Spread across Britain, a number of incredible lakes hide within glacial valleys, sprawling forests and pastoral countryside. Some extending for miles, some reaching unimaginable depths and some exuding hypnotic beauty, these beautiful bodies of water play a vital role in the earth's water cycle and provide magical settings for exploration whatever the season.

Blue Pool, Dorset

Situated within the Isle of Purbeck, the mesmeric Blue Pool makes for an unlikely feature of this pretty peninsula, separated from the rest of Dorset by a belt of shrubby heaths. Surrounded by 25 acres of heathland, woodland and gorse, the lake is actually a disused quarry that has since been flooded and is remarkable for its unique colour. Forever changing from deep blue to turquoise to green, the lake is coloured by light diffracted off fine clay particles suspended in the water. 

Llangorse Lake, Brecon Beacons 

Llangorse Lake is tucked between the Central Beacons and the Black Mountains and is surrounded by a patchwork of fields and wildflower meadows. Lying in a hollow formed by glacial activity, its picturesque surroundings are a favourite backdrop for long walks, picnics by the shore and even boating, from kayaking to dinghy sailing. Adding to the fun, the lake also hosts an annual ‘big swim’ for a more immersive experience.

Windermere, Cumbria 

Arguably England’s most famous lake, the huge mass of Lake Windermere rests in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The largest natural lake in England, it is fed by numerous rivers and reaches 10.5 miles long, 1 mile wide and 220 feet deep! Overlooked by wind-scoured fells and picture-postcard villages, the lake offers something for everyone, whether you are looking to get involved in the action or find a quiet corner to rest and watch the world go by. 

Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute

Giving the game away in its name, the appropriately named Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute ripples with a rare kind of beauty. Awesome in nature, this freshwater lake is the longest in Scotland and extends for over 25 miles through incredible scenery. Peppered with islands and guarded by formidable castle ruins, it is every wilderness-seeker and photographer’s dream. Particularly beautiful is Kilchurn Castle, built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell. 

Llyn Tegid, Gwynedd

Llyn Tegid (also known as Bala Lake) in Gwynedd is the biggest natural lake in Wales. Cruising for 4 miles along the eastern fringes of Snowdonia National Park, it is topped up by rivers running down from Penllyn’s mountain ranges and enveloped by hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Not only impressive for its aesthetics, but this lake is also the only known home of the incredibly rare 'gwyniad' fish - a whitefish species that became trapped in the lake at the end of the last Ice Age.

Loch Ness, Inverness 

Undeniably one of the most famous lakes in the world, Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands gained itself a spot on the global stage following rumours of a mysterious beast lurking within its waters. Brooding with atmosphere and stretching for around 23 miles long, the 750-feet-deep lake actually boasts the largest volume of fresh water in Great Britain – holding more water than all of England and Wales’ lakes put together! It’s not hard to imagine therefore, that something could easily conceal itself within its depths…