WASTWATER has been named as one of the seven natural wonders of the UK according to the Royal Geographical Society in partnership with outdoor brand Merrell.

However, 55% of people were unable to recall the Lake District’s Wastwater when asked about places they had visited in the UK.

The Wasdale valley was created by Ice Age glaciers carving out U-shaped hollows in the hard volcanic rocks.

Although the Ice Age began about 2.4 million years ago, it was the latest period of intense cold, about 10,000 years ago, that caused the striking features seen today in the Lake District.

Mary-Ann Ochota, TV presenter and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) said: “One of the few positives to come out of the pandemic is the opportunity many of us have had to explore the natural wonders on our doorsteps. And hopefully this summer will offer even more chances to explore new places in the UK.

“This list will have a couple of sites that might be familiar, but there’s also likely to be some hidden gems that you might never have heard of. These seven locations are really extraordinary – I think most of us would be amazed to learn that they’re right here in our own country.”

Wastwater was joined by Pistyll Rhaeadr, Loch Coruisk and the Cuillins, Dovedale, the Needles, the Jurassic Coast and the Giant’s Causeway.

However. the survey revealed that 90% of those polled admitted to not having heard of all the Seven Wonders at all.

It also revealed that 41% of UK adults have incredibly never visited any of the Seven Wonder landmarks

The survey, of 2,000 people, was commissioned by outdoor specialists Merrell and revealed that more than half of UK adults are more likely to visit one the UK’s best beauty spots than they were pre-Covid.

Simon Sweeney, UK marketing manager at Merrell said: “The Natural Wonders have been devised to inspire native exploration and celebrate nature’s greatest gifts in the UK.

"A longing for travel, discovery and new experiences has been suppressed by the pandemic, and with restrictions on international getaways set to continue this year, the Seven Wonders serves as inspiration for those embarking on a UK adventure and builds on Merrell’s mission to get more people outdoors.”