Windermere is the largest natural water lake in England and, like its Scottish counterpart, is rumoured to be the home of a giant monster...

Just recently the biggest hunt for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 years took place and, sadly, proved unfruitful.

Countless sightings have been reported of the mythical creature over the years, including four this year according to The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, but what about Bownessie?

There have been over 10 reported sightings of Windermere’s rather shy monster who still remains a myth today.

Whether you are a believer or not, here are some interesting things you may not know about Cumbria's own legendary beast.

Windermere’s Nessie

Bownessie is the given name of the elusive creature that some think inhabits Lake Windermere, named affectionately after the nearby town of Bowness.

It also has a lesser-known name, Winnie. 

Where to see Bownessie

If you’re seeking other monster hunters, then head to the Lake District’s most popular attraction – Windermere Lake Cruises. According to LakeLovers, the guys there recommend a relaxing - or potentially terrifying - jaunt on one of their delightful steamers to try and catch a sighting of Bownessie.  

For non-believers, there’s nothing wrong with a pleasurable amble around the beautiful ground of the mock-gothic Wray Castle Estate, but let's be honest, won't you feel a fool when Bownessie rocks the boat...

Monsters, Myths and Legends of the Lakes

Myths have long been associated with the Lake District and we certainly like a good yarn in the local watering hole here.

There are plenty of legends and myths that surround the Lake District, including Windermere’s legendary Tizzie Whizzie. Legends say it has a hedgehog-like body, bumblebee wings and the tail of a squirrel.

How big is Bownessie?

Windermere is 11 miles long and although it has a busy resort atmosphere, is actually home to several endangered freshwater species, such as European eels and more recently the native Arctic Charr.

The 10mph speed limit keeps the thriving boating community which has over 10,000 boats registered at bay.

It is for this exact reason, we surmise, that Bownessie remains undiscovered. She simply hates traffic and who can blame her?

However, reported sightings of our Windermere Nessie offer a much longer tale. Let’s take a look at the history of Bownessie sightings.

In 2006, journalism lecturer, Steve Burnip reported a “30ft creature with humps”.

“20ft ripples” were left behind by Bownessie, claimed Lakes TV director in 2009, about the Bownessie-sized disturbance of the water caught on video as he was filming for a Bownessie documentary.

“The length of three cars”, is the size of the mythical Bownessie, according to Tom Pickles and Sarah Harrington who were out kayaking on Windermere in 2011 when they snapped what they thought was Bownessie.

“Five or six metres long in length”, according to local witness Colin Honour who recorded a sighting in 2012.

Elusive Creature

Considering the reported large length of this mythical creature, it is rather surprising that The University of Lancaster, which runs echo sound surveys monthly on Windermere, has not found anything yet.