Lake Distric, England

Today, thanks to Jess, we can read a bit about England, more precisely read about the spectacular Lake District region. Absolutely wonderful those landscape photos Jess. Must go there someday :)

Britain isn’t the most common holiday destination for those who like the outdoors. It has a reputation for being damp and rainy. There are no mountains that rival the heights reached by the European Alps and few famous walks or challenging long-distance footpaths. However, there are hidden gems to be found in England, Scotland, and Wales. All three are home to high hills with excellent facilities for walkers and the relatively wet climate means lush green landscapes even at the height of summer.


The Lake District is perhaps the most spectacular place in England. The scenery is world class, with impressive mountains looking down on rolling countryside and gorgeous silver lakes. The poet William Wordsworth ("I wondered lonely as a cloud, that floats on high over vales and hills...") lived there and was constantly inspired by the views around him.

The highest point in England is Scafell Pike (978m), one of the Lake District’s most popular walks. This may seem quite small to mountain enthusiasts. After all, Mont Blanc is 4810m high. However, those who’ve climbed Mont Blanc or another big peak know that it’s a serious undertaking. Getting to the summit is not easy and only very fit and experienced walkers should make the attempt. Scafell Pike can be climbed in a day by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, all the way from the valley floor to the very top.

The mountains of the Lake District are wonderfully accessible. It’s not uncommon for a moderate day walk to include two or three summits. Trails are well marked and generally easy to follow. Car parking and transport links are well adapted for hikers and there is no shortage of bed and breakfast hotels, classic English tea rooms, pubs and restaurants serving up fine food to hungry holiday makers. Towns like Ambleside are more than capable of catering to those who want gourmet dinners
and five star accommodation- for an outdoor sports destination, the Lake District is easily the most 'up market' in mainland Britain. Be sure to try out the selection of local cheeses, ice-creams, and beers.


As the name suggests, this region is home to the biggest lakes in England. These are not just a beautiful feature of the landscape. Lake cruises run on Windermere and Ullswater (two of the larger lakes) all year round. Walkers can cut across the hills and take a steam boat back to their starting point or enjoy a more relaxed day out on board.

English history is everywhere. Dry stone walls criss-cross the hills and valleys and the ancient stone circle at Castlerigg is one of the most spectacular in the UK. There are about 50 stone age monuments scattered across the district and most of them are easily accessible to walkers. The castles at Brough and Egremont offer a flavour of medieval Britain and those who appreciate literature and poetry can visit the country homes of Wordsworth and children’s author Beatrix Potter.

The Lake District is one of only a handful of places in the British Isles where red squirrels can still be found. Lucky walkers might also encounter herds of red deer on the hills. As a destination for those who enjoy the outdoors, it’s world-class.

Jess Spate lives, climbs, and walks in the UK and edits Outdoor Equipment Online, a British price comparison website where you can find rucksacks and other walking gear. She also works as a sustainable business consultant for fountainspirit.com.