GEOGRAPHY OF THE UK

The total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 245,000 square kilometres INCLUDING of the island of Great Britain, the northeastern one-sixth of the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland) and smaller islands. England is the largest country of the United Kingdom, at 130,410 square kilometres. Scotland at 78,772 square kilometres is second largest. Wales and Northern Ireland are much smaller, covering 20,758 square kilometres and 14,160 square kilometres.

RIVER SEVERN

The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, at 220 miles (354 km). There have been many disasters on the Severn, making it Britain's most dangerous river. It has claimed many lives (about 300 people), especially during the 20th century. Ironbridge, built in 1779, was the first cast- iron arch bridge ever constructed.

RIVER SEVERN

RIVER THAMES

The River Thames is the second longest river in the United Kingdom. It has a special significance in flowing through London, the capital of the United Kingdom. The River Thames contains over 80 islands. Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (commonly known today as the Houses of Parliament) were built on Thorney Island. Various species of bird feed off the river or nest on it. The River Thames has served several roles in human history, being an economic resource, a water highway, a boundary, a fresh water source, also a source of food and more recently a leisure facility. RIVER THAMES

Newbridge, in rural Oxfordshire

RIVER THAMES

RIVER BANN

The River Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland, the total length being 80 miles (129 km). The river is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, anglers and cruisers and has minimal commercial traffic. It acts as most of the border between County Antrim and County Londonderry. RIVER BANN

RIVER TAY

It is the longest river in Scotland and the seventh-longest in the United Kingdom. The Tay is a famous salmon river. RIVER TAY

LAKE WINDERMERE

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. It has been one of the country’s most popular places for holidays and summer homes. Like many bodies of water around the world, Windermere is reputed to contain one or more large, unusual fish or animals. LAKE WINDERMERE

LOCH (lake) LOMOND

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish loch. It is the largest lake in mainland Britain, by surface area, and contains many islands. It is a popular leisure destination and is featured in song. LOCH (lake) LOMOND

LAKE BALA

Bala Lake (Welsh: Llyn Tegid) is a large lake in Gwynedd, Wales. A number of companies provide kayaks, yachts and various other types of boats for rent to tourists. LAKE BALA

LOUGH NEAGH

With an area of 392 square kilometres (151 square miles), it is the largest lake in the British Isles and ranks among the forty largest lakes of Europe. Located twenty miles (30 km) to the west of Belfast, it is approximately twenty miles (30 km) long and nine miles (15 km) wide. Legend An old Irish story tells how the Lough was formed when Ireland's legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) scooped up a portion of the land and tossed it at a Scottish rival. He missed, and the chunk of earth landed in the Irish Sea, thus creating the Isle of Man. LOUGH NEAGH

LOCH MORAR

Loch Morar is a freshwater loch in Morar, Scotland. It is the fifth largest loch in Scotland, with a surface area of 26.7 km2 (10.3 sq mi). It is also the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, with a maximum depth of 1,017 ft (310 m). LOCH MORAR

LOCH NESS

Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 km (23 miles). Loch Ness is best known for the sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie". Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish loch by surface area at 56.4 km2 (21.8 sq mi) after Loch Lomond, but due to its great depth it is the largest by volume. Its deepest point is 230 m (754 ft). Boat cruises operate from various locations on the loch shore, giving visitors the chance to look for the "monster". LOCH NESS

Presentation 2Mountain Ranges of the UK

BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. It is in the Scottish Highlands. it attracts an estimated 100,000 ascents a year. The summit, at 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) above sea level, contains the ruins of an observatory. The summit observatory was built in the summer of 1883, and would remain in operation for 21 years. The first path to the summit was built at the same time as the observatory and was designed to allow ponies to carry up supplies. The opening of the path and the observatory made the ascent of the Ben increasingly popular. BEN NEVIS

The history of hill running on Ben Nevis dates back to Regular races were organised until 1903, when two events were held; these were the last for 24 years, perhaps due to the closure of the summit observatory the following year. Ben Nevis's popularity has led to concerns in recent decades over the impact of humans on the fragile mountain environment. BEN NEVIS

SCAFELL PIKE

At 978 metres (3,209 ft), Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. SCAFELL PIKE

SLIEVE DONARD

Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland at 852 metres (2,795 ft). It is situated by the small seaside town of Newcastle on the east coast. Situated only 2 miles (3 km) from the sea, it provides spectacular views of the coast. The mountain is an easy climb. In recent years a stone path has been made on the steepest parts of the mountain. The most prominent feature of this mountain is the Mourne Wall running along its southern and western shoulders. A number of footpaths lead to Snowdon's summit from all sides. SLIEVE DONARD

SNOWDON

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. It has been described as "probably the busiest mountain in Britain." It is located in Snowdonia National Park. The summit lies at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level. Snowdon offers some of the most extensive views in the British Isles; on exceptionally clear days, Ireland, (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Scotland, England, and the Isle of Man (as well as Wales) are all visible, as well as 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands. SNOWDON

Channel Tunnel

The Channel Tunnel (French: Le tunnel sous la Manche), known as the Chunnel, is a kilometre (31.4 mi) undersea rail tunnel linking Folkestone, Kent near Dover in the United Kingdom with Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais near Calais in northern France beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. At its lowest point it is 75 metres (250 ft) deep. At 37.9 kilometres (23.5 mi), the Channel Tunnel has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world. The tunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains. Channel Tunnel

Ideas for a cross-Channel link appeared as early as The eventual successful project, organised by Eurotunnel, began construction in 1988 and opened in The tunnel was officially opened by British Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand in a ceremony held in Calais on 6 May Channel Tunnel