Experience the Romantic Lake District this Valentines

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what destination to choose should be high on the agenda.

A destination sure to appeal to both parties is the Lake District. The peacefulness and tranquillity of the lakes and hills provide a romantic setting to rival any. With a choice of romantic places to stay as well, you are sure to find the ultimate romantic break. Year after year magazine polls rate the Lake District as the top romantic destination for a Valentine’s break and it’s no hard to understand why. And that’s not to mention the Lake District being listed in National Geographic’s 50 Places to a Lifetime list.

Many hotels in the Lake District offer special Valentine’s breaks which can be anything from a romantic meal in their restaurant to 2 or 3 night Valentine’s breaks including dinner, champagne, flowers and even optional extras such as private use of a hot tub or pre-theatre tickets to add just that something else special.

For walkers, what better activity on Valentine’s Day then the two of you going up one of the many fells.

Once at the top, it’s just the tow of you and miles of spectacular Lakeland landscapes. When back at the hotel, which is sure to have a roaring open fire, you can cosy up and await a truly romantic dinner for two. The cuisine in Lake District hotels never fails to disappoint.

Even though all the lakes in the Lake District are beautiful, Ullswater and Derwentwater are two that truly enchant. Not only are they surrounded by some of the highest fells in the Lake District but you can even experience and take in the view from the water. Ullswater Steamers and the Keswick Launch operate boat trips up and down the lakes which never fail to create that romantic mood.

To further illustrate and confirm the status of the Lake District as a romantic destination, no one need look any further that the pros of Wordsworth. Artists and writers take their inspiration from their surrounding and none more so than when Wordsworth wrote “ I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”. Just reading the first verse and you are transported straight to the Lake District;

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Those with a head for adventure couldn’t choose a better location either. If leisurely strolls and boat rides aren’t your thing, then the Lake District is the number one destination for thrill seekers and outward bound enthusiasts. Whether you’re in to climbing, abseiling or mountain biking, the Lake District will still create alternative Valentines breaks when coupled with a stay in one of the Lake District hotels.

For a destination that is sure to offer everything and more expected from a Valentine’s break, choose the Lake District.

The valleys of the Lake District

The valleys of the southeastern fell country are amongst the finest of the Lake District and again glaciation has played its part in moulding their formLake District Honeymoon Hotel
. Perhaps they lack some of the grandeur and splendid ruggedness of Borrowdale or Great Langdale but their unspoiled character more than makes amends. Apart from Troutbeck, immediately north of Windermere, they are all blind and thus saved from the effects of through traffic. Their narrow roads, little more than a track in the case of Bannisdale and not even that in Crookdale , tend to discourage penetration so that to some extent this is a relatively unknown corner of the Lake District.

Things might have been different if the main west coast railway line to Scotland had been driven through Long Sleddale.

Long Sleddale is one of the more attractive of these eastern valleys, with the wild ruggedness at its head gradually giving way to softer contours near the southern entrance. The contrasting valley section is largely a reflection of the change in rock type and the way in which it has reacted to various external influences like glaciation. In its upper part above Sad gill, it is the Borrowdale Volcanic series which out¬crop, while downstream the Silurian slates, grits and flags take over. The glacier which once flowed down the valley has left its mark in both sections, though to different effect. Almost immediately above Sadgill hamlet there is a terminal moraine cut through by the River Sprint. The morainic debris is piled against a rock bar projecting into the valley from both sides at this point.

Upstream the river flows across a wide, open flat and to prevent flooding has had to be artifici ally straightened. The valley flat marks the site of a temporary glacial lake, and its richer alluvial soils carry crops. Beyond lies the unreclaimed part of the valley, and it still retains its marshy character. Towards the valley head the floor rises steadily, as a rock step, coinciding with hard lava beds, is reached. Near the old Wren gill slate quarries  the colliding across into the Haweswater valley begins. To the east there is a similar break in the valley wall leading across to the head of Mosedale. Both cols must have been lowered by ice passing through them as diffluent tongues from the main glacier pushed out in various directions.

Below sad gill in the softer country associated with the Silurian strata the valley is more open though still possessing steep sides. In its journey towards the sea the River Sprint passes through a succession of basins and intervening rock barriers. From a point near where the Stockdale branch enters , as far as Wad's Howe Farm, the flat floor suggests a former lake basin. The farm lies on a side moraine which later crosses the valley and restricts the former lake flat. Between here and Ubarrow chapel  there is another basin. The chapel and nearby school lie on a moraine extending across the valley floor. Downstream from here and around Ubarrow Hall the open character of the lower part of Long Sleddale is well displayed. This is rich, well-farmed country.

At Bridge End Farm , however, the valley becomes restricted once again and between here and Nether House (514°°4 the River Sprint flows through a small gorge. The farms in this section lie on a distinct bench, which represents an old valley floor level well above the present river. Glacial erratic's, mainly flags, litter some of the fields, especially behind Nether House Farm, and must have been much more extensive before systematic clearance took place for farming. Yet another former lake basin lies below the farm, but within a quarter of a mile the river has begun to cut deeply into it and enter a steepened section of its course. Below Garnett Bridge a true gorge is developed before the river finally breaks out of its restricted valley to enter the glacial lowland country which extends to Kendal and beyond.

Wild Camp Lily Tarn 10/02/12

A short wild camp at Lily tarn the only proper winter wild camp I will do this year, this is because I'm going back to Afghanistan tomorrow. I had a few days off last week so shot to lake district but only had the time for something simple but at the same time it was stunning. The video is only short as I did not take much footage or pics as when I got to the top my camera went dead and I had not charged the spare battery so I resorted to my iphone 4s. Just looking forward to my return and I can get back on the fells.

Day 2 at the campsite
Video Rating: 3 / 5

Lake District Pubs - Eskdale

Eskdale is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District. Situated in the quieter side of the National Park, it has a peaceful tranquillity that makes it especially appealing to those who want to avoid the crowds. Amid all this tranquillity are several fantastic pubs serving great food and some fine ales. There are several cottages in the lake district which make a great base from which to explore Eskdale and what better way to finish the day of adventure off than to visit one of these fine establishments. 

As you come to the main village, Eskdale Green from the south, you come to The King George IV. Under new management the pub has regained its status as one of the main focal points of the valley.  It’s a welcoming pub with open fire, oak ceilings and slate floors.  There is a sunny patio outside and pets are welcome both in and out.

The King George IV has a self catering Apartment called the King George Apartment, which sleeps 8 and a luxury self contained caravan for 4/6 called The Cabin and if that wasn’t enough they’ve even got a flat sleeping 2 people.

At the other end of Eskdale Green is The Bower House Inn.  Here there is a lovely beer garden with a small wood and a stream at one end, plus a play area for children.  The building itself has a lot of character being a 17th Century coaching inn.  Nowadays it combines traditional Lake District hospitality with modern comforts such as wifi and regular events.  The food is locally sourced and the ales are locally brewed.

Arriving in Eskdale over Hardknott Pass, the first pub you come to is The Woolpack Inn (and after a trip over the steepest pass in England, you will be glad of a pint or two to bring yourself back to reality).  This pub was taken over by Harry & Paddington Berger in 2010 and they have worked wonders with it.  The surrounding scenery is stunning, the ale is real stuff and the food is good and honest, made from local ingredients wherever possible.  There is a large beer garden and your dog is more than welcome.

Heading down the valley you will then come to Boot which is a tiny hamlet with two pubs – The Boot Inn and the Brook House.  Both are just a five minute walk down the road from the Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway.  The Brook House is classic.  It is family owned and all the food is home made on site (and available all day).  Their real ales include Cumbrian specials such as Hawkshead Bitter, Jennings, Barngates and Yates.  And if ale isn’t enough to tempt you there, they also serve over 150 malt whiskeys.

The Boot Inn is further up the road and has a great children’s play area at the bottom of the beer garden.  Inside there are darts and pool and the pub prides itself on being a lively pub with a good atmosphere.

Between them the Woolpack Inn, Brook House Inn and Boot Inn host a beer festival in June.  With over 70 beers from nearly 70 breweries, each pub has a different choice.  The 5-10 minute walk between the pubs can provide welcome fresh air, and a chance to plan the next pint!

Just outside of the valley, going towards Wasdale is The Santon Bridge Inn. Sunday lunches are a speciality here but the pub is great any time of the week with its open fire, real ale and country inn atmosphere.  Wifi is available here, as well as a friendly smile from Humphrey who works behind the bar! If you are visiting in November, then don’t miss the World’s Biggest Liar Competition held at the Santon Bridge Inn.  Staying in Lake District Cottages is a great way to explore the lakes and all it has to offer.

 

Hiking in Wasdale and Ennerdale Valleys in the Lake District Feb 2010

This is a low level (we dont have crampons or ice axes) hike me and Jack did in the Lake District (Feb 2010). We started in Ennerdale Valley, camping by the lake on the first night. The next day we walked up the valley and over Black Sail Pass into Wasdale Valley. We found a lovely camp spot low down near Riscon Falls we where played in the snow as the sun set. We started late (to warm and cosy in our sleeping bags!) and walked up the Nether beck River and found another superb camp spot perched on the top of the river gorge. After another late start we made our way up the south ridge of Haycock, and then traversed around the SW side when we hit the snow line (this way we could play in the snow but also skirt round it if needed). Our last camp sport rates as one the best mornings I had wild camping due to watching the sunrise over the snow caped mountains illuminating Ennerdale valley with golden rays beneath a blue sky, all from the comfort of my sleeping bag in my tent!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Me and Lucy camping at Low Wray campsite near Ambleside in the Lake District

The Lakes District

Went camping with Dan, made a little video from the stuff we got, not serious, just relaxed. NEPK love xxx song: bonobo - tell me how you feel

Lake District Homes

At the heart of the two-unit house was the living room, variously called the house, the firehouse, the kitchen etc. and this contained the principal or only hearth or fireplace. Off this room opened a room serving as a parlour or ground floor bedroom. In the earlier and smaller examples this room was unheated; later a gable fireplace was included. A dairy, or similar ventilated storage space, was partitioned off the parlour or was included in a leanto extending behind the living room. Virtually all surviving examples of the two unit houses have an intermediate floor, the earlier and smaller buildings having an undivided loft in the roof space, the later and larger farmhouses having quite well-proportioned bedrooms upstairs.

A tight winding staircase ran either from the rear of the living room or, rather surprisingly, from out of the parlour. Most commonly, however, the staircase was contained in a deep projection from the rear wall. The main heat source was the open fire burning peat on a hearthstone in an inglenook. The focus of domestic life and the centre of folk practices and superstitions connected with the house, the inglenook dominated the traditional farmhouse interior until it was superseded by the coal-burning castiron range. The upper part of the inglenook was the hooded chimney consisting of a wide flue gathered together in a half pyramid to join the chimney stack.

The hooded chimney was made of studs lined with wattle, clay daub and plaster, and joined a stone chimney stack which was carried on wooden cantilevered beams. In later examples both chimney and stack were made of stone, retaining the original shape but modified to a graceful curve. At one side of the hearth was a stone or timber partition called the 'heck' and this shielded the inglenook from the worst of any draughts coming through an adjacent door. At the other side, the front wall of the house included a small window, the 'fire window', which lit the deep inglenook. The hearth wall usually included a recess which served as a salt or spice cupboard and other recesses or 'keeping holes' for a lamp or the farmer's pipes. Usually the spice cupboard had a carved door but many of these have been removed.

Occasionally houses of this plan were entered through a gable wall but in nearly all the examples now to be seen the main doorway is placed near the centre of the elevation and opens directly into the living room. Only in later centuries, it seems, was a single-storey porch added to help counter the draughts from the winds sweeping in from the fells. The basic plan of the two-unit house was employed until well into the eighteenth century. It met the minimum domestic demands of the small farming family for a more public room for eating and entertaining, a more private room for the master and mistress and for storage of seed corn and fleeces, and some loft space for the children. At the same time the room sizes and the room heights could be increased without altering the plan so that later and more progressive farmers could enjoy a familiar plan in improved form.

Like the two unit plan, the cross-passage and downhouse plan consisted of two main living rooms on the ground floor but in addition there was a substantial service room at one end. A cross-passage ran from the front to the back of the house alongside the wall which contained the principal or only hearth; access to the house was through a doorway in the hearth wall near the end of the cross-passage and by way of a short lobby formed by the heck partition.