England
Cumbria

Lake District countryside

This is a new section and will be expanded very shortly ...

The Lake District National Park
Visitor information and major attractions

Lakes of the Lake District
The major lakes of the National Park region and what to see and do

Waterfalls
The Lake District is blessed with a number of spectacular waterfalls, and many of them are fairly easy to access

St Bees Head Heritage Coast
St. Bees is the only heritage coast between Anglesey and the Scottish border, indeed, it is the only sea cliff in all that area. The cliffs are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some 300 feet high, and affording excellent views north to Scotland and across to the Isle of Man.

Gazetteer

Bassenthwaite Lake   The most northerly major lake in the Lake District National Park. Bassenthwaite's major attraction is the stately home of Mirehouse and the old church of St Bega nearby. The lake is home to the vendace, a fish found only one other place in the UK. Good access to Skiddaw, Cockermouth, and Keswick. Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Accessible either via the A66 or the A591. Parking at 3 locations on the west side of the lake, and one at the north east corner. Details of Bassenthwaite Lake OS NY215295 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bowder Stone   A Lake District icon, the Bowder Stone is a 2000 tonne boulder precariously balanced on one narrow corner. The stone is 30 feet high and 50 feet wide, and it can be ascended via a slender ladder. The Bowder Stone is set in lovely woodland. Grange, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: At the north end of Borrowdale, on the B5289 Keswick to Seatoller road at Grange. Parking in a National Trust parking lot, and a short, mostly level walk to the stone. OS NY255164 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brothers Water   One of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and one of the least visited. Most visitors to the area whizz past Brothers Water on their way over the Kirkstone Pass, but the lake is well worth a visit. Trails from Hartsop lead around the lake, past a medieval farmhouse and into the hills beyond. Hartsop, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Park at Cow Bridge parking area near Hartsop, or at a small pull-by on the A592 which leads to a tiny beach area. Details of Brothers Water - Photos of Brothers Water OS NY 412128 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Buttermere Lake   A beautiful lake in heart of all that is best about the Lake District! Surrounded by some of the best walking country in the National Park, Buttermere has been a magnet for visitors since the Lakeland poets like Wordsworth first began to extol its beauty. There are popular walks along the lake and more vigorous walks to Red Pike and Haystacks, among other delights. Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Located at the foot of Honister Pass, on the A5289. Website: Buttermere Lake National Trust Details of Buttermere Lake - Photos of Buttermere Lake OS NY 180160 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Coniston Water   Coniston Water is the third largest lake in Lake District National Park. Coniston village is the main settlement along the lake. Above Coniston is the popular climb to the Old Man of Coniston. On the eastern shore is Brantwood, home of Victorian writer John Ruskin. The restored steam yacht Gondola take visitors up and down the lake in style, sailing from Coniston jetty. Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Coniston village is on the A593 from Ambleside. The eastern shore is reached via a minor road off the B5285 near Hawkshead. Details of Coniston Water OS SD 305950 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Crummock Water   The larger sibling of popular Buttermere lake in the north west of the Lake District, Crummock Water is larger than its neighbour, and tends to avoid the crowds that throng Buttermere. On the western side of the lake is Scale Force waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Lake District at 170 feet in height. Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Located on the B5289 near Buttermere village. Details of Crummock Water OS NY 157190 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Derwentwater   The largest and most visited of the northern lakes, Derwentwater offers good boating activity, plus some of the most popular walks in the National Park. Just outside Keswick is Castlerigg Stone Circle, while to the south is Lodore Falls and Borrowdale, with access to Honister Pass and Buttermere beyond. Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Keswick, the centre for Derwentwater, is best accessed off the A66 (exit the M6 at Penrith). Details of Derwentwater - Photos of Derwentwater OS NY 260200 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dodd Wood   A lovely woodland area rising above the eastern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, the most northerly lake in the Lake District National Park. Dodd Wood stands opposite the historic house of Mirehouse, from whom the National Park leases the area. A591, Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On the A591 at Mirehouse. Paid parking lot. Details of Dodd Wood OS NY246272 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Eden Valley   The Eden River begins on the verges of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and runs north through Cumbria before looping west to the sea at Carlisle. On the way the river passes through beautiful open countryside which has remained untrammelled by the throngs of tourists flocking to the Lake District further west. Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: The Eden River flows from the verges of the Yorkshire Dales to the sea near Carlisle. The most popular places to base a visit are the market towns of Kirkby Stephen, Alston, or Penrith. Details of Eden Valley OS NY715195 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ennerdale Water   One of the most remote and inaccessible of the major lakes in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water is located in the extreme north west of the National Park. There are protected forests around the lake, and popular climbs all around the area. A youth hostel is located at the eastern end of the lake, accessible on foot only. Ennerdale Bridge, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Access is via a minor road from Ennerdale Bridge, signposted from the A5092 between Cleator Moor and Cockermouth. Details of Ennerdale Water OS NY105145 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Grizedale Forest Park   A Lake District 'must do', this popular woodland park occupies much of the land between the lakes of Coniston and Windermere.The land was at one time part of the extensive estates owned by Furness Abbey to the south. The land passed to Grizedale Hall, and was finally purchased in 1936 by the Forestry Commission. The forest park offers waymarked walks for all abilities, with the forest liberally sprinkled with woodland sculptures to add interest to the walks. Hawkshead, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 0QJ Attraction Type: Countryside Location: The Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre is located on a minor road between Hawkshead and Satterthwaite. Ample paid parking. Website: Grizedale Forest Park Forestry Commission Location map Details of Grizedale Forest Park OS SD336943 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Hardknott Pass   One of the most scenic of the Lakeland Passes, Hardknott has been in use since at least the Roman era. The road from Eskdale climbs to 1291 feet, making Hardknott the second highest of the Lakeland passes. Near the summit of the pass is a well preserved 2nd century Roman fort. The way is narrow and winding, with few passing places, but the scenery is simply superb. Well worth a drive. Cockley Beck, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside OS NY226012 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

High Sweden Bridge   A classic Lake District walk that leads from the shores of Windermere, through the picturesque streets of Ambleside, and up the fell side to a medieval packhorse bridge in a stunning countryside setting. This short circular walk offers superb views over Windermere and the surrounding countryside. Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 9LQ Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Park in Ambleside, Lakeside parking area is probably the closest parking lot. Location map Details of High Sweden Bridge OS NY379067 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Honister Pass   One of the most scenic and most popular Lakeland routes, the road over the Honister Pass follows the route travelled by Victorian sightseers on circular day trips from Keswick. The road climbs from Borrowdale, to a height of 1176 feet, before plunging down a precipitous grade to fetch up at Buttermere far below. An historic slate works is located at the summit, and a National Trust car park allows visitors to alite and savour the fabulous views. Seatoller, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On the B5289 at the southern end of Borrowdale OS NY225135 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Kirkstone Pass   If you fancy a good view, take my advice and turn your steering wheel south from Ullswater on the A592. Head through the hamlet of Patterdale and begin the long climb up to the summit of Kirkstone Pass, at 1481 feet the highest pass in the Lake District. The scenery is fabulous, with views across Patterdale and Troutbeck valleys. Near the summit is the Kirkstone Inn, the 3rd highest inn in England. Ambleside, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On the A592 between Patterdale and Ambleside. The pass is just north of the junction of a minor road from Ambleside with the A592. OS NY401084 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Loughrigg Fell   A classic Lake District walk, offering fabulous views over Rydal Water and Grasmere, and over the Langdale valley. For the less energetic, it is only a short climb to Loughrigg terrace, a level path part way up Loughrigg. Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 9SE Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Park at White Moss Quarry car park between Ambleside and Grasmere on the A591. Location map Details of Loughrigg Fell OS NY345055 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tarn Hows   Tarn Hows is one of the most celebrated beauty spots in the Lake District. The tarn is actually man-made, constructed by combining three smaller tarns during the 19th century. Well-maintained trails lead around the lake, making for easy circular walks. Hawkshead, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 0PR Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On a minor road signposted from the Hawkshead to ambleside road. Paid parking (free for National Trust members). Location map Details of Tarn Hows OS SD328997 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ullswater   The largest lake in the north east of the Lake District National Park. Ullswater provides an excellent base for walks, including the popular ascent of Helvellyn from Glenridding. The Ullswater steamer plies the lake from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. on the western shore is Aira Force, the most popular waterfall in the Lake District. Glenridding, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Ullswater can be accessed from the M6, junction 40 at Penrith. The A592 runs down the western shore of the lake and allows access from Windermere and Ambleside to the south. Details of Ullswater - Photos of Ullswater OS NY445205 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wast Water lake   The deepest lake in the Lake District, Wast Water is also one of the prettiest. The lake is located in a steep sided valley, and offers some of the most dramatic landscape in the National Park. Wasdale Head, at the eastern end of the lake, is a popular walking centre. There is excellent access from Wasdale Head to some of the most popular walks in the Lake District, including the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. Wasdale Head, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: Access via minor road off the A595 at Gosforth, or by minor roads from Santon Bridge and Eskdale. Details of Wast Water lake - Photos of Wast Water lake OS NY160060 Photo Credit: David Ross Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Whinlatter Pass   The northernmost road pass in the Lake District. The northeast end of the pass begins at Braithwaite, and climbs to an altitude of 1040 feet. There are layby's on the road giving superb views over Bassenthwaite Lake to the Skiddaw range. Near the summit is the Whinlatter Forest Park, where a modern Visitor Centre gives details of the area and outlines the variety of forest walks available. Trails lead through plantations to the waterfall at Spout Force. Braithwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On the B5292 road to Lorton south from Braithwaite. Website: Whinlatter Pass Email: whinlatter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Forestry Commission OS NY204241 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wrynose Pass   One of the most scenic - and least visited - places in the Lake District. Wrynose Pass lies between Langdale and Eskdale valleys. A narrow, winding road twists and winds as it climbs to the summit, reaching 1281 feet in the process. The view from the top of the pass is superb, one of the best in the Lake District. Near the summit is Three Shires Stone, the former junction of the counties of Lancashire, Cumberland, and Westmorland. Little Langdale, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Location: On a minor road between the valleys of Eskdale and Langdale. The road is very narrow, with passing places, but the effort to drive or cycle to the summit is well worth it. OS NY275026 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

photo of Ullswater is © David Ross and Britain Express