Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE LAKE
DISTRICT
16
by Louise McGrath
One of the most beautiful parts of Great Britain, the
Lake District is characterized by its stunning moun-
tain and lake scenery. Whether you come for hikes,
camping, and watersports, or to follow the trail of Lake poets
like William
Wordsworth, there's a diverse range of activities. Some
visitors come to delve into Beatrix Potter's world, others to enjoy lake
cruises and first-class dinners at country hotels.
CITIES & TOWNS
Kendal's
former mill yards bustle with shops and
its museums introduce Lakeland life. Boat trips from
Bowness
and
Win-
dermere
ferry visitors around England's largest natural lake; at its north-
ern end
Ambleside
is a popular base for walkers. Wordsworth fans visit
his homes in
Rydal
and
Grasmere,
while flower-filled
Hawkshead
is in
Beatrix Potter country.
Coniston,
dominated by the “Old Man” moun-
tain, remembers Ruskin the writer, who lived nearby at Brantwood house.
Lively
Keswick
presents year-round productions at its Theatre by the
Lake.
COUNTRYSIDE
Take a boat trip on
Windermere, Coniston, Der-
wentwater,
or
Ullswater
to explore the length and depth of the lakes,
and see the granite fells rising up around you. Footpaths and cycle routes
lead along the water's edge, through
Grizedale Forest,
and to the sum-
mit of England's highest peak,
Scafell Pike,
while roads snake across
Honister
Pass,
offering dramatic valley vistas below. Venture to more
isolated lakes like
Haweswater
to spot peregrine falcons and golden
eagles.
EATING & DRINKING
Herdwick lamb, Cumberland sausages,
and
venison
are regularly on the menus, so the region might seem a
meat-lover's paradise. But you'll find
fresh salmon, scallops
from More-
cambe Bay,
artisan
bread, chutneys,
and
vegetarian cafes
from Ken-
dal to Keswick. Pick up Cumbrian produce at farm shops and Staveley
Mill Yard, and sample local ales in pubs or direct from local
micro-
breweries
like Coniston and Keswick.
MOUNTAINS & LAKES
With its miles of mountains, forest, and
lakes, it's easy to see why
Lake District National Park
inspired
the Lake poets. The park opens the way for windsurfing on the lakes,
