At the head of the valley, beyond the lake, is Wasdale Head - a collection of cottages and an Inn popular with the walkers who flock here. From Wasdale Head you have access to some of the best hiking in the county and therefore Europe.

Wast Water, like the other lakes in the west of the National Park, is comparatively remote, with walkers and climbers as are the most frequent visitors. To get to the Lake from the east involves driving over the two passes of Wrynose and Hardknott. Hardknott is particularly disconcerting but the experience is worth having.

There are some lovely villages west of the lake that should be visited along with many other attractions on the West Cumbrian coast.

Walks:

You can (if you dare) walk round the whole lake though I would think twice before walking along the bottom of The Screes. There are dozens of paths up some of the best fells in the county, most of them requiring a certain amount of stamina and experience and so unsuitable for those wishing to have a quiet stroll. Scafell is the highest point in England and is an established training ground for climbers aiming at the Himalayas and the Andes.