The Hole In The Lake

The hole you see below in the Ladybower Reservoir, Derbyshire, England is reportedly the world's largest Bell-mouth spillway. Spillways are structures used to provide for the controlled release of water from a dam or levee into a downstream area so that the water does not overtop and damage or even destroy the dam. Such spillways are common in many man made lakes such as the Ladybower Reservoir.

The Ladybower Reservoir is provided with two Bell-mouth overflows (locally named the 'plugholes') each having inlet diameter of about 80 feet which tapers to about 15 feet at its exit located at the base of the dam.

The reservoir is a popular tourist location for the scenic beauty it provides. The presence of two large holes in the reservoir helps as it offers a curious sight.