River Irt

[2] The River Irt flows from the south-western end of Wast Water, the deepest lake in England.

Wast Water is fed by a number of streams, but principally the Mosedale and Lingmell becks that enter the lake at its eastern end, on the north-western side of Scafell Pike.

The Irt leaves the lake at the foot of Whin Rigg, the southern peak of the famous Wastwater Screes, and flows in a south-westerly direction.

[3][4][5] The River Irt then flows through the villages of Santon Bridge and Holmrook, where it is crossed by the A595 coast road.

Poaching of the pearls was thought to have led to the mussels becoming extinct in the River Irt,[7] however, a very small number have survived.