August 20, 2024
25 mins
Destination: The North
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A 2025 Guide to Visiting The Lake District
The Lake District, or to many simply “The Lakes” or “Lakeland’, is arguably the jewel in England’s landscape crown. Towering fells, earthy in colour, tumble down to dark blue lakes. Historic villages butt up against the lakeside or hunker in the valleys between the hills.
As the famous Alfred Wainwright wrote, “Surely there is no other place in this whole wonderful world quite like Lakeland, no other so exquisitely lovely, no other so charming.”
The number of visitors (18 million people in 2022) dwarfs the number of official Lake District residents (40,000). So, as a visitor, what is the Lake District all about? What’s its history, how do you get there and what should you do when you arrive?
This is Active England’s guide to England’s largest National Park, the Lake District.
Geography
Where is the Lake District in England?
The Lake District sits right in the very northwest corner of England. At 912 square miles, the Lake District National Park is England’s largest.
The National Park is made up of land from the county of Cumbria. Historically, it included the counties Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmorland. Thanks to its wild and remote landscape, the region is one of the least populated areas in England.
Whilst much of the focus is on the lakes and the fells of the Lake District, the National Park has over 20 miles of coastline and estuary habitats to explore.
Lake District Map
Travelling in the Lake District
It’s possible to reach the Lake District by either public or private transport. For those wanting to take the car, the main motorway taking visitors to the Lake District, the M6, is a notorious traffic hotspot – particularly during the summer holiday season or on Bank Holidays.
Despite its relative remoteness, the Lake District is well-served by England’ss train network. Travellers can reach the eastern fringes of the Lakes in just a shade over 2 and a half hours by taking a direct train from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District. The difference in landscape from central London to the central fells is stark. From lurching around the tube to freedom on the fells – it sounds good to us!
That same train which whisks visitors from London to Oxenholme, carries onto Glasgow in Scotland. So if North of the border is on your holiday itinerary, then combining it with a trip to the Lake District is a great idea! Trains take just under an hour.
For international visitors, the closest airport to the Lake District is Manchester Airport. For American visitors to these shores, Manchester is served by direct flights from Philadelphia (PHL), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) amongst others.
From there, direct trains are available to both Windermere (Central Lake District) and Oxenholme Lake District (Eastern Lakes) in around two hours.
An alternative route to the lakes for international visitors would involve a flight to London before transferring across to Euston for your train northwards.
Once you’ve arrived in the Lake District getting around is relatively easy by car. Having a car allows for flexibility and access to more remote locations. However, the narrow and winding roads may be challenging for some drivers, especially those arriving from abroad.
It’s possible to use public transport to get around the Lake District. Beyond the train stations at Windermere, Kendal, and Keswick buses, are your only option. In the popular valleys like Borrowdale, Langdale and Grasmere buses are fairly frequent and run from early to late at night.
Do note, if you’re travelling out of season. Most bus companies operate a summer and winter timetable. Winter timetables offer reduced services so whilst a trip by bus out of season may require some more planning.
Of course, the best way to get around in the Lake District is on foot. Walking the lake district has its ups and downs, but easing off the gas helps you get under the skin of the area. You’ll spot the lambs frolicking in the field, the lichen covering the stone walls and the trees dancing in the breeze.
Getting around by bike is possible but only recommended for seasoned riders. Leaving one valley to travel to the next often requires a herculean effort, something some of you may enjoy, others not so!
History of the Lake District
Geologically speaking, the Lake District was formed by a combination of tectonic plate activity, volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion. Around 12,000 years ago, during the most recent Ice Age, glaciers began eroding the landscape, caving the steep-sided valleys we see today.
As far as human history goes, evidence of activity goes prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements and stone circles – Castle Rigg near Keswick being one such prominent example.
In the Roman era, the Lake District was part of the northern frontier of the empire. Later, during the medieval period, the region was shaped by monastic influences, and the local economy thrived on agriculture, mining, and the wool trade. One slate mine still survives to this day, the Honistor Slate Mine.
Later, the area became popular among Romantic poets, including William Wordsworth – who will be forever associated with the Lakes – and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who drew inspiration from its natural beauty.
Beatrix Potter, the beloved children’s author and illustrator, also had a strong connection to the Lake District. She was deeply inspired by the area’s natural beauty and spent much of her life in the region. Potter is best known for her series of children’s books featuring animal characters, including the famous “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
Her love for the Lake District is evident in her illustrations, which often depicted the picturesque landscapes and wildlife of the area.
Potter was also a dedicated conservationist and she played a significant role in preserving and protecting the Lake District’s countryside. Thanks to her prolific knowledge of the local Herdwick sheep (she owned 16 working farms at the time of her death), Potter is often credited with saving the breed from extinction.
The Lake District also played a significant role in the conservation and environmental movements which led to the creation of the National Park designation in the UK. The Lakes was the second place in the UK to be given the title after the Peak District.
When to visit the Lake District?
Summer – June to August – is the most popular time to visit the Lakes. You’ll catch colourful wildflowers on the fells, the Lakes become sparklingly blue and the longer days and warmer temperatures offer plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Being quite far north, Spring tends to arrive later in the Lake District than it does further south in regions like the Cotswolds or Devon and Cornwall so the traditional tourist season is that bit shorter.
Our favourite month to visit the Lake District is September. The season is winding down, but the tops of the fells are still reachable and the early Autumn light casts a lovely glow over the landscape.
In winter, the inclement weather does somewhat limit things, but there are still plenty of things to do in the colder months in the Lake District.
Weather in the Lake District
Though it is thought of as one of the coldest places in the UK, the Lake District experiences milder winters and cooler summers than the rest of the Northern half of the UK.
The average temperature in Keswick in January is 39°F or 4°C. Come April it rises to 45°F or 7°C. July is 59°F or 15°C and October 49°F or 9°C.
Throughout the average year, the Lakes receive 200 days of rainfall, more than double the south coast of England. Seathwaite, in the Borrowdale Valley, is the wettest inhabited place in England.
Did you know that, thanks to the large amount of rainfall and high humidity, the Lake District is only one of a handful of places in the world to see a temperate rainforest? This unique environment – said by some to be more endangered than tropical rainforest – supports the lush growth of ferns, mosses, and lichens alongside ancient oak, birch and ash trees. Borrowdale, now a national nature reserve, is a good place to see this special environment in person.
Thanks to their elevated altitude, the fell tops of the Lake District can experience some wild, inclement weather. As a general rule of thumb, for every 320ft climbed (100 metres) temperatures drop by 1.8 °F, so if you plan to walk to higher ground it’s important to be prepared. With strong winds, wind chill can also make the actual temperature much, much cooler. Snowfall is also more frequent here than it is in the valleys.
Where to stay in the Lake District?
Due to the thriving tourism market, the Lake District offers a wide variety of accommodations for visitors. Whether you prefer rentals, Airbnb, traditional British hotels, or more luxurious options, you’ll find something that suits your preferences. The majority of accommodation options are concentrated around the major towns of the region, such as Keswick, Kendal, Windermere, and Ambleside.
Lake District Hotels
We at Active England, have had the opportunity to visit numerous hotels in the area. Among the standout accommodations in the Lakes are Linthwaite House – Windermere, Chestnut Villa – Grasmere and The George Hotel – Keswick.
The majority of hotels in the area offer a cosy and inviting atmosphere – and given their location almost all our friendly to hikers.
As a traveller, you can look forward to sinking into a comfy armchair at the end of your day, surrounded by the region’s famous stone. Before retiring to your room, you can savour some traditional English cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients, of course!
Places of interest in the Lake District
From the fabulous fells to the crystal clear waters of the lakes, meres and waters, Cumbria is nirvana for any outdoor lover. But look beyond these natural wonders, there are plenty of other attractions and hidden Lake District gems to explore.
Lake District Lakes
What’s the difference between a lake, a water, a mere and a tarn?
Strictly speaking, of the 16 Lakes in the Lake District almost all of them are ‘waters’ or ‘meres’ – the only Lake that can be called a lake is Bassenthwaite Lake. Here’s why…
Anything with the derivation ‘water’ – for example, Rydal Water – is a lake but it’s been assigned the name ‘water’ which has stuck.
Meanwhile a ‘mere’ – for example, Butteremere – is a shallow body of water relative to its size. In scientific terms, it means that it won’t have a Thermocline, a layer which marks the difference between a deeper, cooler body of water and a warmer section near the surface.
The definition of a tarn – for example, Red Tarn on the slopes of Hellveyln – is a glacial lake formed in a corrie. A corrie is a horseshoe-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion. Once the glacier melts the Tarn is formed. The geography lesson is over!
With many Lakes to visit, what should be on your list? Here are the top four.
Windermere
Spanning over 10 miles, Windermere, sometimes referred to by visitors as Lake Windermere, is the largest natural body of water in England. Surrounded by the fells its location has captivated visitors for centuries.
Whether you’re drawn to its tranquil waters for a leisurely cruise, a day of sailing, or the view of the lake from Orrest Head, Lake Windermere promises plenty.
Along with Ambleside on the Northern tip of Windermere, the town of Windermere itself can get quite busy. The western side of the lake is the antidote to this and can offer surprising tranquillity. The walk from Wray Castle and towards Claife Viewing Station is one of our favourite lowland walks.
Buttermere
Buttermere is one of the smallest lakes in the area, but it is often considered one of the most picturesque. The lake is surrounded by steep fells (Great Borne, Starling Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile and High Cragg)and is approximately a mile long by half a mile wide. The name “Buttermere” is derived from Old Norse and means “the lake by the dairy pastures.”
Walking the entire way around Buttermere is popular. The starting point for this three-hour walk is Buttermere Village, which offers plenty of parking. For families, children will enjoy the 100-foot-long Hassness Tunnel on the eastern shore, which was excavated from the rock in the 19th century.
Ullswater
Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District, measuring approximately 7.5 miles long. The lake is renowned for its serpentine shape and for many visitors, this is the most appealing stretch of water in the Lake District.
Perhaps the allure of Ullswater is thanks to its Steamers that bimble up and down the lake on a daily basis. Adding a touch of nostalgia to any Lake District trip, the boats have been in operation for over 150 years.
A favourite walk of ours starts at Ullswater. It takes in Aira Force waterfall before ascending to Gowbarrow Fell. Make time to stop at Green Hill if the weather is good enough. Enjoy the majestic views of Ullswater and see how many Herdwick sheep you can count.
For a shorter (roughly 3-mile) walk, Glenridding Dodd is an achievable hill to climb from the village of the same name. Here’s Alfred Wainwright on the walk – much more on him later: “On a sunny day in August the summit is a delectable place. It is richly clothed with heather, and larches almost reach the top of the north side.”
Coniston Water
Coniston, in the south-central Lake District, is the last lake on our list. The lake is famous for its association with Donald Campbell, who set the world water speed record on Coniston in 1955. Its calm water, which was so suitable for Campbell and his speed record, makes it the ideal spot for kayaking and sailing.
For the best views of the lake, you can explore the footpaths that encircle it. Alternatively, you can take a trip on the Coniston Launch, the local boat service. Board the launch at Coniston Jetty and head towards Sunny Bank or Torver Jetties, then continue your journey on foot along the lakeside path or the road.
Lake District Fells
Along with the Lakes, of course, the fells are what gives this area its distinctive nature. This hilly terrain is unrivalled, certainly in England and can only be surpassed in the UK by the high ground further north in Scotland.
Names like Hellvelyn, High Street, Troutbeck Tongue, Old Man of Coniston, and Seat Sandal can deliver awe and confusion in equal measure!
The fells of the Lake District go hand in hand with one very influential figure – Albert Wainwright. Though he was born in Blackburn, outside of the Lakes, with his long sideburns, thick-rimmed glasses and smoking pipe gripped in his teeth, he is the embodiment of English country folk of yesteryear. He developed a love of the region after visiting in his early 20s. So much so that he moved to Kendal where he stayed for the rest of his days.
Wainwright meticulously mapped and documented 214 fells of various lengths and elevations and his beautifully written descriptions reflect a poetic touch, earning him the title of “The Godfather of the Lake District.” Here’s one such segment…
“Morning sun drawing aside the veils of mist; silver cascades dancing and leaping down bracken steps; storm and tempest in the high places, and the unexpected glimpse of valleys dapped in sunlight far beneath the swirling clouds.”
Today, Wainwright’s name is inseparable from the Lake District, and his comprehensive 7-volume series, “Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells,” published from 1955 to 1966, remains an invaluable resource for any visitor venturing on a walk or climb in the region. For visitors short on time, we’ve selected our favourite 10 Wainwrights to walk.
And whilst we’re on the subject of Lake District book recommendations, one of our favourite books that explores man’s relationship with these hallowed hills is Feet in the Clouds, by Richard Askwith – a book which explores the somewhat oddball sport of Fell Running. There’s mention of the Bob Graham Round, a 60-mile mountain running route with a current fastest time of just over 12 hours, set by American Jack Kuenzle.
As a further suggestion, James Rebanks’ The Shepard’s Life, a passionate and often emotionally charged book, tells the story of the author’s upbringing in the Lakes and how he (and his forefathers) nurture the landscape that so many have come to adore.
Anyhow, back to the fells…
What is a fell?
The term “fell” originates from Old Norse and Old English roots, where it initially denoted “hill” or “mountain”. Over time, it became specifically associated with the landscape features in the Lakes and other northern English regions,
Scafell Pike
Being both the highest mountain in England and the second stop on the popular three peaks challenge, Scafell Pike is one of the most frequented of all fells in the Lake District.
Here’s Wainwright again: “It is a magnet, not because of its beauty for this is not a place of beauty, not because of the exhilaration of the climb for there is no exhilaration in toiling upwards over endless stones, not because of its view for although this good there are other better. It is a magnet simply because it is the highest ground in England.”
Did you know that Scafell is the second-tallest mountain in the Lake District after Scafell Pike?
Active England tip: Summit Scafell Pike from Great Langdale. It’s a 5-and-a-half-mile walk, but it’s the less well-trodden and comes with a great variety of scenery.
Helvellyn
Voted as Britain’s favourite climb, Hellveyln is perhaps the second most popular fell in the Lakes. Though thanks to its reputation as a wild place, especially during inclement weather, Hellvelyn can strike fear into the heart of any walker. Though this is in part due to the weather, it is also due to one of the ways to the summit – via Striding Edge.
Located on the eastern flank of Helvellyn, Striding Edge is a popular route for hikers and climbers seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The knife-edge ridge with dramatic drops on either side, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Active England tip: The mountain has five ridges, so there are plenty of routes to choose from, each varying in difficulty. The most popular routes are Striding Edge, Swirral Edge, and Thirlmere.
Catbells
If you’ve seen a tourist image of the Lake District then it might well be of Catbells! Thanks to its hillock form and Instagram-perfect panoramic views of Derwentwater, St Herbert’s Island, Rampsholme Island and beyond to Keswick Catbells is one of the most popular fells in the Lake District.
The name “Catbells” is thought to have originated from “cat” and “bields” meaning “shelter of the wild cat”, although there is no evidence that wild cats have ever lived there.
Active England tip: For a longer walk, take on the Newlands Horseshoe – a 10-mile route that includes the ascent of Catbells. It involves a long trek uphill before some ups and downs in high country.
Skiddaw
A fell which Wainwright described as a “giant in stature.. but an affable and friendly giant.” Skiddaw is a picturesque mountain adorned with a mosaic of heather, bracken, and scree, featuring a captivating blend of steep flanks and gentle slopes. Its slightly remote location adds to its allure, and come the summit the views of the lower fells are spectacular.
Active England tip: The Jenkin Hill Path is the ideal way to ascend Skiddaw’s summit, favoured by Victorian tourists as a pony route. The panoramic vistas from the top are truly among the finest in the Lake District.
Old Man of Coniston
Although the landscape of the Coniston Fells looks much the same as the rest of the Lakes, the Coniston Fells (of which the old man is the highest) have a rich human history. Evidence of ancient copper mining dates back to the times of the Romans with many remnants of quarrying and mining still visible today.
As viewpoints go these fells are top notch. Features like Blind Tarn and the coastline of Morecambe Bay can be seen when taking some of the routes to the top.
Active England tip: Coniston Fells are a challenge requiring good footwear, navigation skills, provisions and refreshments, as well as warm layers.
Lake District Towns
Keswick
Keswick is a charming market town located in the northern Lake District. It’s a popular base for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the stunning fells and Derwentwater Lake.
Keswick hosts an annual literary festival, attracting writers and readers from around the world as well as Keswick Mountain Festival, a celebration of outdoor sports.
Ambleside
Ambleside is a picturesque town situated at the head of Windermere. It’s known for its beautiful location and as a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking and watersports. The town is also home to the charming Bridge House, one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District.
Windermere
Windermere is a bustling tourist town located on the shore of Lake Windermere. It’s a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and water-based activities. Windermere is also home to the Windermere Jetty Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of historic steamboats and motorboats.
Lake District Villages
Grasmere
Several houses congregated around a meandering River Rothay From Google Maps, the village of Grasmere doesn’t look like much – oh how wrong you are, Google! Grasmere is arguably the quintessential Lake’s village. The small village green is surrounded by classic architecture built from blue-grey slate stone. Beyond, the fells rise again giving the village yet more drama.
But it’s not just its natural position that has elevated Grasmere’s position as the number one village to visit in the Lake District. It’s renowned for its association with the celebrated poet William Wordsworth. Visitors to Grasmere can drop in at St. Oswald’s Church where Wordsworth is laid to rest or even walk through his old front door, Dove Cottage.
No visit to Grasmere would be complete without frequenting the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. This thin slab of golden deliciousness is unremarkable in appearance, but the moreish crumbly taste – somewhat biscuit, somewhat cake, always leaves you wanting more. Best served with a steaming cup of English tea in our opinion!
In late August, the yearly Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show takes place – a celebration of regional sports like Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, Fell Running and Hound Trails.
For a short fell walk (1.5 miles) from Grasmere, head for Silver How – another evocative name. Head west out of the village before tracking South past Score Crag and onto the summit. Wainwright described this walk as “supremely beautiful” with “charming views.”
Hawkshead
The whitewashed houses north of Esthwaite Water is the location of our second village to visit in the Lake District.
Like many places in the Lakes, the Hawkshead boasts a rich literary heritage. Wordsworth attended the local grammar school in the 18th century and visitors can now visit the establishment after it was preserved as a museum, offering insights into the life of Wordsworth and the educational setting of the time.
The nearby, Hill Top, brought by Beatrix Potter in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, is another place of note. Step back in time and revel in the house and garden which gave rise to such characters as Tom Kitten and Jemima Puddleduck. Hill Top closes for winter, so be sure to check the opening times before you travel. And to guarantee entry, to the house and garden, booking is required.
Caldbeck
The last of our favourite villages in the Lakes is Caldbeck. In a remote spot, hidden away between Keswick and Penrith in the Northern Fells of the Lake District and named after Cold Beck river on which it sits, the village is steeped in a history of corn mills, woollen mills, bobbin mills, a paper mill and a brewery.
The village itself has a pretty duck pond, a limestone gorge with waterfalls called the Howk, as well as the ruins of the Bobbin Mill, all of which a gentle options for a sunny afternoon.
While it sits within walking distance of some of the most iconic Lake District fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, they’re more untrodden than many of the more popular fells.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the beautiful scenic village, you can escape to more remote fells such as High Pike and Carrock Fell – ideal options if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Things to do in the Lake District
From historic country houses, to carefully manicured gardens and other sites of visual wonder, there are many places to visit in the Lake District. Here’s a condensed list.
- Aira Force Waterfall: Majestic natural wonder.
- The World of Beatrix Potter: Charming tribute to beloved children’s author.
- Wordsworth Grasmere: Home and museum of famous poet.
- Lake District Wildlife Park: Encounter diverse wildlife in natural habitats.
- Lakeland Motor Museum: Vintage and classic car enthusiasts’ paradise.
- Honistor Slate Mine: Explore historic underground slate mine.
- Lowther Castle & Gardens: Stately home and extensive picturesque gardens.
- Rydal Mount and Gardens: Home and gardens of poet William Wordsworth.
Walking in the Lake District
Drawn to the challenging, yet rewarding climbs, hiking is the most popular activity in the Lakes. Walkers are treated to a landscape, unparalleled in most of the British Isles, certainly in England.
Whilst many of the more popular hiking paths in the Lakes are busy and sometimes marked, routes on higher ground can vary from a gentle stroll on grassy banks to a scramble on all fours, so it’s important to know your route up (and down) the fells.
But just because the fells are there. doesn’t mean you have to walk them. If you stick to low ground, there are many easy walks in the Lake District.
With so many circular routes, horseshoe walks, out-and-backs and long-distance hikes available to choose from – where do you start? If your time in Lakeland is limited, our favourite walks in the Lake District include Great Gable, Ennerdale and Eagle Crag.
If you’d like to head into the Lake District with a guide we offer a 5-night, small group walking tour of key Lake District summits. Or if you’re more free-spirited, our self-guided walking tour in the Lake District delivers you all the drama of Cumbria’s valleys and villages.
Cycling in the Lake District
The Lake District is recommended for experienced riders due to the demanding routes between valleys. Climbs like The Struggle, Kirkstone Pass, Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass are not for the everyday cyclist – gradients can rise upwards of 20% and even fit riders can be climbing for 30 minutes or more!
But the challenge of the riding, it relative remoteness and the narrow, winding lanes can combine to make riding a bike in the Lakes a fun-filled experience.
Lake District Food & Drink
Feeling hungry after all that cycling and walking? Good, because there’s plenty to get your teeth into in the Lake District. Local delicacies with their origins in Cumbria include The Cumberland Sausage, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Grasmere Gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake.
We described the biscuit-cum-cake, Grasmere Gingerbread in our section on the village from which it takes its name, but what about the other three?
Cumberland Sausage is a very long pork sausage, often twirled into a coil. The meat within should be simply chopped, not minced giving it a chunkier texture than regular sausages. Its protected status gives it the same status as other important regional food across Europe like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.
Perhaps England’s favourite dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a sweet, sticky delight – the kind of thing that puts a smile on your face after one Lake District fell too many. Made from dates the lightly spiced sponge is accompanied by a warm toffee sauce. Custard, ice cream or cream can also be attendance for that extra element. The exact origin of Sticky Toffee Pudding is much debated, but the Cumbrian village of Cartmel has adopted the pudding thanks to the Cartmel Village Shop which popularised it through their production of an oven-ready version sold through supermarkets since the 1970s.
For those who haven’t tried it, Kendal Mint Cake is somewhat of a mystery. Presented in flat, rectangular bars Kendal Mint Cake is more of a sweet than it is a cake. Made from sugar and peppermint flavouring it’s popular amongst outdoor folk looking for a quick energy boost. It’s not our cup of tea, but arguably you haven’t been to the Lakes until you’ve tried it!
What about suppliers of food and drink who produce their wares in the Lake District? Well, there’s Hawkshead Relish and Appleby Creamery – great for lunches up the fells. Or for a more substantial savoury (or sweet) snack The Pie Mill. Come evening, how about some Morecombe Bay Shrimps to start before some Herdwick Hogget for main? And to wash it all down, a beer from Hawskhead Brewery or something stronger like a gin, whisky or vodka from The Lakes Distillery.
You might not expect to find some of the region’s finest food and drinks at a gas station, especially considering the less-than-stellar reputation of English roadside food.
However, Tebay services are an exception and worth a visit. John and Barbara Dunning opened Tebay Services in 1972 after the M6 motorway was built through their farm.
In a world of homogenous, conglomerate-driven, processed food, the fayre on offer behind a rather unassuming facade at Tebay Services is very, very refreshing The Farm Shop is filled with delightful local products, and the onsite restaurant offers delicious, traditional British cuisine, cooked fresh and suitable for all ages.
7 Interesting Facts about the Lake District
- Having been ousted by its more aggressive and more prolific cousin the grey squirrel, The Lake District is one of a handful of places in England to see the native red squirrel.
- There are 1956 miles of footpaths and bridleways in the Lake District – it would take an average walker over 30 days to complete every single path.
- There are 257 square miles of common land in the Lake District. In most cases, there are no restrictions for walking on common land.
- The famous farmer turned fell runner, Joss Naylor ran 70 of the region’s fells in just 21 hours – an incredible athletic feat, oh and he was 70 years old when he did it! Naylor sadly passed away in June 2024.
- At the time of writing L’Enclume (Cartmel) is the only Michelin 3-star establishment outside of London and the South-East.
- Derwent Pencil Museum houses a very precious item – yes, you guessed it! The world’s first pencil!
- The villages of Mardale Green and Measand were blown up and submerged during the construction of Haweswater Reservoir in the 1930s. The reservoir was needed to provide water to the fast-growing cities of Northern England but as Lee Schofield wrote in his book Wild Fell, “the discretion of Mardale generated huge controversy and opposition.” Wainwright never got over the valley’s modification, calling it “the rape of Mardale” in his final book.
That concludes our bumper guide to the Lake District – what do we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
