How much do you know about the lakes of the Lake District? For instance, do you know how many lakes there are in the Lake District? It's a trick question of course, because the answer is one. Although the Lake District is home to many meres, tarns and waters, Bassenthwaite Lake is the only official lake in the Lake District. There are actually sixteen bodies of water which give the Lake District its name, not to mention hundreds of beautiful, smaller tarns. With such breath-taking scenery, it's no wonder it has become one of the UK's most desirable holiday destinations. Hopefully our quick whistlestop tour of the sixteen 'major lakes' in the Lake District National Park will give you a little insight into what each of them offers. We'll start close to home, just a few minutes from many of our Matson Ground cottages. Windermere At 10.5 miles long, Windermere is the Lake District's largest lake and arguably the best-known of them all. It has become a favourite amongst watersports enthusiasts, and with the steamers and ferries making their regular trips up and down (and across) the lake, it's a hub of activity. From windsurfing to sailing, rowing to sup-boarding, there's something for everyone, whatever your level of expertise. And for those who prefer dry land, there are a number of walks in the surrounding hills, including Orrest Head, from where Alfred Wainwright first fell in the love with the Lake District. Ullswater If you're staying in Cruck Barn, Elm How or Eagle Cottage, you'll be very familiar with Ullswater, the Lake District's second largest lake. At around 7.5 miles long, Ullswater is much quieter than Windermere. One way to explore the lake is on the famous steamers, which can be boarded at Glenridding's jetty. For land lovers, the 20-mile Ullswater Way which circumnavigates the lake is another great way to explore the lake and its surroundings. If you're more adventurous, England's third highest peak, Helvellyn, is a popular climb for visitors to the area. Derwentwater Located near the popular tourist town of Keswick, Derwentwater is the third largest lake in the Lake District. With dramatic landscapes which change from one minute to the next, depending on the time of year and the weather, it has become a photographer's dream. There are a number of walking trails around the lake, including the family-friendly hike up Catbells. And for those wishing to explore the lake itself, why not hire out one of the colourful rowing boats or hop on one of the Keswick Launches? Bassenthwaite Lake Not only is Bassenthwaite Lake the only 'official lake' in the Lake District, it is also the most northerly of the major lakes in the Lake District National Park. Furthermore, it's the shallowest at just 70 feet deep. The lake is a popular destination for birdwatchers. Herons and cormorants are a common sight, while the summer months herald the return to its shores of the Ospreys. At the northern end of the lake, you can visit Dubwath Wetland Nature Reserve, home to curlews, reed buntings and meadow pipits, among others. Coniston Water This picturesque lake provided some of the inspiration for Arthur Ransome's famous children's book, 'Swallows and Amazons'. It's a popular destination for families, looking to recreate some of the stories from the book, or simply enjoying some fun on the water. Alternatively, enjoy the scenery aboard the beautifully restored Gondola, a Victorian steam-powered yacht which sails gracefully up and down the lake in the summer months. Haweswater Haweswater is a reservoir, controversially constructed in 1929 to supply water to towns and cities in the north-west of England. In order to achieve this, the villages of Mardale Green and Measand were flooded; nowadays, in times of drought, the foundations and ruins of these villages can be seen, a sight which brings in visitors, curious to get a glimpse of a bygone time. Thirlmere Thirlmere is another ma-made reservoir which was created in 1894 to supply water to Manchester. The residents of the villages of Wythburn and Amboth were relocated - only the church of Wythburn village survives. The reservoir is surrounded on all sides by enchanting forests, where the residents include red squirrels and red deer. The small car park adjacent to Wythburn Church is an excellent starting point for those planning to tackle Helvellyn. Ennerdale Water Despite being arguably one of the prettiest lakes in the Lake District, Ennerdale is possibly the least visited. And with no roads running its length, it is also one of the most peaceful. Only canoes and kayaks are allowed on Ennerdale (although you do need to have a permit). There are also some glorious walks which follow the shoreline, or for the most adventurous, why not tackle one of the surrounding fells? Wastwater Described by William Wordsworth as "stern and desolate", Wastwater is England's deepest lake at 260 feet. It is also home to one of Britain's favourite views, the narrow valley with the peaks of Red Pike, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. In fact, the outline of the three peaks which stand at the eastern end of lake (Lingmell, Scafell Pike and Great Gable) was selected as the symbol for the Lake District National Park. The lakes of the lake district Crummock Water This pretty lake lies at the foot of Grasmoor Peak and is home to the tallest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force. For those looking for adventure on the lake, rowing boats are available for hire along the shore. It is also popular with wild swimmers who love the sheltered shingle beach by the slate boathouse. Like Thirlmere, if you're lucky you might spot a red squirrel in the woodlands o the lake shore. Those are the ten largest lakes in the Lake District National Park. The remaining six lakes are: Esthwaite Water, Grasmere, Buttermere, Loweswater, Rydal Water and Brothers Water. Each of these wonderful lakes is worth a visit, each one offering a network of trails for those looking to explore. We hope this has given you a little insight into the major lakes of the Lake District. If nothing else, at least you'll know the answer to the popular quiz question: How many lakes are there in the Lake District?