There are numerous bodies of water in the Lake District, with some of them still remaining unnamed to this day. Lakeland waters contribute to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. In fair weather or foul, in winter or summer, spring or autumn, unheeding of whipping storms or balmy days, angry white-horses or clear flat waters – the natural heritage of Lakeland waters, fells and mountains looks stunningly beautiful at all times.

A fair day at gorgeous Loughrigg Tarn. Tony Richards, the photographer, has to be congratulated roundly for this fantastic study of the Lake. (Photo courtesy of www.visitcumbria.com/amb/loughrigg-tarn.htm.)

The Lake District National Park was formed in 1951 to protect this precious heritage from excessive industrial and commercial enterprise which might harm the unique environment and ecology of the Lakes. The reason for this is quite obvious to anyone who has set eyes on this lovely part of the world, where the light, colours, and moods reflected on the surfaces of its meres, tarns, and their surrounding landscapes present an ever-changing kaleidoscope. The scenery of the Lake District is best experienced in person as it is impossible to compare sight of this beauteous landscape with mere word pictures.

Ominous clouds in the skies, a dark mountain top, with loose scree at the bottom leading to Wast Water, this picture of the Wasdale Screes during a stormy afternoon is nonetheless entrancing in its intensity. (Photo courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

Each lake and tarn in the Lake District has its own individual character, imparted by its surrounding physical attributes and local populations or lack thereof. The loneliness of Wast Water contrasts greatly with the gaiety of yachts bobbing on Windermere, which shores are home to the small town of Bowness-on-Windermere, where sightseers come to enjoy a day by or on the Lake. It might be wintertime with snow capping the mountain tops, but Windermere’s accessible beauty calls on one and all to come and enjoy time on its waters or by its shores.

A view of yachts bobbing about Lake Windermere from our lounge windows
A picture perfect view taken from our lounge at Blenheim Lodge: yachts bobbing on the waters of Lake Windermere with Old Bowness village in the foreground and snow-capped mountains in the background.

The many lakes and tarns in Cumbria provide visitors with plenty of choices for recreation as well as reflection. Coniston Water is well known as the lake where Donald Campbell tried to break his previous water speed record in the Bluebird. A refurbished steam-powered gondola on Coniston Water provides a picturesque approach to John Ruskin’s house, a perfect way to view the scenery surrounding this lake.

Activities at Coniston Water. (Photo courtesy of www.cumbriaphoto.co.uk.)

The amazing colours that make the scenery of the Lakes come alive can be seen at places like Blea Tarn and Tarn Hows. Thirlmere is particularly well-known for its fantastic reflections, although all waters of course will reflect their surroundings. However, Thirlmere really does have some truly spectacular reflections that I have never seen elsewhere.

Thirlmere reflects its surroundings amazingly well. I don’t think I have seen better reflections. This photo has been reproduced courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/tall-guy/7065298437.

There is a general misconception that it rains all the time in the Lakes. However, for people who love the Lakes, neither wet nor cloudy weather detracts from its loveliness. It may feel cold and miserable when storms of rain, hail and sleet combine with high winds to lash the Lakes; nevertheless, there is a wild beauty in the landscape that continues to assert itself through such temperamental behaviour.

Ullswater in a haze of wet and cloud, but still beautiful! (Photo courtesy of www.leaney.org/lake_district_walk_photo.php?walk_id=708&photo=20070630i&thumb=Y.)

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’

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