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Visiting Cumbria and The Lake District By Carrie Phillips
Cumbria is home to one of the most beautiful areas in England, the Lake District. If you are visiting for a week, or even a day, you need to make sure that you take advantage of all the amazing locations and opportunities to do something different, because they are literally right on your door step. In this article there are a few locations, which would definitely be worth putting on your list of places to visit whilst you are here!
Ullswater Valley In the heart of Cumbria and the Lake District, Ullswater is a stunning location, which has a wide variety of activities to do, even on a rainy day, and lets face it, being in the Lake District we have plenty of those! The lake itself stretches a huge 7 ½ miles from Pooley Bridge, all the way to Glenridding, but there are plenty of ways to get around, be it on foot, by bike or by steamer. Whether you choose to hug the shoreline or hike up the surrounding fells, the views are incredible and at every twist and turn in the route you can see the beautiful landscape from a new point of view. Walking around Ullswater gives you the opportunity to catch a steam boat from Pooley Bridge, Howton or Glenridding, should the weather change, legs get tired or even just to make your visit that little bit more interesting. You can also hire sailing boats and kayaks, from both ends of the lake, should your sporting side shine through during your visit. As one of the most spectacular lakes in Cumbria, it is without a doubt a top priority place to visit, for any outdoor enthusiast or anyone who appreciates the beauty of the English countryside.
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Ullswater from Hallin Fell
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Located on the outskirts of Keswick amidst a panorama of rugged mountains and hill tops, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most beautiful and most popular stone circles in Cumbria. With views across to the most walked fells in the county, such as Skiddaw, Blen Cathra, and Hellvellyn, Castlerigg Stone Circle offers an incredible overview of the formidable landscape, within the heart of the Lake Ditrict. It is no wonder thousands of people gather here every year to paint, draw, photograph or just take in the incredible surroundings visible from this mysterious location.
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Castlerigg
View Down The Valley
Stone Circle
Wishing On A Star
The origins and creation of this landmark is unknown, but is believed to date back to 3200BC and to have been used for religious ceremonies. It is now owned by the National Trust and maintained by English Heritage, which means this location is available for your viewing pleasure 24 hours a day allowing you to take in the ever changing characteristics of the area, a result of the unpredictable and volatile Lakeland weather.
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Kirkstone Inn Headstone
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Kirkstone Pass
Kirkstone Inn
Red Screes
Known as ‘the inn with altitude,’ sitting at 1500ft, it is the highest inhabited building in Cumbria, which, for over 500 years, has provided accomdation, food and drink to the many travellers that has passed it’s doors. From the inn there is access to many walks into the fells, including Red Screes, Hellvellyn, Fairfield and St Raven’s Edge, all enjoyable walks and climbs with some of the most stunning views, on a clear day. A definite place to visit for anyone who appreciates the outdoors, or
View From St Raven’s Edge
Kirstone Pass is the well travelled, long and winding road which connects Ullswater and Ambleside. The road through the high Lakeland fells boasts not only and enjoyable drive, but beautiful scenic views and lovely inn with an incredible beer garden!
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Summit Cairn
Hallin Fell
Looking Back En-route
Hallin Fell, situated next to the crooked, pleaseant waters of Ullswater, is a simple walk started at Martindale Chruch, which is accessible to people of any fitness level. Reaching the top rewards you with an incredible view of Ullswater, an amazing overview of the Martindale valley and views across to Blen Cathra and Little Mell Fell.
For more information on all of these locations visit: www.visitcumbria.com