4.6 x 0.6 Km (3 x 0.3 miles)

Wastwater is one of the most dramatic (in my opinion) lakes in the Lake District. It is overlooked by "The Screes", 1800 feet of scree plunging down from Illgill Head right to the lake shore and 200 feet more below the lake surface, whilst at the head of the lake some of the highest of the central fells (Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Lingmell) stand like sentinels on the skyline. Beyond Illgill Head, to the east, are Sca Fell and Scafell Pike, the two highest mountains in England.
Wastwater is the deepest lake in England. A glacially overdeepened valley it is 258 feet deep but with an elevation of 210 feet this means that the bottom is below sea level. Although not dammed, it is used as a reservoir for the Sellafield nuclear waste reprocessing plant.

Photographically, it is also outstanding. From near the foot of the lake, there is the view all the way up the lake to the head, with Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Lingmell closing off the view. There are similar views from partway up the lake too. Looking across the water, The Screes are striped in different colours of rock and foliage which also vary according to the light. Add in a windless day and the reflections can be stunning.