The Search for the Biggest Lake in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to many stunning natural wonders, including a variety of lakes. However, among all these lakes, which one holds the title for the largest? This question has baffled many people over the years, as there is no definitive answer. In this article, we will explore the criteria used to measure the size of a lake and then take a closer look at the top five largest lakes in the UK.
What is a Lake and How is it Measured?
A lake is a body of water that is surrounded by land and not directly connected to the sea. It is usually larger than a pond and can range from a few acres to thousands of acres in size. To measure the size of a lake, geographers and other experts use several different criteria.
Criteria for Measuring the Size of a Lake
In measuring the size of a lake, various criteria are taken into consideration. Some of the factors considered include the surface area of the lake, the average depth, and the maximum depth. Surface area, which is the measurement of the lake’s surface, is the most common method of determining the size of a lake.
Other criteria used in measuring a lake’s size include the volume of water, the length of the shoreline, and the catchment area. With these criteria in mind, let us now take a look at the top five largest lakes in the UK.
The Top 5 Largest Lakes in the UK
Number 5: Loch Tay
Loch Tay is the fifth-largest lake in the UK, with a surface area of 14.55 square miles. It is located in the central highlands of Scotland and is fed by the River Tay. Loch Tay’s maximum depth is 508 feet, and its average depth is 308 feet.
Number 4: Lough Neagh
Located in Northern Ireland, Lough Neagh has a surface area of 151 square miles, making it the fourth-largest lake in the UK. It is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and has a maximum depth of 80 feet.
Number 3: Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is the third-largest lake in the UK, with a surface area of 27.5 square miles. It is located in Scotland’s Trossachs National Park and has a maximum depth of 620 feet.
Number 2: Loch Ness
Loch Ness is perhaps one of the most famous lakes in the UK, thanks to its alleged resident, the Loch Ness Monster. It is the second-largest lake in the UK, with a surface area of 21.8 square miles. Loch Ness has a maximum depth of 755 feet and an average depth of 433 feet.
Number 1: Loch Morar
Loch Morar takes the crown as the largest lake in the UK, with a surface area of 26.4 square miles. It is located in the Scottish Highlands and has a maximum depth of 1,017 feet, making it the deepest lake in the UK and the eighth deepest in the world.
Other Large Lakes in the UK
Apart from the lakes listed above, there are several other large lakes in the UK that are worth mentioning. These include Loch Awe, Loch Earn, Derwentwater, and Windermere, which are all popular tourist destinations.
Conclusion: Loch Morar Takes the Crown
In conclusion, while the UK is home to many beautiful lakes, Loch Morar takes the crown as the largest. Its impressive size and depth make it a natural wonder that is worth exploring. However, all the lakes mentioned in this article are unique and offer their own set of stunning views and recreational opportunities.
Further Exploration: Other Interesting Lakes in the UK
If you’re interested in exploring other lakes in the UK, there are many other options to choose from. From the picturesque Lake District to the stunning Scottish Highlands, there are endless opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the UK’s lakes.
