England
Cumbria

Lake District countryside

Aira Force - Dodd Wood

The Lake District National Park
Visitor information and major attractions

Lakes of the Lake District
The major lakes of the National Park region and what to see and do

Waterfalls
The Lake District is blessed with a number of spectacular waterfalls, and many of them are fairly easy to access

St Bees Head Heritage Coast
St. Bees is the only heritage coast between Anglesey and the Scottish border, indeed, it is the only sea cliff in all that area. The cliffs are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some 300 feet high, and affording excellent views north to Scotland and across to the Isle of Man.

Gazetteer

Aira Force   The most popular waterfall in the Lake District. A footpath from the National Trust parking lot off the A592 leads through lovely woodland in a circular path to Aira Force and High Force, a pair of cascades totalling 65 feet in height. Foot bridges lead across the Aira above and below the falls, allowing some excellent views - mind the spray! Paths lead beyond the falls to Yew Crag Glenridding, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Footpaths from the National Trust parking lot on the A592 near the south eastern end of Ullstwater, just before the junction with the A5091 Details of Aira Force OS NY400209 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bassenthwaite Lake   The most northerly major lake in the Lake District National Park. Bassenthwaite's major attraction is the stately home of Mirehouse and the old church of St Bega nearby. The lake is home to the vendace, a fish found only one other place in the UK. Good access to Skiddaw, Cockermouth, and Keswick. Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Accessible either via the A66 or the A591. Parking at 3 locations on the west side of the lake, and one at the north east corner. Details of Bassenthwaite Lake OS NY215295 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Borrowdale   One of the most scenic areas of the Lake District National Park, the Borrowdale valley stands at the south end of Derwent Water. The River Derwent runs along the valley floor, and on all sides rise up dramatic fells. This glorious walking country, and immensely popular; not surprising given the vaariety of both easy and more difficult trails available. Bowe Barn, Borrowdale Road Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England, CA12 5UP Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Website: Borrowdale Email: borrowdale@nationaltrust.org.uk National Trust Location map OS NY245137 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Bowder Stone   A Lake District icon, the Bowder Stone is a 2000 tonne boulder precariously balanced on one narrow corner. The stone is 30 feet high and 50 feet wide, and it can be ascended via a slender ladder. The Bowder Stone is set in lovely woodland. Grange, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: At the north end of Borrowdale, on the B5289 Keswick to Seatoller road at Grange. Parking in a National Trust parking lot, and a short, mostly level walk to the stone. OS NY255164 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Brothers Water   One of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and one of the least visited. Most visitors to the area whizz past Brothers Water on their way over the Kirkstone Pass, but the lake is well worth a visit. Trails from Hartsop lead around the lake, past a medieval farmhouse and into the hills beyond. Hartsop, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Park at Cow Bridge parking area near Hartsop, or at a small pull-by on the A592 which leads to a tiny beach area. Details of Brothers Water - Photos of Brothers Water OS NY 412128 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Buttermere Lake   A beautiful lake in heart of all that is best about the Lake District! Surrounded by some of the best walking country in the National Park, Buttermere has been a magnet for visitors since the Lakeland poets like Wordsworth first began to extol its beauty. There are popular walks along the lake and more vigorous walks to Red Pike and Haystacks, among other delights. Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Located at the foot of Honister Pass, on the A5289. Website: Buttermere Lake National Trust Details of Buttermere Lake - Photos of Buttermere Lake OS NY 180160 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Coniston Water   Coniston Water is the third largest lake in Lake District National Park. Coniston village is the main settlement along the lake. Above Coniston is the popular climb to the Old Man of Coniston. On the eastern shore is Brantwood, home of Victorian writer John Ruskin. The restored steam yacht Gondola take visitors up and down the lake in style, sailing from Coniston jetty. Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Coniston village is on the A593 from Ambleside. The eastern shore is reached via a minor road off the B5285 near Hawkshead. Details of Coniston Water OS SD 305950 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Crummock Water   The larger sibling of popular Buttermere lake in the north west of the Lake District, Crummock Water is larger than its neighbour, and tends to avoid the crowds that throng Buttermere. On the western side of the lake is Scale Force waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Lake District at 170 feet in height. Buttermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Located on the B5289 near Buttermere village. Details of Crummock Water OS NY 157190 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Derwentwater   The largest and most visited of the northern lakes, Derwentwater offers good boating activity, plus some of the most popular walks in the National Park. Just outside Keswick is Castlerigg Stone Circle, while to the south is Lodore Falls and Borrowdale, with access to Honister Pass and Buttermere beyond. Keswick, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Keswick, the centre for Derwentwater, is best accessed off the A66 (exit the M6 at Penrith). Website: Derwentwater Details of Derwentwater - Photos of Derwentwater OS NY 260200 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Dodd Wood   A lovely woodland area rising above the eastern shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, the most northerly lake in the Lake District National Park. Dodd Wood stands opposite the historic house of Mirehouse, from whom the National Park leases the area. A591, Bassenthwaite, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Countryside Heritage Rating:   ? Location: On the A591 at Mirehouse. Paid parking lot. Details of Dodd Wood OS NY246272 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

photo of Ullswater is © David Ross and Britain Express