear, rocky-bottomed lake experience, often described as 'off the beaten track'.

Bassenthwaite Lake is popular with open water swimmers, and Crummock Water is also a favored spot for wild swimming. Both offer clear waters and stunning natural surroundings for a refreshing dip.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a protected nature reserve and one of the best places to spot ospreys in the Lake District. It is also home to the vendace, a rare and endangered fish found only here and in Derwentwater. The Solway Coast, near Plumbland, is known for its rich birdlife.

Many lakes in the Lake District offer family-friendly options. Windermere, for example, provides a plethora of activities including lake cruises, water sports, and attractions like the World of Beatrix Potter. Bassenthwaite Lake and View of Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw from Sale Fell are also categorized as family-friendly highlights.

The area around Plumbland and the nearby Lake District offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, road cycling, and touring bicycle routes. For example, there are routes like 'Views from Hundith Hill Road – View Towards Buttermere loop' for gravel biking, or 'Buttermere and Keswick loop' for road cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Plumbland, Road Cycling Routes around Plumbland, and Cycling around Plumbland guides.

Absolutely. Many lakes offer excellent walking. Around Derwentwater, you can enjoy walks around its shores or up fells like Catbells. Ullswater is surrounded by impressive fells, including Helvellyn, providing great hiking. Dodd's Wood near Bassenthwaite offers a gentle stroll, while the mighty Skiddaw provides a more challenging hike. The View of Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw from Sale Fell is particularly noted for its stunning views during a walk.

While the lakes are primarily natural attractions, areas like Buttermere are linked to the industrial heritage of the nearby slate mining area of Honister. Ullswater also has legends associating it with King Arthur's Excalibur. Historically, Plumbland itself was an agricultural community.

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views, the peaceful and secluded nature of some lakes like Over Water, and the diverse range of activities available. The sheer depth of landscape visible from viewpoints like View of Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw from Sale Fell is often highlighted as one of the most idyllic views in the entire Lake District.

Yes, around Bassenthwaite Lake, you can find The Lakes Distillery serving spirits and a few pubs. Larger towns like Keswick, near Derwentwater, and villages like Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, near Ullswater, offer various dining options.

Yes, Bassenthwaite Lake is unique as it is the only body of water in the Lake District officially called a 'lake'; the others are typically referred to as 'meres' or 'waters'.