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Coniston Water
Five miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of all the lakes and played host to Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell's famed attempts on the world speed record.
It was in 1967 that Donald Campbell lost his life here, while making another record attempt in the famous craft Bluebird. The lake was also the inspiration to Arthur Ransome for his classic Swallows and Amazons series of children's books.
Coniston Water's early history sees it as the main transport channel for slate and ore taken from the Coppermines Valley. Over 180ft deep in places, this Lakeland marvel is owned by the National Trust.
