Thursday, July 19, 2012

Lake Windermere: The Main Facts

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By Tom Doerr


With a length of 10.5 miles (equivalent to 16.9 km), a width of one mile and a depth of just over 200 feet, Lake Windermere is regarded as the largest natural water body in England. It is located in Lake District (in the northwest coast of England). It is replenished by a number of rivers. They include Rothay, Cunsey Beck, Trout Beck and Brathay among others. The main river draining it is River Leven whose source is the southernmost point.

The immediate environment consists of several foothills which provide pleasant low level walks. Higher fells of the central Lakeland are found to the north. The basin is greatly utilized for cultivation.

It is a popular holiday destination. Numerous boating activities take place here with thousands of boats registered for this business. Steamers and launches are also common. A speed limit to all the powered vessels using the waters was imposed in March 2005. Currently, the vessels cannot exceed 12mph (10 knots).

The hotel industry has flourished over the years due to the large numbers of tourists. In order to preserve the rich history of this water body, grand mansions used by rich businessmen in the 19th century have been renovated into luxurious tourist hotels. Other businesses that have come up include exhibitions, pubs, cottages and restaurants.

There are a number of towns within the vicinity of this resource. Ambleside is a bustling town located about a mile from the northern lakeshore. It has numerous restaurants, pubs and shops. Waterhead is at the north end and it is a popular stop for cruises. It also has a number cafes and a garden centre. The other towns are Bowness and Ferry Nab to the eastern shore, Newly Bridge to the south among many others.

There are about 18 islands located in Lake Windermere. The largest lies opposite Bowness and is privately owned. This island is estimated to be about 40 acres. There are several other smaller islands (also known as holmes). They include Thompson Holme (second largest), Lady Holme, St Mary Holme, Bee Holme, Crow Holme and Maiden Holme among others.




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