For the geographically challenged.
Wast Water ( pronounced with short Northern vowels ), England's deepest
lake, is situated in West Cumbria on the western edge of the Lake District
National Park. It is the source of the River Irt and is about 8 miles from
the coast, where I reside during the week. The valley in which it lies is
called Upper Wasdale (possibly earlier West Dale and West Water although the
local opinion is that it is more likely Waste than West as the area is very
bleak). The lake lies on the northern side of a spectacular 2000foot scree
slope that is always on the move. The highest Cumbrian peak, Scafell Pike
lies a few miles to the east of the lake. It is rare that there is no wind
or rain, but when it is still, the water of the lake looks as black as pitch
and with the bleak surroundings has a brooding, ominous aspect.
Best W.
Roger.
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