The Lake District

England’s only mountainous region is a miniature Switzerland of incomparable beauty - the Lake District is not a large area, Switzerland itself is 25 times larger. From the 3118-foot (950 m) peak of Helvellyn, it is possible to see the hills of Scotland and the Irish sea (on a clear day). Within the Lake District’s 700 square miles (1800 sq.km.) there are some 100 peaks over 2000 feet (600 m) and 15 lakes.

The Lake District is thronged with tourists and the m6 moterway, which slices through the North West region from the West Midlands to the Scottish border, brings an ever growing stream from the south to enjoy it’s beauty. The road up Langdale from Ambleside, passing through Elterwater and Langdale villages, is one of the classic roads of the Lake District tour, culminating in the impressive view of the Langdale pikes accross Blea Tarn. The main peaks -Pike o’stickle, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag and Peveey Ark- are all above 2000 feet (600m) but in their solitude, they seem much higher. This view of Derwentwater emphasizes one of the great charms of the Lake District.

Derwentwater is claimed by many to be the most beautiful of the lakes in England. For this lake, three miles long and one mile wide, is surrounded by rich scenery, a wonderful blending of crag, green fell and wooded slopes with an imposing background of mountains. Two of the major islands are the, now national trust property owned, Lord’s Island, and the St. Herberts Islands, where a a disciple of St. Cuberth lived in the seventh century.

By car there are two main entrances to the heart of the Lake district: south from Lancaster to Windermere,and north from Penrith to Keswick. On Fridays and Sundaysyou can expect big traffic jams.The Lake District is at its nicest when you walk alongside the hills, just at the border of the farmland and the moors, the view changes from moment to moment, and you encounter all kind of plants, animals, streams, stone walls. If you are insistent to climb the hills,as a start, I recommend, the Old Man of Coniston near Coniston in the south, or Catbells near Keswick in the north. They have nice views and can be reached easily.The real work is done at Scafell Pike, the highest hill in the lake district and the horseshoe range north of it, and the two ridges that run north south; Helvellyn, and High Street.