The English Lakes - An Introduction

Lake District is in the north-west of England in Cumbria. It is the largest National Park in the UK (nearly 885 sq miles) and is considered the most beautiful areas and Europe's best destination for fellwalking and rock climbing.

Hills or mountains in the the Lake District are known by their local name of Fells. The Lakeland Fells are England's only real mountain range and although not high by world standards (ie not being anything over 3 thousand feet or 1000 ms) they nonetheless offer a huge number of exciting and rewarding mounatin hikes. All can be hiked (as opposed to "climbed" without equipment) and because of the old tradition of walking for fun here there is a large number of walkingpaths. In addition there is unrestricted access to virtually all paths above the "intake wall" (the last wall as you hike out of the valley).

According to respected local author (A. Wainwright) there are two hundred and fourteen Fells, many of which offer a number of routes, plus many chances to hike between the hills.

The tallest peak is Scafell Pike. This "highest" designation leads to lots of traffic, and holidaymakers who want to hike up a high Lakeland hill might want to choose a different one. Many of the slightly lower peaks are in fact much more challenging to climb as well as providing better views. Great Gable and High Street are popular choices. Less well-known hills include Bowfell, Fairfield and Grisedale Pike.

The main attraction are the numerous lakes and fells created by glacial erosion and providing dramatic and inspiring scenery although slightly changed by early humans, mainly by farming. It is the old home of cultural luminaries for example William Wordsworth and Mr John Ruskin, and the walking paths and fells are famously documented by Alfred Wainwright.

Originally settled by the Stone Age and conquered by the Romans lakes was heavily influenced by the Norsemen in their occupation about 900AD. The Norse cleared the woods to make charcoal to smelt lead in Glenridding and copper in Borrowdale Valley and in Coniston. The Norse brought the Herdwick sheep to the fells

The national park is popular with both English and international tourists and this can cause delays around busy periods at the most popular lakes.

The Lake District Information Portal http://www.thelakedistrict.info