The Lake District
Sightseeing
Windermere provides an ideal hub for exploring the whole of the Lake District National Park. The town has the only railway station in the district and so provides the dropping-off point for those on foot as well as being the first town car travellers find when driving from the south of England.
Windermere takes its name from the lake, the shore of which is actually at the connecting town of Bowness. The two towns can be seen as a continuum, both having an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Bowness, at the water's edge, has moorings and jetties where one can rent motor and rowing boats or take a larger cruise through the many islands to Lakeside and Ambleside at each end of the lake.
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Windermere
Windermere provides an ideal hub for exploring the whole of the Lake District National Park. The town has the only railway station in the district and so provides the dropping-off point for those on foot as well as being the first town car travellers find when driving from the south of England.
Windermere takes its name from the lake, the shore of which is actually at the connecting town of Bowness. The two towns can be seen as a continuum, both having an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Bowness, at the water's edge, has moorings and jetties where one can rent motor and rowing boats or take a larger cruise through the many islands to Lakeside and Ambleside at each end of the lake.
Ambleside, at the northern end of Lake Windermere, is a bustling town with an array of shops, cafes, bars (live music is a regular occurrence in the tourist season) and restaurants and, for the more serious fell-walker, specialist outdoor wear and equipment shops. It sits at the junction of the A591 and the A593 and so acts as a staging point for those heading north to Grasmere and beyond to Keswick, west to Langdale and Coniston and south to Windermere. It also allows easy access for walkers to some of the routes up to Fairfield and the Helvellyn range. Its importance as a junction warranted the construction of a Roman fort close to the lake's northern shore.
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Ambleside
Ambleside, at the northern end of Lake Windermere, is a bustling town with an array of shops, cafes, bars (live music is a regular occurrence in the tourist season) and restaurants and, for the more serious fell-walker, specialist outdoor wear and equipment shops. It sits at the junction of the A591 and the A593 and so acts as a staging point for those heading north to Grasmere and beyond to Keswick, west to Langdale and Coniston and south to Windermere. It also allows easy access for walkers to some of the routes up to Fairfield and the Helvellyn range. Its importance as a junction warranted the construction of a Roman fort close to the lake's northern shore.
Grasmere is famous throughout the world as the dwelling place for William Wordsworth, both in Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Wordsworth's grave is in the village graveyard. The village itself is beautifully situated and provides easy access to the fells for both serious and occasional walkers.
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Grasmere
Grasmere is famous throughout the world as the dwelling place for William Wordsworth, both in Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Wordsworth's grave is in the village graveyard. The village itself is beautifully situated and provides easy access to the fells for both serious and occasional walkers.
Keswick lies at the northern shore of Derwentwater and is the main town for the northern lakes. It has numerous shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and is a good starting point for ascents of Skiddaw to the north and Catbells and Maiden Moor to the south west. Keswick is the stopping-off place for those travelling in to Borrowdale and thereafter the Honister Pass.
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Keswick
Keswick lies at the northern shore of Derwentwater and is the main town for the northern lakes. It has numerous shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and is a good starting point for ascents of Skiddaw to the north and Catbells and Maiden Moor to the south west. Keswick is the stopping-off place for those travelling in to Borrowdale and thereafter the Honister Pass.
Coniston is a pretty little town on the north west corner of Coniston lake, famous for Sir Colin Campbell's record attempts in Bluebird. Whilst the town is small, with a limited number of shops and bars, its situation is excellent, allowing the energetic walker to ascend The Old Man of Coniston and the less adventurous to take the excellent footpath on the western shore of the lake.
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Coniston
Coniston is a pretty little town on the north west corner of Coniston lake, famous for Sir Colin Campbell's record attempts in Bluebird. Whilst the town is small, with a limited number of shops and bars, its situation is excellent, allowing the energetic walker to ascend The Old Man of Coniston and the less adventurous to take the excellent footpath on the western shore of the lake.
Borrowdale valley lies to the south of Derwentwater and takes the traveller into the very heart of The Lake District. As one drives south towards Seatoller, the valley walls close-in and to the left hand side lies the Bowder Stone, a glacial erratic weighing over 2000 tons and standing on one edge.
Seatoller, the wettest place in England stands at the base of the Honister Pass which, at its top has a working mine and visitor attraction with a via ferrata. After cresting the summit of Honister, one looks down the valley to the three linera lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.
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Borrowdale
Borrowdale valley lies to the south of Derwentwater and takes the traveller into the very heart of The Lake District. As one drives south towards Seatoller, the valley walls close-in and to the left hand side lies the Bowder Stone, a glacial erratic weighing over 2000 tons and standing on one edge.
Seatoller, the wettest place in England stands at the base of the Honister Pass which, at its top has a working mine and visitor attraction with a via ferrata. After cresting the summit of Honister, one looks down the valley to the three linera lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.
Eskdale lies at the base of Hardknott Pass and is travelled though en-route to Wastwater. The valley is lush, green and is well known for the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway but the journey to Eskdale is as important as the arrival.
Leaving Windermere and heading west at Ambleside the road to Consiton is taken until the sharp turn to the right a couple of kms after Skelwith Bridge. Tight lanes, hemmed-in by moss-covered dry stone walls lead to picturesque Little Langdale and The Three Shires Inn. Passing the inn, the road narrows further until it starts to climb up the Wrynose Pass. The head of the pass has some stopping places and it is worth stopping to enjoy the views to all sides. One then descends into the Duddon Valley before the next spectacular climb up the Hardknott Pass. Just below the summit and to the right on the descent can be found Hardknott Fort, a Roman encampment in fine condition and with wonderful views commanding the valley below.
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Eskdale
Eskdale lies at the base of Hardknott Pass and is travelled though en-route to Wastwater. The valley is lush, green and is well known for the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway but the journey to Eskdale is as important as the arrival.
Leaving Windermere and heading west at Ambleside the road to Consiton is taken until the sharp turn to the right a couple of kms after Skelwith Bridge. Tight lanes, hemmed-in by moss-covered dry stone walls lead to picturesque Little Langdale and The Three Shires Inn. Passing the inn, the road narrows further until it starts to climb up the Wrynose Pass. The head of the pass has some stopping places and it is worth stopping to enjoy the views to all sides. One then descends into the Duddon Valley before the next spectacular climb up the Hardknott Pass. Just below the summit and to the right on the descent can be found Hardknott Fort, a Roman encampment in fine condition and with wonderful views commanding the valley below.
For those who enjoy days in the high fells and have a head for heights, the Helvellyn Horseshoe is a must. The car park in Glenridding is the ideal starting point and the early stages of the walk are well signposted. Following the route up through The Hole In The Wall (marked on the OS 1:25,000 map sheet), one soon finds oneself on the Edge with screes falling away on both sides. After a few hundred metres there is a short steep part-scramble up to Helvellyn's summit and one should stop for the views to all sides: High Street to the east, Fairfield to the south, Skiddaw and Blencathra to the northand the central fells and out to Scafell to the west. One will also see, immediately to the north east Swirral Edge, which forms the next part of the horseshoe, similar to Striding Edge and, as a descent, rather welcome. The path way takes the walker back to the car park.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
Striding Edge
For those who enjoy days in the high fells and have a head for heights, the Helvellyn Horseshoe is a must. The car park in Glenridding is the ideal starting point and the early stages of the walk are well signposted. Following the route up through The Hole In The Wall (marked on the OS 1:25,000 map sheet), one soon finds oneself on the Edge with screes falling away on both sides. After a few hundred metres there is a short steep part-scramble up to Helvellyn's summit and one should stop for the views to all sides: High Street to the east, Fairfield to the south, Skiddaw and Blencathra to the northand the central fells and out to Scafell to the west. One will also see, immediately to the north east Swirral Edge, which forms the next part of the horseshoe, similar to Striding Edge and, as a descent, rather welcome. The path way takes the walker back to the car park.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
Wasdale Head sits at the northern end of the valley occupied by Wastwater, England's deepest lake. The Head has a welcoming Inn serving hot, tasty, simple food usually full of walkers having returned from a hard day's trekking. The visitor is immediately struck by the scale of the peaks that surround; Kirkfell, Great Gable, Scafell and Scafell Pike. Each provides a challenge but, for those seeking a less arduous challenge, there are gentler walks that can also be rewarding.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
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Wasdale Head
Wasdale Head sits at the northern end of the valley occupied by Wastwater, England's deepest lake. The Head has a welcoming Inn serving hot, tasty, simple food usually full of walkers having returned from a hard day's trekking. The visitor is immediately struck by the scale of the peaks that surround; Kirkfell, Great Gable, Scafell and Scafell Pike. Each provides a challenge but, for those seeking a less arduous challenge, there are gentler walks that can also be rewarding.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and is very popular with fell walkers. You are likely to meet someone from elsewhere in the world at the summit whilst enjoying the views. There are many routes to the summit, some of which can take 5 hours each way but, for ease of access and time taken, Wasdale Head provides the best start point. There are two I'd recommend and each takes about 3 hours to get to the top and a similar time to descend.
The first starts near the Wasdale Head Inn and heads east along Lingmell Beck and up to Styhead Tarn. Here the path heads steeply southeast and past Sprinkling Tarn before curling around Great End and Esk Hause before rising to the summit.
The one I usually take starts at the National Trust car park on the northern end of Wastwater and follows Lingmell Gill until the stepping stones at Brown Tongue. Then it's on to Hollow Stones and a steep, quite spectacular scramble on to Mickledore and then a turn to the left and on up to the summit. My experience is that you won't be alone!! Everyone wants to do Scafell!
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
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Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and is very popular with fell walkers. You are likely to meet someone from elsewhere in the world at the summit whilst enjoying the views. There are many routes to the summit, some of which can take 5 hours each way but, for ease of access and time taken, Wasdale Head provides the best start point. There are two I'd recommend and each takes about 3 hours to get to the top and a similar time to descend.
The first starts near the Wasdale Head Inn and heads east along Lingmell Beck and up to Styhead Tarn. Here the path heads steeply southeast and past Sprinkling Tarn before curling around Great End and Esk Hause before rising to the summit.
The one I usually take starts at the National Trust car park on the northern end of Wastwater and follows Lingmell Gill until the stepping stones at Brown Tongue. Then it's on to Hollow Stones and a steep, quite spectacular scramble on to Mickledore and then a turn to the left and on up to the summit. My experience is that you won't be alone!! Everyone wants to do Scafell!
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
A beautiful walk from Grasmere village green with gentle ascents and a good path. About an hour each way and an excellent picnic spot.
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Easedale Tarn
A beautiful walk from Grasmere village green with gentle ascents and a good path. About an hour each way and an excellent picnic spot.
A short, steep walk from Grasmere village green (follow the Easedale road out of the village. The view from the top is spectacular and, for those not suffering from vertigo there is a challenge right at the top...it's the only summit Wainwright didn't actually get to...the nerves got him!!
When you get back down look at the summit from the Grasmere bypass near the Swan hotel; you'll see why the summit is also known as The Lion and The Lamb.
Helm Crag
A short, steep walk from Grasmere village green (follow the Easedale road out of the village. The view from the top is spectacular and, for those not suffering from vertigo there is a challenge right at the top...it's the only summit Wainwright didn't actually get to...the nerves got him!!
When you get back down look at the summit from the Grasmere bypass near the Swan hotel; you'll see why the summit is also known as The Lion and The Lamb.
Many Lakeland postcards picture Tarn Hows, a little north east of Coniston. It is so beautiful one would imagine an eighteenth century landscape gardener must have been responsible. Beautiful all year but especially so in autumn as the leaves turn to red and gold.
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Tarn Hows
Many Lakeland postcards picture Tarn Hows, a little north east of Coniston. It is so beautiful one would imagine an eighteenth century landscape gardener must have been responsible. Beautiful all year but especially so in autumn as the leaves turn to red and gold.
Another Lakeland picture-postcard location, it lies above the Borrowdale valley and provides wonderful views back towards Keswick and Skiddaw.
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Ashness Bridge
Another Lakeland picture-postcard location, it lies above the Borrowdale valley and provides wonderful views back towards Keswick and Skiddaw.
(See the Eskdale description). Hardknott Roman Fort is well worth stopping for as one drives over the challenging Hardknott Pass. The foundations of the elements of the barrack buildings are clear and the information boards describe the functions of each building very well. The commanding position of the fort is apparent to all who visit. The visitor should try and imagine life for a Roman soldier 2000 years ago on this bleak mountaintop.
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Hardknott Roman Fort
Hardknott Pass(See the Eskdale description). Hardknott Roman Fort is well worth stopping for as one drives over the challenging Hardknott Pass. The foundations of the elements of the barrack buildings are clear and the information boards describe the functions of each building very well. The commanding position of the fort is apparent to all who visit. The visitor should try and imagine life for a Roman soldier 2000 years ago on this bleak mountaintop.
Haweswater is one of the most remote lakes in Lakeland, only accessible by vehicle from the east although walkers can approach over the High Street range. This is its main attraction.
Haweswater is, in fact a reservoir, created in the 1930's and submerging the village of Mardale. In recent years it has been the only location in England where golden eagles breed although recently there has been doubt that this continues. At the head of the valley is a car park that allows walkers to access the High Street range. High Street itself was a high-level Roman road
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Haweswater Reservoir
Haweswater is one of the most remote lakes in Lakeland, only accessible by vehicle from the east although walkers can approach over the High Street range. This is its main attraction.
Haweswater is, in fact a reservoir, created in the 1930's and submerging the village of Mardale. In recent years it has been the only location in England where golden eagles breed although recently there has been doubt that this continues. At the head of the valley is a car park that allows walkers to access the High Street range. High Street itself was a high-level Roman road
Great Langdale, to the west of Ambleside surrounds the visitor with high, majestic peaks and excellent walking routes to meet all standards. The confident walker can ascend the Langdale Pikes directly behind The Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel or can head west and up to Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, whilst easier strolls can be taken along the various valley floors. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is a Lakeland favourite; basic, homely and serving good food and drink.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
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Great Langdale
Great Langdale, to the west of Ambleside surrounds the visitor with high, majestic peaks and excellent walking routes to meet all standards. The confident walker can ascend the Langdale Pikes directly behind The Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel or can head west and up to Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, whilst easier strolls can be taken along the various valley floors. The Old Dungeon Ghyll is a Lakeland favourite; basic, homely and serving good food and drink.
***Please note that whilst the British mountains are not as high as those in other countries, the nature of the British climate means that it is wise to wear the correct clothing and footwear and to take a map and compass.
Wordsworth's home for 8 year,s preserved as it was. Owing to its fame it is very busy so well worth checking beforehand.
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Dove Cottage
Wordsworth's home for 8 year,s preserved as it was. Owing to its fame it is very busy so well worth checking beforehand.
Wordsworth's home from 1813 to 1850, sits atop a small rise with lovely views to the south. The car park is very small so the visitor may have to park down the lane or, take a bus from Windermere to Grasmere and ask the driver to say when at the correct stop.
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Rydal Hall Gardens
1 Rydal MountWordsworth's home from 1813 to 1850, sits atop a small rise with lovely views to the south. The car park is very small so the visitor may have to park down the lane or, take a bus from Windermere to Grasmere and ask the driver to say when at the correct stop.
Ullswater is a winding lake stretching to the north east of the district and world famous for being the location for Wordsworth's daffoldils. The southern end of the lake is the most picturesque as the landscape flattens significantly towards Penrith.
From Windermere the route is over the Kirkstone Pass, with the Kirkstone Pass Inn at its summit. The descent to the lake takes the visitor past Brother's Water and on to Patterdale and then Glenridding (see the guide to Striding Edge). Glenridding suffered dreadfully a few years ago in flash floods that destroyed some of the village but the local community has worked hard to get the village back to normal.
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Ullswater
Ullswater is a winding lake stretching to the north east of the district and world famous for being the location for Wordsworth's daffoldils. The southern end of the lake is the most picturesque as the landscape flattens significantly towards Penrith.
From Windermere the route is over the Kirkstone Pass, with the Kirkstone Pass Inn at its summit. The descent to the lake takes the visitor past Brother's Water and on to Patterdale and then Glenridding (see the guide to Striding Edge). Glenridding suffered dreadfully a few years ago in flash floods that destroyed some of the village but the local community has worked hard to get the village back to normal.
Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's home and is now maintained by the National Trust. Those who know the books will easily identify spots in the house that the author used to illustrate her stories. The house is very popular and, at peak season, the queues can be long so it is best to check.
Near Sawrey
Hill Top was Beatrix Potter's home and is now maintained by the National Trust. Those who know the books will easily identify spots in the house that the author used to illustrate her stories. The house is very popular and, at peak season, the queues can be long so it is best to check.
The museum is on the Bowness to Ambleside road and houses a fascinating collection of craft. The steam launch Dolly is acknowledged to be the oldest mechanically propelled boat in the world and lovers of the children's books Swallows and Amazons will find Arthur Ransome's rowing boat on display.
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Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Rayrigg RoadThe museum is on the Bowness to Ambleside road and houses a fascinating collection of craft. The steam launch Dolly is acknowledged to be the oldest mechanically propelled boat in the world and lovers of the children's books Swallows and Amazons will find Arthur Ransome's rowing boat on display.
A very picturesque village, home to William Wordsworth's grammar school from 1779 to 1787. The village is full of winding lanes, tiny alleyways and courtyards and the 15th century village church is beautifully positioned on a knoll. However, the village is so popular it is probably best avoided on bank holidays.
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Hawkshead
A very picturesque village, home to William Wordsworth's grammar school from 1779 to 1787. The village is full of winding lanes, tiny alleyways and courtyards and the 15th century village church is beautifully positioned on a knoll. However, the village is so popular it is probably best avoided on bank holidays.
Descending from the summit of Honister Pass, the visitor will view much of the Buttermere valley, named for the rich dairy pastures evident below. Buttermere village is tiny but is the start of a circular walk around the lake. The path to Scale Force (52m) also starts in the village.
An alternative route back to Keswick (rather than over Honister and up Borrowdale) is via the Newlands Valley. For this, take the route north east from Buttermere village.
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Buttermere
Descending from the summit of Honister Pass, the visitor will view much of the Buttermere valley, named for the rich dairy pastures evident below. Buttermere village is tiny but is the start of a circular walk around the lake. The path to Scale Force (52m) also starts in the village.
An alternative route back to Keswick (rather than over Honister and up Borrowdale) is via the Newlands Valley. For this, take the route north east from Buttermere village.