Bassenthwaite Lake - the only lake in the Lake District! That's right, out of the 16 bodies of water in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite is the only one that officially has Lake in it's name. The rest are regarded as “tarns”, “meres” or “waters”.
There are many places to enter Bassenthwaite for your dip but the entry point by Ouse Bridge is a great location as it has easy access to the car park, and generally, the water is very shallow, so easy to walk in.
Where is Ouse Bridge?
Ouse Bridge (a grade 2 listed building… or bridge) is on the west side of Bassenthwaite. The car park is between the bridge and the sailing club, so if you pass either, then you’ve missed it. The road you want to be on is the B5291. The official name of the location is Banks Point, but Ouse Bridge is what locals often refer to it as.
///tilts.nurtures.edgy
How much does it cost, and what are the facilities like?
The beauty of the great outdoors means that it is free, and as such the facilities are very limited to what you can take with you.
From the car park, there is a gentle slope down to the shoreline. The first entry point is close to the river exit point so be careful with the current, especially after heavy rain. Remember to always go at your pace. If it’s too much, turn back. This is why this is a great location for those of you that wish to dip your toe in as there is minimal distance back to the car.
When there hasn’t been much rain though, this area of Bassenthwaite can be very shallow so you have to wade quite far out before you get out of your depth. Water shoes are a must have piece of kit for locations like this.
Once you get down to the shoreline we advise turning right and walking along the shoreline. There are other bays that make for good entry points. If you go early doors you are likely to spot locals doing their morning swim. A friendly bunch, so say hello and ask a question if you are in doubt.
How was the swimming at Bassenthwaite Lake?
Once you build up your confidence within the water, swimming further out into the Lake you can look down towards the direction of Keswick. It is very unlikely you will be disappointed in the view! This is one of our favourite swimming locations as you get the convenience of the parking coupled with the awe of the Lake District and the oooh of cold water. For those on a tight schedule, this is an excellent choice for a dip.
It's a lovely location if you want to hang around afterwards with a cuppa and post-swim snack.
However, there are two great eateries that are close by; Bassenthwaite Lake Station - the old train station renovated to serve meals. Booking is recommended if you would like to eat on the train which was used as a set for Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express. The other location for your post-dip tea and cake if you haven’t brought one, is Herdwick Willy’s Bar and Bistro which is located in the caravan park north of Ouse Bridge.
UPDATE 2025 -
What is the Bassenthwaite Project at Banks Point?
Since my last visit to Ouse Bridge there has been some changes. Don't worry, it is a positive story.
Banks Point is part of a restoration project led by the Lake District National Park Authority, aiming to bring back native habitats and improve access for low-impact recreation like wild swimming, paddling, and walking.
Over time, this stretch of lakeshore near Ouse Bridge had suffered from erosion and footfall, damaging sensitive wetland and woodland areas. The Banks Point Project is working to change that.
Thanks to funding from Natural England and Defra, the team have:
- Restored wet woodland and reedbed habitats, which are vital for birds and wildlife
- Created a new path and wooden bridge, offering easier access to the lake while protecting the shoreline
- Installed discreet fencing to keep both people and habitats safer without blocking the joy of a wild swim
I can vouch for those fences! They’re surprisingly helpful when you’re wading in, giving you something to steady yourself on as you navigate the stones underfoot. When I first walked down the path, I was a bit worried the new layout would block access to the water altogether, but thankfully, that’s not the case. You can still get in with ease, and it’s been done in a way that really respects the landscape.
It’s a lovely example of how, with just a little care and thought, we can share space with nature and help it thrive, for everyone to enjoy.
If you would like to learn more, please visit the Lake District National Park website.
