"Lake" it a lot!!! (Lake District)

Member Name: fluff-buff

Product:	Lake District
Date:	26/04/03 (538 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Breathtaking Scenery, Clear air, Walker's Paradise

Disadvantages: Absolutely none

Firstly, let me apologise for the terrible title, but I just couldn't resist.

I had never visited the Lake District until Easter weekend when we decided to go away for a weekend camping. I have to say that I have been missing out. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the pleasure of visiting and the scenery is just breathtaking.

We stayed at Ullswater in a quiet campsite called Cove. When I say quiet I mean it. There was no shop, no pub and to be honest it didn't matter at all. I probably had one of the best weekends ever and will definitely not take long in revisiting the Lakes.

ULLSWATER

Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and even though it was early in the season it was a hive of activity. On the lake there are facilities for watersports such as sailing, sailboarding, fishing and cruising. Ullswater Steamers run regular ferries across the lake from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. The cost is approximately 8.80 for the full cruise for a return ticket and I would say it is well worth the money for the stunning scenery that you get to see whilst riding across the lake.

The lake is surrounded by valleys and mountains and provide a large variety of walking, hill climbing and other activities such as horse-rding, cycling and mountain biking.

There are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfast's and campsites to stay in Ullswater and I have to say that the cost was really quite reasonable. Ullswater is truly beautiful and only leaves me wondering why I have never been there before.

WINDERMERE

Windermere is far more touristy than Ullswater. The lake is, nonetheless, a wonderful sight, however, I far preferred the peacefulness of Ullswater.Once you arrive in Windermere you will find many souvenir shops (in fact souvenirs in most of the shops!!) There are also some wonderful restaurants and pubs.You can hire rowing boats and canoes or take a ride


on the ferry across Windermere, however the local authority has enforced strict controls on watercraft on the lake as it was causing too much damage to the environment.

DERWENT WATER

I think that probably Derwent Water was the most beautiful lake out of the ones that we visited. It was set out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains. It had a surreal feeling about it and we really felt that we were miles away from anywhere without a care in the world. On passing Derwent Water you can continue up to the Honister Pass where you will find a working slate mine. I cannot sum up just how breathtaking it was when you drove along a tiny little 'B' road up into the mountains with the sheep wondering down the mountains and across the road. There are some extremely steep roads on this route so caution should be taken when driving.

KENDAL

Kendal is one of the most visited towns in Cumbria and the Lakes. It is similar to Windermere in that it is full of restaurants, pubs and souvenir shops. Don't forget your Kendal Mint Cake. A combination of glucose, sugar and peppermint oil bound to give you a pick me up!!

LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK

The Lake District National Park was established in 1951 to protect the area and promote the quiet enjoyment of the park by the public. The area is full to the brim of wildlife and heritage and truly is the most remarkable scenery that I have seen in England. There is a breathtaking waterfall at Aira Force (Ullswater) which is situated within the National Trust Park and you will also see all kinds of wildlife. We could not believe the amount of Chaffinch's that we saw along the way. There is also a small tea room here for your refreshment, but we did find it to be a bit pricey. Carparking was around 2.00 for 4 hours at this site.

Remember also that whilst in the Lakes you are not far from the Scottish Border. We took a drive up to Gretna
Green which is only about 27 miles from Ullswater. OK, I know it is not Scotland exactly but if you've never been before you can at least say you went over the border!!!!

SUMMARY

Just to reiterate, the Lake District is easily one of the most beautiful places that I have visited in England. A must for all walkers and mountain bikers, or just somewhere to retreat to for a quiet break away from it all. You will be hard pushed to equal the spectacular scenery. Just pack up your rucksack and hiking boots and take a trip into the unknown. I promise you will not be disappointed!

PS Sorry for the amount of times that I used 'beautiful' but that is just what the Lake District was!!!!

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