Covid-19 Update
All non-essential retail outlets are currently closed, except for take-aways. This is set to change on April 12, pending a review. Go to https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about visiting the area.The majority of car parks and public toilets are open. Go to the Lake District National Park website for information about which car parks are open, how busy they are and whether the toilets are open: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/car-park-statusSupermarkets and food shops are open.Please note that it is your responsibility to keep up-to-date with latest government guidelines: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
ESSENTIAL!: How to use the app
On installing the app and opening for the first time:Accept permissions when first opening the app.Select the gear symbol and select 'Play stop audio' and 'location settings'.Make sure your device GPS is turned on.Make sure 'autolock/screen timeout' is disabled.To best enjoy the app, click the folded map icon and keep the map open to monitor your progress. To read a stop's description before reaching it, tap on the relevant number on the map then tap on the name that appears. Once you've read the content, tap the map icon again.If you are driving alone a phone mount is advisable.THIS TOUR WORKS BEST IF YOU STICK TO THE SPEED LIMIT!!Starting the tour:Tap 'Start Tour' then tap the map icon, top right.On Android, tap the 3 dots top right then 'Get directions'On iPhone and iPad, tap the number '1' on the map then tap the road sign icon at the bottom of the screen. Then tap 'Directions'This takes you to your phone's map. Follow the directions to the beginning of the tour.Re-open the app.Using the app:Most of the narration is GPS-triggered although there are a few 'push play' sections to give you the choice when to listen to them. Within each 'stop' you will find instructions on when to hit play if the GPS does not trigger for atmospheric reasons. THIS IS FOR PASSENGERS ONLY or when stationary.Also within each stop are written directions to the next stop.Look for links to walking routes and places of interest, embedded in the text of the stops.If you leave the loop and want to rejoin it, click the folded map icon at the top of the stop page then tap the 3 dots top right followed by 'Get directions'.The narration will only play automatically once unless you exit and re-enter the tour, in which case it will replay when you next cross the GPS point.The GPS triggers are set to work in the order of the tour. If you try doing the tour backwards the information will be out of place.You can begin the tour at any one of its locations and can always manually select any location at any time. Updates:We are continually improving the app so please tap 'check for updates' from the gear symbol drop down menu, top right on the app homepage on an Android, bottom of the homepage on iPhone and iPad. Next tap the loop on the tour list to open it. If there is an update you will see a small number '1' over the 3 dots in the top right corner of the subsequent screen. Tap on the '1' and then tap 'update tour'. A 'downloading' message will appear. This will take a minute or so if connected to WiFi.HAVE FUN!
A Brief History of Cumbria
Cumbria as a county in its own right was formed from three older counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and parts of North Lancashire and North Yorkshire in 1974. It may be a relatively new county but its history is rich and ancient.Between the last ice age and the Neolithic period, the entire British mainland was covered in forest. The uplands of Cumbria were covered in pine and birch whereas oak, alder, ash, and elm flourished in the lowlands.During the Mesolithic period, around 5,500BC the lowland coastal areas of Cumbria were inhabited by cave-dwelling people. Animal bone and primitive tools have been found at Kirkhead Cave, near Lower Allithwaite, dating back to 11,400BC. From about 4,000BC, during the Neolithic period, more permanent homes were established and people started to develop the land around them. The introduction of flint axes led to the clearing of upland forests for farmland.The Langdale Valley, which you will visit on Loop 3, was once the European centre for greenstone axes, which were fashioned from broken rock fragments called scree. These were gathered from the hills surrounding the valley, especially Pike O’ Stickle, and the fells of Scafell Pike. Axes that were made there have been found across Europe.Bronze tools have been found around Ambleside, Keswick and St John’s in the Vale.The Megalithic tradition which spanned the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age saw the erecting of stone circles and monuments. There are many theories as to why these were built but most archaeologists concur that they were used for ritual and ceremony. Cumbria has more sacred sites than anywhere in Britain and 3 of the country’s most significant circles: Castlerigg near Keswick, Swinside in the Duddon valley and Long Meg near Salkeld. You can learn more about them in our ‘Sacred Sites of Cumbria’ section.The Celtic people started to move into the region in the 3rd Century BC, bringing with them advanced farming techniques, metalwork, sophisticated religious practices and basic systems of law.The Iron Age brought accelerated clearance of the forests, needed to fuel the fires to smelt iron ore. Hill forts such as at Dunmallard Hill, near Pooley Bridge, were built in this period.The arrival of the Roman Empire in Cumbria in 77A.D saw the subjugation of the native Celtic Carvetti tribe, part of the larger Brigantes tribes in the north. Attempts were made to conquer Scotland but these were unsuccessful. In 122 AD Emperor Hadrian ordered that a wall be built between England and Scotland to keep the rebellious Scottish tribes out. Construction took approximately 17 years. It stretched 74 miles (118KM) from Bowness-on-Solway, west of the city of Carlisle, to Wallsend in the east. Remains of the longest continuous remaining stretch of the wall can be visited at Birdoswald Roman Fort at Gilsland near Carlisle, Cumbria. During the Roman period, Cumbria was a military zone. The Romans established several strategic forts, two of which, Hardknott and Ambleside, can be visited on loop 3. They also built roads connecting Kendal with Ravenglass and Troutbeck with Brougham near Penrith. You can walk along the old Roman road of ‘High Street’ from Troutbeck hamlet on Loop 1. Civilian settlements grew around the military bases, especially at Ambleside.The Celts of the northwest managed to hold on to their culture despite Roman rule and local place names show their influence. For example, the mountains of Blencathra and Helvellyn derive their name from the Celtic language.When the Romans withdrew from Britain, around 400AD, the Celtic people of this area called themselves ‘Combrogi’ meaning ‘Fellow Countrymen’. This later became Cymry and is the origin of the modern name Cumbria. In the 6th century (501 AD- 600AD) Urien, son of Cynfarch Oer, became ruler of Rheged, a kingdom of the Hen Ogled ("Old North"), the Brythonic Celtic speaking region of what is now Cumbria, Dumfriesshire and parts of Yorkshire. The northern kingdoms fought each other for many years until King Urien emerged as the region's most powerful leader. He won many victories over the Anglo-Saxon rulers of Bernicia (located in what is now south-east Scotland and north-east England) in the second half of the sixth century. Urien was eventually assassinated.Bernicia then united the northern kingdoms through an alliance of marriage between Northumbria and Rheged tribes.The Cumbric language was gradually replaced by Anglo-Saxon.The 7th to 10th centuries saw many battles over the sovereignty of Cumbria. This warfare reached its climax with the defeat and death of Dunmail, the last of the Celtic Kings, by the combined forces of Saxon King Edmund I and Malcolm of the Scots in 945 on the mountains near Grasmere. The lands were granted to the Scottish king for his support. You will pass a cairn called Dunmail’s raise on Loop 1 where the Celtic King is said to be buried and you can climb to Grisedale Tarn where his crown is said to lie. Norse Vikings from Western Norway gradually settled in Cumbria in the 9th and 10th centuries. This was largely a peaceful colonisation unlike the violent invasion of Lindisfarne by Danish Vikings.The small farms that became established in the area have their origins in Norse traditions, as does the practice of dividing holdings with drystone walls. Many Cumbrian names of places and land features derive from the Norse language: Streams are named becks, from the Norse 'bekr'; Waterfalls are named forces from the Norse 'foss'; 'Thorpe' means hamlet; Fell derives from the Norse ‘fjall’;Small lakes are called tarns which comes from 'tjorn' Ghyll meaning narrow ravine derives from the Norse word ‘gil’;Dale comes from ‘dalr’;And 'Thwaite' in Old Norse means clearing. The Viking influence remained until the Middle Ages. A mixture of Norse-English languages was spoken there until at least the 12th Century. The sovereignty of Cumbria swapped hands many times during the Middle Ages, between 500AD and 1500AD with many battles fought between Scottish and Norman/English Kings. Cumbria being on the borders was a strategic ‘no man’s land’.Sheep-farming, a staple of the local economy today was well and truly established by medieval times and The Church set up farms called granges to exploit resources. The Herdwicke sheep, a hardy local breed, served a dual purpose of preventing forest regeneration and providing wool which was sold across Europe and beyond. Many of today’s footpaths follow medieval packhorse routes which were used to carry produce to market towns across the region. Life on the farm and in the home changed very little for hundreds of years.From the 12th-century lead, copper, haematite and many other minerals were mined and quarried. The 18th century saw the building of the railways which in turn greatly increased tourism to the area due to the ease of access. The area attracted yet more attention due in part to the success of a book written by the poet William Wordsworth: ‘A Guide to the Lakes’, published in 1835. Wordsworth suggested that this area become ‘some sort of national property’ to maintain its beauty. He was, however, in staunch opposition to the railways due to their effect on the landscape.The conservation of the area was recognised in 1951 with the establishment of The Lake District National Park.
Geology of the Lake District
The dramatic geology of the Lake District has been sculpted by 500 million years of geological processes, creating steep sharp ridges and smooth U-shaped valleys, England’s highest mountain, and deepest and longest lakes. Looking at a map of the region one can make out a rough wheel whose hub is situated in Dunmail Raise, north of Grasmere. The valleys and lakes radiate outwards forming the 'spokes'.There are several distinct categories of geology in the Lake District:Skiddaw GroupThe Skiddaw Group are the oldest rocks in the Lake District. They were formed as black muds and sands settling on the seabed about 500 million years ago. They have since been raised up and crumpled and squeezed. These rocks are found mainly in the north of the National Park and the mountains they form are mostly smooth, though many streams have cut deep gorges.Borrowdale Volcanic GroupFound in the central Lake District, the 'Borrowdale Volcanics' are very hard lavas and ashes formed in catastrophic eruptions about 450 million years ago. They make up the highest and craggiest mountains: Scafell, Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes.These peaks are not the remains of the original volcanoes - they are the harder volcanic rocks that have withstood erosion.Windermere GroupSedimentary mudstones, sandstones, siltstones and some limestone formed in the sea about 420 million years ago. These were later folded and faulted, pushed up and eroded down to their present levels, forming the gentler scenery of southern Lakeland.GraniteHuge masses of granite formed about 400 million years ago, deep below the Lake District. Erosion has revealed outcrops in Eskdale, Ennerdale and at Shap.Limestone320 million years ago a tropical sea covered the Lake District. The shell remains of incredible numbers of small animals formed limestone which is visible at Whitbarrow Scar and Scout Scar in the south of the National Park.The Lake District owes it’s name to it’s fourteen lakes and numerous tarns. The reason for such a concentration of surface water is that the deep-cut glacial valleys capture the high rainfall and the volcanic rock stops it from draining away.
The language of Cumbric
Cumbric was a variety of the Common Brittonic language spoken during the Early Middle Ages in the Hen Ogledd or "Old North" in what is now northern England and southern lowland Scotland. It was closely related to Old Welsh and the other Brittonic languages. Place name evidence suggests Cumbric may also have been spoken as far south as Pendle and the Yorkshire Dales. The prevailing view is that it became extinct in the 12th century, after the incorporation of the semi-independent Kingdom of Strathclyde into the Kingdom of Scotland.
Safety on the Fells
The weather in the Lake District can change rapidly. Whether you are climbing a mountain or tackling one of the lower fells it is essential that you check the forecast before you set off and keep an eye on the weather whilst you are out. Wear good quality hiking boots and several thin layers of clothing. Always tell someone where you are going. Plan your route before you set off, giving yourself plenty of time to get back before dark. Be aware that you cannot always get a mobile phone signal whilst out on the hills. The Mountain Rescue Organisation give safety advice on their website; taking note of their points can save lives. Don't forget to take with you: • Sufficient food and drink • Waterproofs • A map and compass • A small first aid kit • Spare warm clothing, hat, and gloves Follow the Country Code :• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work • Guard against all risk of fire • Fasten all gates • Keep your dog under close control • Keep to public paths across farmland • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges, and walls • Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone • Take your litter home • Help to keep all water clean • Protect wildlife, plants, and trees • Take special care on country roads TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS!In case of emergency only call 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue teams in the Lake District, staffed by unpaid volunteers, attend many call-outs each year. As registered charities, they rely on voluntary contributions to continue their good work. Visit the websites of the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team to see how you can help.
Beginning of Tour 1
IF NO GPS, HIT PLAY ONCE LEAVING A591Start point:Holbeck Lane, Windermere LA23, UKCoordinates: 54.40785439551824 -2.9457741398811095.Once you turn off the A592 onto Holbeck Lane it's 1.6 miles and about 5 minutes to our first stop: Townend.As you turn off from the A591 you can immediately feel the difference as you climb steeply up the windy roads towards the mountains. You get to see close up the fine workmanship of a Cumbrian staple: the slate wall.Drystone walls date back at least as far as the Iron Age and their history is an interesting window into the history of Britain. It’s thought that Norse settlers brought the practice of Drystone walling with them. It fell out of favour during the Dark Ages, mainly because the Anglo-Saxons that took over tended to settle in the lowlands, where their agricultural techniques were more successful. As settlement in the Highland areas increased during the medieval period, landowners abandoned farming in favour of raising sheep and cattle, enclosing land which had previously been owned, or used "in common", by all the inhabitants of a village. In the lower slopes of the highland zone, the walls are rough and irregular in shape, enclosing small farms dating to the late medieval period and the 16th century. Higher up the slopes, the walls enclose larger fields dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.At the highest elevations are the great sheep grazing areas bounded under Acts of Parliament during the great Enclosure Movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. These walls are the most regular and may run for many miles across otherwise forbidding landscape. And you thought it was just a wall!
Layby on the right
There's a small layby coming up on the right, after the junction. [Lat: 54.40829, Long -2.92831] You can briefly pull up there to get a stunning view of almost the full 10½ mile (18km) length of Windemere Lake.
Layby to Townend
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH THE LAYBYWindemere lake is a mile wide in places and over 60 metres deep. Long distance swimmers use it as practice for swimming the English Channel. That flotilla of yachts bobbing in the distance is Windemere marina. When you’re by the water’s edge in Windemere itself it can be hard to get a feel for the surrounding countryside. But up here you can see just how romantic a setting it is.A mile further on is our first stop on the tour: the picture-perfect hamlet of Troutbeck.Just before the village you can park in the car park to visit Townend, a 17th century house, built in 1626 by George Browne, a wealthy farmer.
View of mountains
The peaks you can glimpse through the trees, Capel How, Sour How, and Sallows, form the beginning of the eastern wall of the Troutbeck valley.
Left turn to Townend
Stop 1 Townend
17th Century houseIF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH TOWNENDCar park coordinates 54.411295, -2.915682Townend is a 17th-century house built in 1626 by George Browne, a wealthy farmer. The Browne family owned Townend for 11 generations and more than 300 years. The famed wood carvings, ornate furniture, and numerous nooks and crannies make this a fascinating glimpse of life in a bygone age. Rather counter-intuitively, it’s best to visit Townend when it’s sunny, as it’s quite dark inside.The atmospheric old building opposite the house is one of the few remaining bank barns in the Lake District. The bank barn was used to store dry wood, peat for the fire, cattle, dogs and horse-drawn carriages. It is still used today to house sheep. The oldest part was built in 1666 making it one of the oldest bank barns in Britain.Directions to Kirkstone Pass Inn:11 min without traffic (4.3 miles)via A592Turn left out of the car park.Continue straight through the village for a mile.Slight left onto Townhead Brow/A592Continue on A592 for 3.1 milesKirkstone Pass InnAmbleside, Cumbria, Ambleside LA22 9LQ
Troutbeck Village
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE TOWNENDLat 54.41597 Long -2.91453Troutbeck is actually a string of hamlets which grew up around roadside drinking wells, each dedicated to a different saint. Many of the houses in Troutbeck date back to the 17th-century, as evidenced by the thick rough stone walls, irregular windows, and slate roofing.The well-known children’s author Beatrix Potter used to live at Troutbeck Park Farm, where she bred the celebrated Herdwicke sheep, the indigenous breed of the Lake District.You can make several hikes from Troutbeck including a demanding yet rewarding 5-hour high ridge walk. This route starts next to the Queen's Head hotel on the road to Kirkstone and there is lay-by parking available to the north and south of the hotel.The footpath eventually joins a Roman road along the row of peaks to your right, slightly misleadingly called "High Street".Walks from Troutbeck: https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/ill-bell-high-street-troutbeck/https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/townend/trails/circular-walk-over-wansfell-from-troutbeckhttps://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/townend/lists/walks-around-troutbeckYou can get refreshments at the intriguingly named ‘Mortal Man’ on your way out of the hamlet. Dating back to 1689, this atmospheric Inn offers spectacular views down the Troutbeck Valley, especially from its terraced beer garden. It hosts open mic music nights on Tuesdays, and Thursday night is spoken word night.
Turn left
Drive to Kirkstone Pass View
IF NO GPS, HIT PLAY ON LEAVING TROUTBECKIt's a ten minute, four-mile drive to our next stop: Kirkstone Pass View. Leaving Troutbeck village on the A592, as the road winds up through the remote mountain scenery, look out for some of the near vertical drystone walls that beggar belief.Music: Yair Avidorhttp://lutenist.co.uk
Approach Kirkstone Pass View
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON PASSING "THE STRUGGLE" SIGNPOSTYou are climbing towards the highest point of the Kirkstone Pass, our next stop. At 453 metres (1500 feet) above sea level, it is the highest section of road in Cumbria, passing between the unnavigable peaks of Snarker Pike and St Raven’s Edge.The winding road you pass just before the car park is aptly named The Struggle and can be impassable during difficult weather conditions.
Stop 2: Kirkstone Pass View
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKEDKirkstone Pass InnAmbleside, Cumbria, Ambleside LA22 9LQOnce at the top of the pass the views are spectacular and definitely worth a stop. In the distance, you can see Lake Windemere and on a clear day, you can even glimpse the sea, glistening at the shores of the Furness peninsula. The free car park [N 54.46445, W 2.92542] is a popular starting point to explore the surrounding peaks and get an even better view of the dramatic landscape.There’s a 2-hour round trip to Stoney Cove Pike or the more challenging climb to Red Screes which takes just under 2 hours there and back.https://www.lakeswalks.co.uk/walks/stoney_cove_pike_from_kirkstone_pass_inn/https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_246.htmlThe cosy Kirkstone Pass Inn has catered to hungry hikers for decades and serves up reasonably priced homely meals and sandwiches. It is the third highest public house in England and is said to be built on the foundations of a 15th-century monastery. Keep an eye out for any paranormal activity as the Inn is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who have perished on the bleak mountainside!Just under half a mile down the road from the inn you can see the Kirk stone, from which the pass derives its name. The stone’s silhouette resembles a church steeple, Kirk being the Norse word for church.
Leaving Kirkstone
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE THE CAR PARKAs you head towards the Hartsop valley floor it’s time to get the thesaurus out, as you’ll soon run out of words to describe the spectacular scenery...but there’s always WOW!!!!!Music: Bourree from the 4th Lute Suite, composed by JS Bach. Performed by Jon SaylesDIrections to Brothers water:7 min (3.5 miles) via A592Turn left out of the car parkHead north on Kirkstone Pass/A592Continue for 3.5 miSlight left256 ftTurn right46 ftCow Bridge Car parkPenrith CA11 0NZ
Brothers Water first view
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU SEE THE LAKE TO YOUR LEFTThe lake that appears to the left is our next stop, Brothers water. It’s either the smallest lake or largest tarn in the Lake District. Take your pick! The lake is home to a rare species of fish related to salmon called the Schelly, which is only found in 3 other places in the world, all in Cumbria.But if that doesn’t fire the imagination perhaps the words of Dorothy Wordsworth, William’s sister, might:"The boughs of the bare old trees, the simplicity of the mountains, and the exquisite beauty of the path… the gentle flowing of the stream, the glittering, lively lake, green fields without a living creature to be seen"Ok, so you’ll have to get here nice and early for the latter to be true, but other than that, it’s an accurate description of what you’ll find on the opposite shore. It is a joyful place to rest and bask in the tranquillity. Fingers crossed, it might even be sunny!
Cow bridge turn
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU SEE A SIGN TO YOUR RIGHT FOR HARTSOPTake the first left you see, with a bus stop on the corner and there’s a car park on the right. If that’s full you’ll find more spaces across the bridge. Dorothy left her brother sitting on that bridge as he wrote a poem called ‘Written in March’. Mistakenly as it happens because he wrote it in April! Maybe his phone was out of charge!
Stop 3 Brothers Water
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH THE CAR PARKTake the first left you see, with a bus stop on the corner and there's a car park on the right. If that's full, you'll find more spaces across the bridge.Coordinates: 54.51198 -2.92335Once parked, you can follow in Dorothy’s footsteps. It’s a short spellbinding walk under the boughs of some of the oldest oak trees in the county to a tiny beach where you can marvel at the rugged yet soft mountains reflected in the water.You can continue to walk along the valley floor through open farmland that has been used since the Bronze Age, and on to Dove Crag, Hart Crag and Fairfield. https://www.walkingenglishman.com/lakes40.htmlOr save your energy and hop back in the car for this lake’s bigger brother: The 8 mile long Ullswater.Directions to Patterdale:4 min (1.7 miles)via A592Turn left onto A5921.7 miPatterdale Village Store and Post Office, Patterdale CA11 0NW
'Written in March' by William Wordsworth
PUSH PLAYThe cock is crowing, The stream is flowing, The small birds twitter, The lake doth glitter The green field sleeps in the sun; The oldest and youngest Are at work with the strongest; The cattle are grazing, Their heads never raising; There are forty feeding like one! Like an army defeated The snow hath retreated, And now doth fare ill On the top of the bare hill; The plowboy is whooping- anon-anon; There's joy in the mountains; There's life in the fountains; Small clouds are sailing, Blue sky prevailing; The rain is over and gone!
Drive to Patterdale
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY WHEN LEAVING BROTHERS' WATER CAR PARKCar park coordinates: [54.53586 -2.94470]On the road to Ullswater you reach the small village of Patterdale whose name is derived from St Patrick’s Dale. The Patron Saint of Ireland is said to have preached here around 450AD. Patterdale is an overnight stop on the 192 mile Coast to Coast walk, and the Post Office serves up simple freshly made baguettes catering to the legions of hikers that pass through.You can find a car park100 metres further on from the post office, opposite the Patterdale Hotel. There is a public pathway that runs behind the Post Office leading to the route up to Helvellyn, the central peak of the Lakes, and also the most popular. The walk incorporates what is considered to be the most dramatic ridge climb in Britain: The appropriately named ‘Striding Edge.’ But be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted and many freeze once face to face with the razor edge walkway and turn back. (See 'Walk to Helvellyn via Striding Edge')A much gentler walk can be had from the same starting point through the Grizedale Valley and up to Grizedale Tarn, the dead centre of Cumbria. The long flat walk which passes through soothing woodland and alongside a gentle river eventually climbs steeply to reach the Tarn at 538 metres above sea level. It takes just over 4 hours to walk the 10-mile round trip to the tarn. https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MTY4NTY1MwEarth mysteries author and researcher, Gary Biltcliffe:At the foot of Helvellyn is geographically the most central site in Cumbria: Grizedale tarn that has folklore concerning the last king of Cumbria: Dunmei.It's said that when he died he ordered his crown to be taken and thrown into the tarn and that he will recover it when England needs him again. Dunmeil the last king of the Cumbrians will arise from the mound and walk up towards the great tarn and recover his crown and rescue the Britons once more.You never know, it could be today! Something different to tell the folks back home!You can start either walk further along the route by taking a left, half a mile on from the Post Office and parking in the Playing fields car park to the left. [54.53586 -2.94470]It costs £3 to park there all day.There's a shorter, less spectacular route up to Helvellyn and Grizedale tarn from the western side of the mountain, opposite the viewpoint to Thirlmere, later in this tour.
Turn left for car park
Walk to Helvellyn via Striding Edge TEXT ONLY
Car Park coordinates: 54.53585221900066 -2.9443727705001947Directions to car park for Helvellyn & Grisedale Tarn from Patterdale Post Office:2 min (0.5 mile) via A592 Head north-west on A592 towards Grisedale Bridge 0.5 miTurn left at Grisedale Bridge Destination will be on the left 384 ft Grisedale BridgeThe round-trip takes 6 hours and starts off with an hour’s thigh-burning ascent, the most energy-expending part of the trail, steadily climbing the wall of the loveliest of valleys then continuing a gradual climb along a ridge path with expansive views either side before arriving at the infamous Striding Edge.The forebodingly dark waters of Red Tarn lurk far below. It takes half an hour to carefully pick your way along the sharp ridge then it’s a hands and feet scramble up an exhilarating but safe rock face to the top of Hellvelyn. There you will see why this is the number one peak for non-climbers in the Lakes.Helvellyn is the third highest peak in the Lakes at 950 metres (3,117 ft) but much more accessible than Scafell Pike and Scafell. And being much higher than the immediate surroundings you get an overview of the whole of the Lake District from up here: Windermere, Morecombe Bay and Blackpool tower to the south with the coast of North Wales off in the far distance; Bassenthwaite, Skiddaw, Blencathra and the hills of Southwest Scotland to the northwest, the Pennine hills to the Northeast and the Irish Sea to the West along with the fells of Coniston and Great Gable.And if that isn’t all-encompassing enough for you, another 10-minute walk takes you to the subsidiary peak, Helvellyn Lower Man, which offers better views to the north-west.The climb back down from the summit takes you along Swirral Edge, another narrow rocky track but a breeze compared to Striding Edge. Then it’s a leisurely saunter down the southern slope of Catstye Cam to Red Tarn before climbing back up to rejoin the route you came in on. https://www.walkscene.co.uk/description_30/helvellyn_from_patterdale
Drive to St Patrick's and Glenridding Pier
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE PATTERDALEAs the road reaches the tip of Ullswater you will see St Patrick's boat landing on your right. You can hire boats and bikes there, and there is a small cafe.On the other side of the road is St Patrick’s holy well. The saint was said to have baptised valley-dwellers at the well. As with other holy wells, the water has a reputation for curing sickness. It tastes pretty good too!Just after St Patricks is a right turn signposted ‘Glenridding Pier’, our next stop [54.54388546260711 -2.944624743344548]Directions to Ullswater from Helvellyn car park:3 min (0.7 mile) via A592 Head north-east towards A592 Turn left onto A592 After 0.5 milesTurn right, signposted ‘Glenridding Pier.’ After 0.2 miles arrive at The Pier HouseGlenridding Pier House Penrith CA11 0US, UK
Turn Right
Stop 4: Glenridding Pier: Steamboat and Canoes
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY WHEN YOU REACH ULLSWATER STEAMBOAT CARPARKStanding by the water’s edge you can see why Wordsworth declared Ullswater to be ‘the happiest combination of beauty which any of the lakes affords’. The birch, oak and hazel trees that surround it are a rare example of pre-plantation woodland and are a spectacular sight year round.You can glide across the lake in one of 3 steamboats. One of them ‘The Lady of The Lake’, is considered the oldest working passenger craft on the planet and was first launched here in 1877. The boats, operated by Ullswater steamers call at Aira Force, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. The car park is pay and display and there is a small cafe and toilet facilities in the Ullswater Steamers building.Howtown on the other side of the lake is a worthy steamboat stop with hikes up secluded valleys, a tea room, and hotel. You can also join the ‘High Street’ walk mentioned earlier or take a less challenging 1 hour, 3 mile walk up to Hallin Fell. From there you get a panoramic view of Ullswater and the dramatic peaks beyond which are straight out of Middle Earth. http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/hallin-fell-walking-route#The more independent can also hire canoes at Glenridding. Or if cold water doesn’t deter you, you can join the growing ranks of wild swimmers by taking a dip further up the shore.Alternatively, you can channel your inner poet and simply sit by the gently lapping shores and soak it all up.Glenridding is a small, mainly tourist village at the southern end of Ullswater. A 10-minute walk out of this town’s central car park, along the road, will bring you to the start of the Ullswater Way, a circular 20-mile walk around the lake. But the path to Ullswater is not for everyone. It leaves the shore and joins the busy road for stretches. It’s not suitable for the very young, or the elderly.http://www.ullswater.com/the-ullswater-way/Directions to Aira Force Waterfall:8 min (2.7 miles) via A592 Head south-west towards A592 0.2 miTurn right onto A592 Destination will be on the left 2.5 mi
Drive to Aira Force
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE GLENRIDDINGIt’s only 2.7 miles to our next stop, Aira Force, a 70-foot waterfall in idyllic surroundings immortalized by Wordsworth. The road there hugs most of Ullswater’s western shoreline so you can pull up in one of the many lay-bys to walk down to the water’s edge for a picnic. If you’re lucky you may even get your own private beach! You can also walk part of the Ullswater Way which runs between the road and lake from Glenridding to Glencoyne. ‘Wild stream of Aira, hold thy course,Nor fear memorial lays,Where clouds that spread in solemn shade,Are edged with golden rays!Dear art thou to the light of heaven,Though minister of sorrow;Sweet is thy voice at pensive even.And thou, in lovers' hearts forgiven, Shalt take thy place with Yarrow!’ [7]("The Somnambulist" by Wordsworth)Aira Force is one of the top draws in the area and you will soon see why. Its name derives from the Norse ‘eyrr’ for gravel, 'a’ for river and ‘fors’ for waterfall; so ‘waterfall of the river at the gravel bank.’ But gravel is not the most memorable feature of this stunning spot!It’s best to visit early or late in the day, but if the car park is full don’t let that put you off. Even when it’s busy you can still find a quiet spot to enjoy the uplifting beck and verdant surroundings. There’s also a small car park on the A5091 which is a shorter walk to the falls.Along with the native flora, there is something of an arboretum at Aira Force, with many fine trees planted nearly 200 years ago. Look out for arguably the star of the show, a humbling 180-year-old Sitka Spruce that has grown larger than many of his North American cousins due to the warmer British climate.Aira Force is flanked to the east by Gobarrow Park which is the inspiration for the most famous line of poetry in the world. William and Dorothy Wordsworth visited Gobarrow in 1802 and Dorothy’s eulogising journal entries inspired William to write ‘Daffodils’ with the immortal line ‘I wondered lonely as a cloud’. Thanks sis!
Stop 5: Aira Force Waterfall
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH AIRA FORCECoordinates: 54.57209611471595 -2.9283759211323286Aira Force is one of the few remaining places in England where the diminutive red squirrel still thrives. Red Squirrels are smaller than their American cousin the grey squirrel and they have distinctive ear tufts and bushy tails. Their preferable habitat is coniferous woodland and they are omnivorous.Red squirrels are the original species of the British Isles but have become endangered due to the destruction of habitat and competition from the grey squirrel which was introduced in the 1870s.The National Trust have joined forces with Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group to help make the area their ideal home, placing feeders beside the footpaths to the falls.Kids (young and old) can tackle Cyril’s red squirrel ramble around Aira Force. Find the squirrels, answer the questions and unlock the password to become a squirrel detective. Proceeds from the red squirrel ramble go towards the conservation of red squirrels.If you want to help the endangered red squirrel you can donate online through the Lakes Red Squirrel Appeal page.The National Trust café at Aira Force is a nice spot for a cuppa with views of the lake and peaks.There’s a wider selection of eateries in pretty Pooley Bridge at the northern tip of Ullswater. It’s a pretty 6-mile drive along the lake and just over ten minutes by car but if you want to keep going, turn right out of the car park and take the first right onto the A5091, signposted to Rookin House.Directions to Castlerigg Stone Circle:23 min (12.4 miles) Head south-west on A592 towards Park Brow/A5091 0.1 mi Turn right onto Park Brow/A5091 Continue to follow A50915.2 mi Turn left onto A66 5.1 mi Turn left onto Burns 1.1 mi Turn left 0.3 mi Turn left 0.6 mi Turn left onto Castle Ln Destination will be on the left
The Road to Blencathra
MusicMusic by Jenny Bliss and Yair Avidorhttp://www.jennybliss.co.ukhttp://lutenist.co.uk
Left onto A66
Drive to Castlerigg
The mountain ahead is Blencathra, also known as Saddleback. It has six separate fell tops, of which the highest is the Hallsfell Top at 868 metres (2,848 feet).There are several explanations for the mountain’s name. One is that Blencathra is derived from the Cumbric elements blain 'top, summit' and cadeir 'seat, chair', meaning 'the summit of the seat-like mountain'.The more romantic version is that it is derived from the Cumbric for Arthur’s mountain. Legend has it that King Arthur lays in perpetual sleep there, much like Dunmail, waiting for the time to rise and save Britain.The henges of King Arthur's Round table and Mayburgh Henge near Penrith are aligned to Blencathra and if you stand at either of them on a spring or autumn equinox the sun disappears into the top of the mountain.The peak is also revered by mountain climbers and hikers. Alfred Wainwright, the authority on Lakeland walks calls Blencathra ‘a mountaineer’s mountain’ and described more routes up it than for any other mountain. There are several highly technical ascents that cross the line from ‘walks’ to ‘climbs’, the highlight of which takes you across the knife-edge of Hall's Fell Ridge at the highest point of Blencathra. Wainwright describes it thus: "For active walkers and scramblers, this route is positively the finest way to any mountain top in the district". The route starts from the little village of Scales and takes a minimum of 3 hours.Difficulty rating: 5https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_40.htmlYou can take a much easier but still exhilarating walker’s route from Threlkeld, just before the turning for Castlerigg stone circle.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_24.htmlDifficulty rating: 1Music: 'Murmurations' by The Somerset Levellershttp://www.somersetlevellers.co.uk
1-25a Left to Castlerigg
Take the next left then drive one mile before turning left and left again, following the brown signs for Castlerigg stone circle.
Stop 6: Castlerigg Stone Circle
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLEOur next stop, Castlerigg Stone Circle [54.60376 3.09811], is arguably the most dramatically located stone circle in the land: a raised plateau in a natural amphitheater formed by the peaks of Skiddaw and Lonscale Fell to the north, Blencathra to the north-east, Clough Head to the east and St John’s Beck valley to the south.The 35 stones themselves are known as Carles, which is old English for a wise elder, and sitting quietly amongst them you can see why. The estimated age of the circle is 5,200 years, making it slightly older than the Pyramids of Giza.There is much debate about the purpose of stone circles. Some believe they are located at power spots in the earth’s magnetic field and serve to amplify those energies. They are also believed to relate to the stars and are often aligned to where the sun rises and sets on solstices and equinoxes.The stone circle builders were a mysterious race that now they believe came down from the Orkneys and not from Europe and created a culture of stone circle building and mound building in Neolithic times in a spanning of five thousand to two-and-a-half thousand BC. Probably Stonehenge had been the last of that kind of Technology.The northern entrance to Castlerigg stone circle is aligned to a notch between the mountains of Blencathra and Skiddaw and if you stand there on the summer solstice you will see the sun rising from Blencathra and setting over Skiddaw.There are several significant circles in Cumbria. In fact, there is a greater concentration of sacred sites here than anywhere else in the country.
Castlerigg Dowsing Exercise
Push PlayMaria Wheatley leads a fun dowsing exercise, great for kids!
Leaving Castlerigg PUSH PLAY
Leaving Castlerigg, go back the way you came, turn right 3 times then take the right signposted to St John’s in the Vale.Directions to St Johns in the Vale church:11 min (2.6 miles) Head north on Castle Ln towards Eleventrees 174 ft Turn right at Eleventrees 0.6 miTurn right towards Burns 0.3 miTurn right onto Burns 0.2 miTurn right 0.8 miTurn right Destination will be on the left
Drive to St John's in the Vale Church
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AFTER TURNING RIGHT TO ST JOHN'S IN THE VALEYou are now heading towards our next stop, St John's Church, a magical little chapel and ancient holy spring in a dramatic location.As with anywhere you stop on this tour, you can make several beautiful walks in the valley of St John's in the Vale, a glacial valley set between Clough Head to the East and High Rigg and Low Rigg to the west with fine views of Skiddaw and Blencathra behind you.https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_99.htmlThere is a footpath from Threlkeld that parallels the road all the way through the valley and you can take a beautiful walk up to St John's chapel this way if you still have the legs.
Turn right
Approach the gate
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY WHEN YOU SEE A GATE ACROSS THE ROAD
Stop 7: St John's in the Vale Church
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH THE CHURCHSt John’s in the Vale church is located in the low pass between High Rigg and Low Rigg.As with many churches and Abbeys in Britain, the chapel is built on an existing pagan sacred site, which itself would have been chosen according to the node points in the earth energies and to give thanks for the pure water bubbling out of the holy spring. The spring is still bubbling to this day. Try it, it’s delicious!The church is said to derive its name from the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, who it is believed founded a chapel in the valley in the 13th Century.This present-day church dates from 1845 when much of it was rebuilt. There have been further renovations since this time. The earliest reference to a church at this site is 1554.There is a steep footpath that runs behind the Youth centre just beyond the chapel. It’s a 20-minute climb up to High Raise which offers you an amazing 360 view of the landscape, including the holy mountains of Blencathra and Hellvelyn and your next destination of Thirlmere reservoir.https://where2walk.co.uk/walks/lake_district/high-rigg/Directions to Grasmere car park:23 min (11.5 miles) via A591 Head south-west 0.8 miTurn right 0.5 miSharp left onto A591 10.2 miAt the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Stock Ln/B5287 354 ft.Turn right into car park
Turn right
St John's in the Vale: The valley
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE ST JOHN'S CHURCHSt John's in the Vale is a U shaped valley, with steep, straight sides and a flat or rounded bottom. Glaciated valleys are formed when a glacier travels across and down a slope, carving the valley by the action of scouring. When the ice recedes or thaws, the valley remains, often littered with small boulders that were transported within the ice, called glacial till or glacial erratic.Music by Jenny Blisshttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk
Left onto A591
Thirlmere
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE YOU'VE TURNED ONTO THE A591On the other side of the hills to your right is Thirlmere reservoir. There is a small car park coming up on the right with views of the water. You can park in the Swirls Pay and Display car park opposite the Thirlmere viewpoint for the easier route up to Helvellyn and Grizedale Tarn. https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/helvellyn-from-thirlmere/There are seasonal toilet facilities there.Thirlmere was formed in the late 19th century by building Thirlmere dam and joining two lakes to provide drinking water for Manchester as it became one of the biggest centres of industry in the world. 100 miles of pipes carry more than 200 million litres of water a day by gravity alone to millions of households in Manchester.
Drive to Dunmail Raise
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE THE CAR PARKThe mountains of Helvellyn and Seat Sandal are to your left and Steel Fell, part of the High Raise massif is on your right.The Dunmail Raise mountain pass connects the Vale of Grasmere to the Thirlmere valley.At 238 metres above sea level, it’s the only low-level route between the northern and southern parts of the Lake District.A cairn, or pile of stones, also called Dunmail Raise lies between the dual carriageways of the A591 road, at roughly the highest point of the pass. It seems to have marked an old boundary between Westmorland and Cumberland.Latitude:54° 29' 45.3" NLongitude:3° 2' 21.17" WIt is said to cover the remains of Dunmail, the last king of Cumbria. This was the site of the battle in 945AD where Dunmail was defeated by the combined forces of Saxon King Edmund the Elder and his ally Malcolm 1 of the Scots. This was to be Dunmail’s last stand and he was killed, signalling the fall of the last Celtic kingdom of Britain.It is said that Edmund himself killed Dunmail at the place where the cairn now stands.Legend has it that the spirits of Dunmail’s warriors come to the mound once a year to see if it is time for him to rise from the dead and reclaim his crown!It is not possible to visit the cairn as it lies between the dual carriageway but you can glimpse it right by the road. Passengers only mind!John Pagan White immortalized King Dunmail in 1873 poem:They buried on the mountain’s side King Dunmail, where he fought and died. But mount, and mere, and moor again shall see King Dunmail come to reign.Mantled and mailed repose his bones Twelve cubits deep beneath the stones; But many a fathom deeper down In Grisedale Mere lies Dunmail’s crown.Climb thou the rugged pass, and see High midst those mighty mountains three, How in their joint embrace they hold The Mere that hides his crown of gold.There in that lone and lofty dell Keeps silent watch the sentinel. A thousand years his lonely rounds Have traced unseen that water’s bounds.His challenge shocks the startled waste, Still answered from the hills with haste, As passing pilgrims come and go From heights above or vales below.When waning moons have filled their year, A stone from out that lonely Mere Down to the rocky Raise is borne, By martial shades with spear and horn.As crashes on the pile the stone, The echoes to the King make known How still their faithful watch they hold In Grisedale o’er his crown of gold.And when the Raise has reached its sum,Again will brave King Dunmail come; And all his Warriors marching down The dell, bear back his golden crown.And Dunmail, mantled, crowned, and mailed, Again shall Cumbria’s King be hailed; And o’er his hills and valleys reign When Eildon’s heights are field and plain.Music by Jenny Blisshttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk
Drive to Grasmere & Dove Cottage
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU PASS RAISE COTTAGE WITH LAYBY TO YOUR LEFTYou are now heading down to one of the jewels in the Cumbrian crown: the charming village of Grasmere, our next stop. It feels like the heart of the Lake District and that’s not far from the truth. William Wordsworth made his home here for 8 years and you can see why. ‘Embrace me then, ye hills, and close me in; Now in the clear and open day I feel your guardianship; I take it to my heart; ‘Tis like the solemn shelter of the night. But I would call thee beautiful, for mild, And soft, and gay, and beautiful thou art Dear Valley, having in thy face a smile though peaceful, full of gladness. Thou art pleased, pleased with thy crags and woody steeps, thy Lake, Its one green island and its winding shores; The multitude of little rocky hills, thy Church and cottages of mountain stone clustered like stars some few, but single most, and lurking dimly in their shy retreats, or glancing at each other cheerful looks like separated stars with clouds between.’–The Recluse by William WordsworthThere is a popular museum dedicated to the poet and his home Dove Cottage has been lovingly kept as he left it, complete with the landscaped garden designed to encapsulate the wild essence of the region. The museum and library house a fine collection of Romantic art and literature.Open daily throughout the year except for January. Admission fee applies, including a guided tour of Dove Cottage and access to the garden and museum. There is a café and toilet facilities.Unfortunately, the museum is closed for the whole of 2019 and Dove Cottage is only due to being open between July and October 2019. There will be an alternative experience held in the library whilst Dove Cottage is closed. Please check the website for the latest news.https://wordsworth.org.uk/your-visit/planning-your-visit/You can park in the museum Pay and Display car park when open [N 54.45370, W 3.01670] or in the larger pay and display car park on Stock Lane, the small road to Grasmere Village [N 54.45608, W 3.02015]
Stop 8: Grasmere
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE PARKEDIt is said the name Grasmere comes from the old Norse word ‘Griss’ meaning young pig and ‘Mere’ meaning lake as wild boars once roamed the surrounding woodland areas. But others say that it may simply mean, 'The lake flanked by grass’. Not very imaginative!William Wordsworth is buried at St Oswald’s church in the village next to which is the riverside Wordsworth Garden. Next to the church is the renowned Grasmere Gingerbread shop, housed in the attractive old village school which dates back to 1630. You can walk along the river to Grasmere water where rowing boats can be hired. Another of Wordsworth’s homes Allan Bank overlooks the lake and is open to the public. The pay and display car park also has seasonal toilet facilities.
Easedale Valley walk
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ONCE IN CENTRAL GRASMEREAlthough everywhere you go in the Lakes you are surrounded by extreme beauty, the Easedale valley may just take the prize. Wordsworth called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.The most inviting entry point is via the little road that runs along the left edge of Emma’s Deli opposite the Inn at Grasmere. Stroll alongside picture perfect cottages and diagonally across an open pasture to another row of cottages where you turn left and walk 100 metres to 2 metal benches under a copse of beech trees, a delightful place for a breather. Then follow the stream, over a tiny bridge and through the gates to…paradise.The walk follows the stream through a wide flat valley floor as all around the sound of water in all its forms massages the eardrums, tumbling, bubbling, rolling, cascading. This really is a place to soothe the spirit as the stream leads you to a rugged mountain waterfall then onwards and upwards to Easedale Tarn.If that’s not enough you can follow paths to the right and left of the tarn to climb steeply to the ridges that surround then circle back to eventually take a long steep path back down to Grasmere.You will need an OS map to navigate the footpaths safely. http://www.thelakedistrict.org/things-to-do/walks/easedale-tarn/
Where to eat
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY ON RETURNING FROM THE EASEDALE VALLEYThe last challenge of the day is to decide where best to reflect on your epic journey! There are fine dining options in Grasmere and 5 miles further down the road in Ambleside there is a wider selection of places to eat.If you fancy something a little more exotic then we can highly recommend Doi Intanon on the road through the town which serves up truly authentic Thai food and has a friendly atmosphere.Doi IntanonMarket PlAmblesideLA22 9BU
Drive to Ambleside
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU LEAVE GRASMEREDirections to Ambleside from Stock Lane Car Park:7 min (3.4 miles)via A591Fastest route, the usual trafficB5287Head south-east on Stock Lane/B52870.1 miAt the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A5913.3 miThere’s time for some more exquisiteness on the drive to Ambleside as the road hugs the shores of Grasmere water and Rydal Water. It can be hard to resist stopping yet again to get out into those beautiful trees.If temptation gets the better of you take a right into White Moss Common car park just before Rydal Water. There are a few picnic tables next to the river and paths to the shores of both lakes through the woods. There are toilet facilities nearby.https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws9White Moss Car Park Coordinates: N 54.44993, W 3.00340
Rydal Mount
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH RYDAL MOUNTCoordinates: N 54.44873, W 2.98172Coming up, just after the Badger bar, is a turning for Rydal Mount, yet another of Wordsworth’s former homes. He lived there from 1813 to his death in 1850 and wrote most of his poems there. The house has impressive gardens with far reaching views. Open daily from March to October and Wednesday to Sunday through the Winter (closed December & January). Admission fee applies for tea rooms, toilets and parking available.
Ambleside
IF NO GPS HIT PLAY AS YOU REACH AMBLESIDEParking Co-ordinates N 54.43406, W 2.96411The small town of Ambleside has become popular due to its large selection of places to stay, shops, restaurants and a cinema. It makes a good base from which to explore the lakelands and is popular with walkers and climbers. This is the place to stock up on any hiking or camping gear and it has the widest choice of restaurants.A short and atmospheric walk from the town centre is Stock Ghyll Force a powerful 21 metre waterfall. In spring the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils.The river Stock Ghyll that runs through the town was a major reason for its industrial era prosperity as it powered the textile bobbin and fulling mills which can be seen either side of Bridge Street. Fulling is a step in woollen clothmaking which involves the cleansing of cloth to eliminate impurities. Bobbins are the wooden cylinders used in the weaving of textiles.The biggest tourist draw is the tiny Bridge House which was built as a covered bridge but once housed a family of 8!You can make an easy 2 ¾ hour round trip up to popular Loughrigg Fell which gives great views despite a relatively short ascent of 368 metres:http://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_141.htmlAmbleside has been a significant center since at least Roman times. There was a Roman Fort here called Galava whose remains can still be visited. It is next to pretty Borrans Park at Waterhead which is 1 km south of town. The park itself has several park benches with idyllic views down the lake. You can hire a boat from Waterhead or take a cruise to Bowness or Lakeside at the opposite end of the lake. There’s a pay and display car park with toilet facilities at Waterhead along with gift shops, stalls, cafes and the Wateredge Inn with lakeside beer garden.
End of tour 1 PUSH PLAY
We hope you have enjoyed Tour 1 as much as we enjoyed compiling it! We’d love it if you wanted to let us know what you enjoyed and what could be improved:www.info@wayfarertours.ukIf you haven’t already maxed out on pleasure there are a whole 2 loops to come. Bye for now!
Disclaimer
Wayfarer Tours Ltd cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage to property that occurs whilst using the app or visiting any of the locations suggested in the app.
Contributors
Narration:Steve Wharton:World Heritage Storyteller and musician.www.cumbriansongs.co.ukGary Biltcliffe:Earth Mysteries author and researcherbelinusline.comMaria Wheatley:Author and second generation dowser and tutoresotericcollege.comMusic:Jenny Blisshttps://www.jennybliss.co.uk/Yair Avidorhttp://lutenist.co.ukThe Somerset Levellershttp://www.somersetlevellers.co.uk/Jon SaylesWriters:Marco JacksonCathy SteadGary BiltcliffeMaria Wheatley
