The Lakes is in the north west of England in Cumbria. It is the biggest National Park in the UK (nearly 885 sq. miles) and is recognised as one of its most scenic regions and England’s premier destination for fell-walking and rock climbing.

Hills or mountains in the ‘Lakeland’ are known by the local name of Fells. The Lakeland Fells are England’s only true mountain range and though not large by world standards (ie not being much above 3 thousand feet or 1 thousand m) they nonetheless offer a high number of energy sapping and rewarding hillwalks. All can be hiked (as opposed to “climbed” without equipment) and because of the old tradition of hiking for pleasure there is an exceptional plethora of walking-paths. Additionally there is unrestricted access to almost all routes above the “intake wall” (the final wall as you hike out of the valley).

According to guidebook author (A. Wainwright) there are exactly 214 Hills, many of which offer a number of routes, plus many chances to hike between the hills.

The highest peak is Scafell Pike. This “highest” designation leads to lots of walkers, and tourists who want to experience climbing a tall lakes hill may want to choose a different one. Many of the slightly lower fells are to be honest much more rewarding to climb as well as giving better views. Catbells and Kentmere are popular choices. Less well-known fells include Bowfell, Fairfield and Grisedale Pike.

The central attraction are the numerous lakes and hills carved by glacial erosion and giving wonderful and inspiring scenery although mainly changed by early humans, mostly by farming. It is the previous home of cultural icons for example William Wordsworth and Mr John Ruskin, and the walking routes and hills are famously written about by Alfred Wainwright.

Originally settled in the Stone Age and occupied by the Romans old cumbria was heavily influenced by the Vikings in the occupation about 900A.D. The Vikings cleared the woods to create charcoal to model lead near Glenridding and copper near Borrowdale Valley and around Coniston. The Settlers introduced the Herdwick sheep to the hills

The lake district is popular with both English and international visitors and this can cause delays around busy times of year at the most popular lakes.

Lakes Hotels
Lake District Serviced Apartments
Lake District B&B’s