Category: Top » Recreation-and-leisure » Travel » Destinations »

Author: Richard Parks | Total views: 25 Comments: 0
Word Count: 689 Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 6:38 PM

Experience the Beauty of the Lake District

Stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage make Lake District one of England's finest holiday destinations. There are about sixteen lakes and tarns that play a major role in giving homes to a range of species such as vendace, charr, crayfish, and schelly.

These stretches of water give the region distinct scenery found nowhere else in England. Huge rocks believed to be over 500 million years old are also found scattered in the region.

The landscape in Lake District as seen today is considered to be due to prehistoric occurrences such as tectonic and climatic changes that changed the face of the earth. So, what does Lake District have in store for the traveler?

Popular Lake District Walks

The Lake District has all kinds of walks to offer for all age levels. You could start out by following volunteers on a guided walk in Lake District National Park. There's no need to worry about navigating through the rocks and trails. You can even learn from the locals around the area. Choose either short and scenic picnic escapades, or full day walks through spectacular district landscapes. The good news is, it's free! If you need to update or enhance your navigational skills, sign up for the "Map and Compass Day" activities. Also, if you're not very excited about walking but just feel like enjoying the scenery, there are routes that offer laid back strolls that you can even do perched on a wheelchair or a buggy.

Cycling
If you are into road or off-road cycling, the Lake District will not disappoint you. You are very likely to be overwhelmed by the unlimited variety that is on offer from country lanes to cycle ways and bridleways - all with breathtaking views. Mountain bikers, both beginner and veterans, will be delighted with Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale Forest. Both areas are crisscrossed with easy and challenging routes. Here are some of the cycling (and walking) routes that will not require you to retrace your steps in order to come back:

Walking on Water Walk - This is a 2-mile walk that will take around one and a half hours. It's a stroll along the shores of Coniston Water to Torver Pier.

North Circular Cycle - Four-mile walk for two hours. It's an ideal family cycle ride that includes a boat trip from Coniston to Brantwood.

Tarn It Walk - Five miles for three and a half hours. Enjoy the sceneries as you walk from High Cross to Coniston through Tarn Hows.

Boating

The lakes and tarns in Lake District provide a boatload of opportunities for sailing, rowing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, or simply splashing about on the shore.

If people have travelled to the region without a boat of their own, it is possible to rent boats at most of the major lakes and take part in water sports, although due to speed limits that have been imposed across the region, there are few places where water skiing is an option:

Coniston - The Coniston Boating Centre
Derwentwater - From the Derwent Sailing Club in Keswick
Ullswater - At the jetty just outside Penrith
Windermere - From the beach at Bowness

You can hire rowing boats, sailing boats, or self-drive motor boats.

Today, Lake District visitors are welcomed by natural beauty and sheer charm and with more than 3,500 kilometers of passageway, there's always something for everyone.

When you are looking for a place to stay in the Lake District, there is plenty of choice available. From luxurious country house hotels through to basic cottages and everything in between, there is something for everyone. One of the most popular options is camping in the Lake District, and there are plenty of holiday parks to choose from including the Haven Lakeland park in Grange over Sands, which is located in the South Lakes, offers a range of facilities, and is within easy reach of many of the most popular attractions.

About the Author

Richard Parks is an experienced travel writer specialising in providing information about Family Holidays in the UK. He enjoys Lake District Holidays.