The Lake District

For anyone who doesn't know the English Lake District is located in the north-west of the country, just south of the Scottish border. Although technically the coastline forms the edge of the Irish Sea to all intents and purposes you can think of it as the Atlantic coast - which goes a long way to explain the weather!

Perhaps I'm being a little bit unfair but this area of the country does have a reputation for being wetter than other places, however while we were there most of England was suffering from heavy rain. Although it wasn't exactly sunny in the lakes we didn't have too much rain and the hill mists even added to the atmosphere.

I wouldn't like to try to count exactly how many lakes there are but there are many, ranging from large ponds to impressive sizes. Windermere is to the south of the region and it attracts most tourists, probably because it's closer for most people and the access is easier.

If you like the peace and quiet go further north. We stayed in an hotel overlooking Bassenthwaite and there were very few people around there although the town of Keswick, about 6 miles away was very busy. I can recomend the hotel that we stayed in, The Ravenstone Hotel. The food and service is excellent and the owners are very friendly.

Apart from the lakes themselves, there are numerous interesting villages to visit - although you might want to avoid the busier ones.

You'll also find many places associated with the childrens author Beatrix Potter and the Lakeland poets.

Autumn 2004

Hadrians Wall