The Lake District is one of the most popular regions in England, and Cumbria offers visitors a wealth of beautiful landscapes and things to do and see around the lakes.
The Lake District has more variety of scenery than any other area of its size in Britain. It contains 16 major lakes from Windermere, England’s largest lake, to Brotherswater set beside the road over Kirkstone Pass. There are also numerous mountain tarns.
Towering above these picturesque lakes are some of England’s highest mountains, including all of England’s three-thousand footers.
With the M6 motorway passing close to the eastern side of the Lake District, it has brought a day trip within reach of people from as far afield as the Potteries and the Midlands. Good roads also make the area accessible from Teesside, Tyneside and the West Riding and Lancashire industrial belts.
The area caters well for the tourist; there are numerous tourist information offices and mobile information caravans. Fine scenery is set practically beside the road. You can still get the feel of being among the mountains without leaving your car, especially in Great Langdale, Buttermere and Wasdale.
Lake District Walks
The area is the finest in England for the fell walker. There are over 120 mountain tops over 2,000 feet in height. There are many paths and routes on to the tops of the mountains, and all of Lakeland’s peaks are accessible without a rope. No one should go on to the tops without the proper equipment. Boots and windproof clothing should always be worn. You should also carry as a bare minimum a map, compass, whistle (and the knowledge of how to use them), waterproof clothing and some emergency rations. It is also advisable to leave details of your route with someone.
George Fisher’s sports shop in Keswick hires out equipment to walkers who do not possess it. In case of accidents, there are a number of very efficient rescue teams which can be contacted by the police. For further details see Mountain Rescue and Cave Rescue by the Mountain Rescue Committee, obtainable from most outdoor shops in the area.
Rock Climbing in the Lake District
There are rock climbs of every standard in the Lake District. It has been used as a training ground by many Alpine and Himalayan climbers. The principal centres are Great Langdale, Borrowdale, Pillar in Ennerdale and Wasdale. Great Langdale is a good area for the tourist to see climbers in action from the roadside. A pair of binoculars is handy.
Water sports in Windermere
All water sports are catered for: the principal lakes for power boats and water skiing are Ullswater and Windermere. The best lakes for sailing are Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Coniston Water and Ullswater. There are sailing clubs at the northern end of Bassenthwaite and on the Howtown road beside Ullswater.
Then there are the rowing boats available for hire on Bassenthwaite or Buttermere. Large pleasure boats operate regular services on Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere
Finally, with the Lake District uncovered why not book yourself into a Spa Hotel? In addition, with Aphrodites Lodge you can jump into your own private hot tub.