Bassenthwaite Lake is the most northerly of all the lakes in the Lake District and has been designated as a site of special scientific interest. Parking around the lake is limited. There are 2 small car parks at the north of the lake which hold up to 10 cars each and there's a larger layby further south. Bassenthwaite Lake is shallow and is shallowest at the eastern shore, so watch out for your fin. It's also very popular with open water swimmers, so be on the look out.