Most lakes, referred to as 'meres' or 'waters', lie at the foot of the fells and were scooped out by ice age glaciers. Derwent Water with its many islands, is arguably the loveliest of them all; from its southern shore the valley of Borrowdale leads up to the heights of Great Gable and Scafell Pike.

Buttermere is idyllic being surrounded in mountain splendour by magnificent fells and provides a most enjoyable walk around its shoreline.

Grasmere, as its name implies, lies at the edge of the village by the same name and, although a magnet for tourists during the day resumes a peaceful setting when the hustle and bustle of the day has passed.

Wastwater, the deepest lake in England, is hemmed in by grim mountains and scree slopes, and is often rated as the most sombre of all lakes.

Ullswater, on the eastern edge, is most spectacular, being long and irregular in shape. Steamers cruise on Ullswater during the summer season and the National Trust's restored Gondola puffs opulently on the 5 mile length of Coniston water.

Much the busiest Lake is that of Windermere, which is also the biggest at 10½ miles long.

Lakeland Fells are formed from a compact mass of high and rugged ground soaring abruptly from surrounding valleys and the coastal plain of Cumbria, almost as distinctive and well defined as a volcanic island rising from the sea of the north East Coast of England.

There are over 200 separate and named summits within its natural boundaries of mountains and fells . As in all mountainous regions, peaks are linked by ridges intersected by depressions which can enable access from one valley to another. These relatively simple ways of crossing high ranges are known as passes and a few, like Hard Knott Pass, carry roads but most are only accessible by foot. Long before the lofty summits were explored for pleasure, the passes were used by nomadic tribes and later by enterprising traders who used as them as commercial routes with packhorses to transport their wares.

Fortunately, when Lakeland was formed it was not created in such a way so as to enable motorists free access into the heart of the lakes. Where access is available, it provides a starting point for fell walking, which, as a pastime, has grown greatly in popularity in recent decades. Most visitors to the Lake District, however, are content to stroll along the valleys and beside the lakes preferring not to risk the hazards of the higher ground; some even have a primeval fear of mountains as places of danger.

One of the first to press for protection for the Lake District was William Wordsworth, a long time resident who was also, ironically, the greatest single influence on its popularity. Wordsworth House, in Crockermouth, where he was born in 1770, is now owned by the National Trust. Two of the houses that he lived in, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, are both open to visitors.

Beatrix Potters home at Hill Top near Sawrey is a mecca for the many who visit this popular location.

More recently notoriety has been bestowed on  A Wianwright, who moved from humble surroundings in Bradford to take up a position with the local authorities at Kendal. Famous for his guidebooks on lakeland walking he single handed mapped lakeland with unique detail that still stands the test of time.

Tourism is a major industry and caters for what would appear to be an ever increasing business.

One of my favourites, however, is that of the local brewery at Cockermouth which specialises in cask conditioned ales. Cumberland Ale is a fine example of a traditional ale but the recently introduced Cooper Ale is exceptionally fine as is the Sneck Lifter, a dark and strong beer.

A visit to the brewery is well recommended particularly on those occasional wet days.

Over the last 35 years we have spent many an enjoyable holiday in the Lake District; our most recent holidays are featured in this section.

Disclaimer

ALL walks detailed on this site were available at the time of walking and with minor exceptions ALL walks are across public rights of way, on public footpaths & permissive paths or across designated Access Land; information provided by Lakeland Walks is done with best intentions and any deviation from the aforementioned is the responsibility of the walker.  Lakeland Walks accepts no responsibility for the continued authenticity of walks published on this site.

The description, with or without a map, of a route on this website is not meant to signify a right of way  BUT all land is owned by someone and if in doubt, permission should be obtained from the landowner first.

Lakeland Walks has taken great care to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. No liability is accepted for any misinformation or injury, loss or damages incurred by use of said information.

The time taken was how long it took me on that day given my mood, who I was with and the weather conditions. If you choose to follow one of my routes it may take you more or less time than it took me!

Car parking is the responsibility of the owner & must always be done in strict accordance with local bylaws.