Lakes of the Lake District: Difference between revisions
intros for buttermere, borthers water, esthwaite water, and elter water (with images)
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===Plucking and abrasion===
The whole process of ice excavation can be described in fairly simple terms, when in reality, it involves a complex set of stages working together. Essentially, the movement of glaciers' grinds and pulls apart the bedrock on which it sits. Dr Alan Smith's book, ''The Big Lakes of Lakeland'', describes this process clearly, without over complicating an already complex set of processes. With nowhere else to go except to follow the flow of ice, the broken pieces of rock were then transported as the ice moved along the valleys, in the case of the Lake District, radially in an outward direction from a central core. This core was so thick that maybe only the tips of the highest peaks of [[Scafell]], [[Helvellyn]], [[Bowfell]], and [[Great Gable]] were visible.<ref name="smith12">Smith (2012) p.12</ref> The Last Glacial Maximum was approximately 22,000 years ago and up to that point in time, the ice had been steadily increasing until it reached its maximum, hence the name. All the big lakes were excavated by the ice during this Last Glacial Maximum, a segment of the Last Glacial Period, which encompassed a timeframe between 115,000 - 11,700 years ago. By 13,550 years ago, the ice sheets had retreated and the "valley glaciers had melted away and a new landscape of ice scoured fells and lakes left impounded in the valley floors was revealed."<ref name="smith12"/>
▲<div class="res-img-1000">[[File:Arranque glaciar-en.svg]]{{c|<small>Graphic showing the process of plucking and abrasion (Image:Wikimedia Commons)</small>}}</div>
So, what is plucking? Plucking is a process that removes large fragments of rock under immense pressures and moves them to other locations, sometimes lengthy distances from their original position. This is similar to quarrying, except instead of explosives and heavy machinery, ice does all the hard work. For plucking to be most effective, '''Fracturing''' needs to take place. This is a separate process that weakens the bedrock along naturally occurring joints and fractures, prior to being broken up.<ref name="smith13">Smith (2012) p.13</ref> As Dr Smith explains, these weaknesses in the rocks may be enough for the ice break away these weakened fragments. However, not all rocks were made equal, and because of this, harder and softer rocks are broken up differently. As the upper layers of bedrock are plucked, the lower layers of rock 'relaxes' and 'unloads' as the pressure of weight is relieved.<ref name="smith13"/> This then results in the lower layers eventually fracturing and weakening for further plucking to take place. This cycle could repeat for many thousands of years.
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The once ebb and flow of ice and, in much more recent times, people, continue to have an effect on the natural backdrop of the second oldest national park in England.<ref group="lower-alpha">The Lake District National Park was formed on 9 May, 1951, second after that of the Peak District, which was formed on 17 April, 1951.</ref> The reservoirs of [[Haweswater]] and [[Thirlmere]] were once natural lakes. They were dammed to raise the water level in a bid to supply fresh water for the people of Manchester, at a price that flooded the valleys, damaging the flora and fauna within them.
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==List of the main lakes==
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===Bassenthwaite Lake===
:''Main article: [[Bassenthwaite Lake]]''
The only lake is our list with "lake" in its title. The lake's origins relate directly to the {{w1|last glacial period}} and the effects of a glacially eroded valley that possibly linked Bassenthwaite Lake with that of [[Derwentwater]] as one much larger body of water, seen similarly with [[Buttermere]] and [[Crummock Water]]. Today, they are connected only by the [[River Derwent]], which meanders through the long-ago silted up alluvial plain that separates the two lakes.
The name of this lake has changed several times since the Middle Ages.T he name ''Bassenthwaite'' means ''Bastun's clearing'' where ''Bassen'' comes from the Anglo-French surname ''Bastun'', which originally meant stick, and ''[[wiktionary:thwaite|thwaite]]'' is related to Old Norse ''[[wiktionary:þveit|þveit]]'' meaning ''a clearing'' or more accurately, ''forest land cleared for agriculture or habitation''.<ref>Whaley, p.20.</ref> The lake took its name from the village of [[Bassenthwaite]].
===Brothers Water===
<div class="res-img-1200">[[File:Brothers Water - panoramio.jpg]]</div>
:''Main article: [[Brothers Water]]''
'''Brothers Water''', also known as '''Brotherswater''', and historically '''Broad Water''', is one of the smallest lakes in Lakeland. It is located in the picturesque Patterdale valley, approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) south of [[Patterdale]] near [[Glenridding]]. The lake's name may derive from the Old Norse ''[[wiktionary:bróðir|bróðir]]'', which means ''brother''. It is claimed that the name of the lake comes from the unfortunate brothers that happened to drown here. Of this widespread tragedy, Harriet Martineau's ''Complete Guide to the English Lakes'' (1855) states: "Brothers Water derives its name from the accident — which is said to have happened twice, — of brothers being lost in it, in the attempt of one to save the other. On one of the two occasions, the accident happened through the breaking of the ice, when the brothers were making a venturesome short cut across it to church."<ref>{{martineau-1855|105}}</ref>
Although only a fraction larger than [[Elter Water]], Brothers Water was at one time much larger than its current size. Due to a high sedimentary inflow and the natural creation of an alluvial fan (new land formed by sedimentary build up), the lake's size has been reduced by around 900 metres.<ref>{{Smith-lakes| 100}}</ref> The lake itself is relatively shallow at 16.7 metres at its deepest point. Its shape is unlike the other lakes, which usually takes the ribbon form, carved by the ice many millennia ago. Here, however, the lake takes on a distinctly more rectangular shape, caused by nature and time.
It can be reached via the A592 [[Kirkstone Pass]], which connects [[Windermere]] and [[Ullswater]] through some of the most stunning and rugged mountain scenery. The descent into [[Hartsop]] is indeed dramatic, the drystone walled road winding its way ever downwards, surrounded by vast open slopes; [[Hartsop Dodd]] to the east and [[High Hartsop Dodd]] to the west.
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The village and environs offer accommodation with two hotels, a youth hostel, holiday cottages, and a campsite. There is also a small church dedicated to St. James, and light refreshments are served in the local farm cafe and tea room respectively. There are three car parks, five with hotel parking facilities. One of the car parks belongs to the National Trust and provides free parking to members. Access is via the B5289 (Honister Pass) or Newlands Pass if coming from [[Keswick]].
===Coniston Water===
:''Main article: [[Coniston Water]]''
===Crummock Water===
:''Main article: [[Crummock Water]]''
===Derwentwater===
<div class="res-img-1200">[[File:Derwentwater and Cat Bells from Friar's Crag (2304).jpeg]]</div>
:''Main article: [[Derwentwater]]''
===Elter Water===
<div class="res-img-1200">[[File:Elter Water (5267).jpg]]</div>
:''Main article: [[Elter Water]] – The smallest of the lakes''
'''[[Elter Water]]''' is a small lake on the main thoroughfare to the valley of [[Great Langdale]] where the dominant and striking [[Langdale Pikes]] are situated. It is connected via the A593 and lies approximately 5.6 kilometres (3.5 miles) west of [[Ambleside]] and one kilometre southeast from the village of [[Elterwater]]. Both the lake and the village are popular with walkers and cyclists alike, which can be busy all year round but particularly so during the more clement months.
The smallest of the lakes in the Lake District, Elter Water is 75 times smaller than [[Windermere]]<ref>{{Smith-lakes|5}}</ref> yet it is by no means lacking in other areas, offering stunning views from the eastern shore looking towards [[Lingmoor Fell]] and the aforementioned Pikes. It is made of three distinct sections and only has a maximum depth of around 6 metres (20 ft). The [[River Brathay]] flows through the southern part of the lake at The Nab, while the [[Great Langdale Beck]] flows from the north. They converge at the eastern section of the lake before continuing southeast towards [[Skelwith Force]] waterfalls at [[Skelwith Bridge]] and on towards Ambleside and [[Windermere (town)|Windermere]]. The majestic Whooper Swans winter on the lake here.<ref name="whaley">{{Whaley|108-109}}</ref>
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===Esthwaite Water===
<div class="res-img-1200">[[File:Esthwaite Water aerial photograph July 2019.jpg]]</div>
:''Main article: [[Esthwaite Water]]''
'''Esthwaite Water''' is a privately-owned, picturesque lake, nestled between [[Windermere]] and [[Coniston Water]] in relatively lowland areas, set against a backdrop of beautiful, rolling hills, with coniferous and deciduous woodlands to the east, south and west. The 11th largest lake from our list has a surface area of 100 hectares (247 acres), 7 kilometres (4.35 miles) of shoreline, and has a maximum depth of 15.5 metres (50 feet). The simplest meaning of ''Esthwaite Water'' would be the ''lake by the eastern clearing'', with the first and second elements coming from Old Norse, and the third from Old English.<ref>{{gambles|17}}</ref>
Esthwaite Water lies in a fairly open valley that was carved by a separate tongue of ice from the Langdale fells. The ice continued to excavate in a southerly direction before joining with the Windermere flow, south of Claife Heights.<ref name="smith66"/> This openness gives a feeling of space from some of the various vantage points that offer fine views across the landscape in almost every direction. In 1987 is was designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status, which is protected under conservation. It was London-born Helen Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake, which was handy given the proximity of her 17th-century writing retreat of [[Hilltop]], a modest, picture-perfect farmhouse set within the beautiful village of [[Near Sawrey]]. The main settlement is that of [[Hawkshead]], situated at the northern end of the lake.
===Grasmere===
:''Main article: [[Grasmere]]'''
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Nature finds a way to recover and today, Haweswater is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and small mountain ringlet butterflies. It is the highest lake in the National Park<ref>[https://www.unitedutilities.com/about-us/acres-of-nature/Haweswater/ Haweswater Reservoir] United Utilities. Accessed 26 April, 2023.</ref> and the landowners, United Utilities, are working in partnership with the RSPB<ref>[https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/haweswater-reserve/ Haweswater Reservoir] RSPB. Accessed 26 April, 2023.</ref> to ensure the area is protected for the future – see [https://wildhaweswater.co.uk/ Wild Haweswater] There is a circular walking route around the reservoir along with various trails through ancient woodland.
===Loweswater===
:''Main article: [[Loweswater]]''
===Rydal Water===
:''Main article: [[Rydal Water]]''
===Thirlmere===
:''Main article: [[Thirlmere]] (Reservoir)''
===Ullswater===
:''Main article: [[Ullswater]] – The 2nd largest of the lakes''
===Wast Water===
:''Main article: [[Wast Water]] – The deepest of the lakes''
===Windermere===
:''Main article: [[Windermere]] – The largest of the lakes''
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