The North Lakes

It’s nearer than you think!

2 hours will get you to the shores of Ullswater with its backdrop of beautiful peaks making it a feasible destination even for just a couple of nights.

This area of The Lake District ticks all the boxes….. breathtaking walks, epic falls, winding roads, gorgeous lakes, cosy pubs and homemade cake to name a few of those boxes….. but it’s much quieter than the Southern Lakes where you’ll find the ‘go to’ destinations such as Keswick, Bowness and Ambleside.  And it’s nearer, 5 minutes off the A66 at Penrith.

At this junction, The Rheged Discovery Centre is a must! both at the start and then throughout your stay!

Amazing shopping covering foodie treats, toys, clothes and interiors.  Various eateries, children workshops, art exhibitions and a huge independent cinema!

www.rheged.com

Earth, Wit & Style self catered for a week by Ullswater through www.lakelovers.co.uk, but there are many options available for shorter stays at bed & breakfasts and larger holiday parks with cabins – just ask google!

As like many of you , we have visited the Lake District on many occasions , and on this trip wanted to explore a new adventure!  Which we did…. and would love to share !

The newly developed Lingholme Estate on the shores of Derwentwater is a gorgeous walled garden and kitchen with art, walks and access onto the Derwentwater Launch from it’s jetty.

The Estate is perfectly located at the foot of the infamous Cat Bells, so ideal for a hearty lunch before or coffee and cake after a climb!

www.walklakes.co.uk

Conquering Catbells was a first for us and a fantastic experience.  Perfect for families, it has exactly the right mix of ascents, scrambles. almost immediate epic views and even a recovery stretch with lovely ‘picnic patches’ in-between the first peak and the summit.

Another wonderful walk was a circular one taking in Aira Force.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

There are different distances you can enjoy here depending on the age of your group and inclination!

The final stop on our ‘new’ Lakes Adventure was at Brockholes on Windermere.   There is a stack of stuff to do here including tree top nets, climb and zip, tree trekking and horse riding.  We however hadn’t pre booked so opted for a couple of Canoes on Lake Windermere.  A wonderful way to spend an hour!

www.brockholes.org

I can’t recommend this part of our overcrowded island enough, its beautiful any time of the year, and such an escape out of season, and as I mentioned….. it’s nearer than you think!