Huddlestone Cottage and The Hayloft

Lake District North West

 The Hayloft living area with vaulted ceiling

LAKES

 

All the photographs from the Photo Gallery were taken by Mikes-Eye.

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BASSENTHWAITE LAKE    Backup

Bassenthwaite LakeBassenthwaite LakeBassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw

Bassenthwaite Lake is situated under Skiddaw and follows part of the A66 approaching Cockermouth.  Bassenthwaite Lake is wholly owned and run by the Lake District National Park Authority and is in itself a National Nature Reserve. In 1993 the lake and part of the adjacent shoreline were declared a National Nature Reserve with other large areas of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.  It is now one of a few rare places to see otters and osprey in England.  In order to protect this nationally important site, recreational use is limited to those activities which neither conflict with the primary wildlife objective, or risk generating additional demands capable of damaging the special qualities of the lake in the future.

As well as the otters and the osprey, it is the only British locality for the rare fish species, the Vendace, a small-medium sized fish 20-25cm long.  This fish lives on plankton and is usually found in NW Europe, Scandinavia and Russia.

The Lake is also home to a variety of birds.  During the Summer months over 70 breeding species have been recorded including the Great Crested Glebe, common sandpiper, grasshopper warbler and goosander.  In Winter, up to 2,000 wildfowl have been seen on the lake including the goldeneye, pochard, tufted duck and widgeon.

Much of the Shoreline is private.  For landing and fishing, landowners permission is required.  If you do land, please avoid trampling the soft shore as it is very sensitive and easily destroyed.  Bassenthwaite supports the best remaining example of this habitat in the National Park.  Please help to protect this nationally important site by keeping to existing paths and bays.

ON THE LAKE

  1. You must obtain a permit before using any boat, windsurfer, canoe etc on the lake (see list of permit outlets).  This applies to canoeists, windsurfers, fishing boats, sailing dinghies and any other category of lake user.

  2. Power Boats No power driven boats are allowed on the lake other than registered safety boats (small electric motors are permitted).

  3. Diving is not permitted on the lake.

  4. It is important that lake users observe the no-boating zones at the southern end of the lake and Bowness Bay.  These are important sanctuary areas for birds.  All lake users should familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations pertaining to the lake.  A copy of the Lake Users Guide and any other information is readily available from The Lake District National Parks Authority at the Blencathra Centre in Threlkeld (not far from the Lake) or call them on 017687 79633.

  5. Public Access to the lakes is marked on the Lake Users Map. There are a number of footpaths adjacent to the lake and a permitted path along the whole length of the West shore parallel to the A66.  Use an ordnance survey map for full details.  There is a bird observation hut on the shoreline.

  6. A valid permit for fishing or a NRA rod license are required for the use of up to two rods. Strict fishing regulations apply on this lake.  Please contact the Blencathra Centre (as above) for further details, or obtain a copy of the Lake Users Guide.

Permits obtainable from:    Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld, Keswick.  National Park Information Centre, Keswick.    Field and Stream, Main Street Keswick.    Swan Hotel, Thornthwaite.    Beckstones Farm, Thornthwaite.  The Lodge, Ouse Bridge, Dubwath, Bassenthwaite. Gun & Sports, Fisher Street Workington.    Complete Angler, King Street, Whitehaven.  The Newsagents Shop, opposite the Mayo Statue, Main Street, Cockermouth.

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