Mountains, lakes, forests, moors and miles of seaside: all lurking somewhere just
north of Lancashire…
The Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful areas of Europe – celebrated
in the poetry of Wordsworth, immortalised in the landscapes of Ruskin, and well-traversed
by generations of that distinctly English holiday-maker: the rambler. Remaining unspoilt
for hundreds of years, The Lake District National Park (the dramatic epicentre of
Lakeland) still plays host to a thriving tourist industry, comprised in the main
of those drawn to the prospect of fell-walking and escaping to the traditional rural
idyll. Nowadays however, alongside such timeless holidaying pursuits, there is a
full complement of modern past-times, cultural venues and events to draw the prospective
visitor.
The eponymous lakes themselves play host to a vast number of seasonal attractions,
with the most famous, Lake Windermere, providing perhaps the largest number of outdoor
pursuits. From windsurfing to steamboat rides; boat galas to theatrical performances,
Windermere is the perfect starting point for the uninitiated. The largest natural
lake in England, it is over ten miles long, just grazing the town of Ambleside at
its northern shore. Just as the name suggests, Ambleside has long been a retreat
of passing ramblers (or amblers), wandering one of the many walks that circulate
the great lake. The town itself provides a perfect base for further excursions into
the Lake District, home, as it is, to a well-stocked selection of places to stay.
A short drive or a longer walk north, is the town of Grasmere – a beautiful village
that was described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.
In August, the village plays host to the Grasmere Sports, a gala sports day including
fell-running, hound trails, and the inimitable Cumberland wrestling!
Of course, a holiday in the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without some serious
fell-walking (or hiking to you and me). England’s tallest peaks can be found here,
including the ominously named Scafell Pike – worth the momentous trek for the magnificent
panoramic views from the summit.
Planning a trip to the Lake District should be done with the spirit of the place
in mind; and to that end, booking in to one or several of its many hostels is a particularly
appropriate approach. You’ll find them peopled by a wonderful mix of walkers and
outdoor-pursuitists, from the amateur to the serious professional: all seduced by
the natural magic of the Lake District. And as one of the first tourist destinations
to be revealed by the building of the railways all those years ago, Cumbria still
enjoys a busy and regular train service, with direct services from London Euston
to Carlisle and Penrith. If you’re planning to cycle or ramble across some of Britain’s
most mercurial terrain, you should be sure to take out insurance. Have a look at
Go Travel Insurance for a quote on travel insurance.
