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Fell
Ponies on Caldbeck Fell with Carrock Fell behind (click on the picture to enlarge) |
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Between them, the fells, mountains, valleys and coastline offer conditions to suit everybody. There are gentle strolls and vigorous walks, to rock climbing and scrambles only for the very experienced. One thing you can be sure of, there will be breathtaking views whatever you choose to do. Most the local towns have their own Tourist Information Centres offering abundant Cumbria tourist information. |
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The county is criss-crossed with a fantastic number of public footpaths and bridleways. On arriving here in Cumbria you will find a very comprehensive selection of guide books covering all areas very readily available. The area offers possibly the best hiking and walking in the world. I can supply you with a leaflet describing walks around Daleside and also those within a short drive.
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| On this page: |
| Skiddaw | Derwentwater | Keswick |
| Binsey | Uldale & Ireby | Cockermouth |
| Bassenthwaite | Caldbeck | Carlisle & the Coast |
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Links to places of interest in our area. |
Please remember to look at our 'Photographs' page. |
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| Located to the south and viewed from many of the windows is Skiddaw (3,053 feet), the fourth highest peak in Lakeland and yet only 155 feet shorter than the highest, Scafell Pike. It is the oldest mountain in the district, according to the evidence of its rocks. Skiddaw is a relatively easy climb and gives great views of Keswick, Derwentwater, and Bassenthwaite Lake. |
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Binsey fell (1466 feet) is a gentle hill and rises beyond the circular perimeter
of the Northern fells, detached and solitary. Interestingly
its rocks are volcanic, not slate as are those of all neighbouring fells and it
provides a viewpoint of outstanding merit. Binsey occupies the extreme
north-west corner of the Lake District. Beyond, to the north, is the
coastal plain, then the sea, then Scotland; nothing intervenes to interrupt this
sweeping panorama. To the east there are fantastic views of Overwater. And to the south, there is Bassenthwaite Lake.
The small village of Ruthwaite is at the base - this is the one time home of the
famous huntsman John Peel.
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| Only 6 miles from Daleside and on the way to
Keswick is the lake known as Bassenthwaite. The lake is four miles
long and almost qualifies as the northernmost lake but it is beaten by
Overwater (about three miles north west of Bassenthwaite). Perhaps because it is at
the very northern end of the lakes, Bassenthwaite is quieter with regard
to the number of visitors, but is no less magnificent. Skiddaw is
located to its north. A walk around Bassenthwaite will take a few hours, but there are plenty of lay-bys and parking spaces which will allow a short walk.
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| Derwent Water is situated at Keswick (literally 5 minutes'
walk from the town centre). The lake is about three miles
long. There are four islands within Derwent Water. These are best viewed from
the ferry which tours the lake with various stops along the way. They are
all open to the public with the exception of Derwent. A favourite
past-time is to hire a rowing boat and take a picnic to St Herbert's island.
There are a very great many walks around here. A favourite is to take the ferry from Keswick to Hawes End. From here there are walks north and south. |
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Uldale and Ireby |
| There are two villages close by (both only a mile and a half). The picturesque villages nestling within this magnificent landscape are Ireby and Uldale. Ireby is noted for its Moot Hall and Butler Cross. Both villages are home to country inns. |
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Hugh
Walpole on Uldale: |
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| Caldbeck is a very picturesque
and traditional north Cumbrian village. It is probably the most
visited in the immediate area but by Lakeland standards it is still
extremely peaceful and quiet.
Caldbeck began as a hospice for travellers built by monks from the priory at Carlisle. Then in 1112 the first part of St Kentigern's Church was built. It is built on the site of an original Church from the sixth Century. On the riverbank behind the Church is St Mungo's well, a spring made holy by Kentigern. The churchyard is the resting place of Mary Harrison, (the Beauty of Buttermere), and John Peel the famous huntsman who died in 1854, aged 78. |
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| There are two Lakeland market towns close by - Keswick 12
miles and Cockermouth 11 miles. Both towns have many small local
businesses offering all that you could need, such as butchers, newsagents,
chemists, hardware, bakers, cafes, restaurants, pubs etc. However,
both towns do have a modern supermarket also. Keswick receives the
most visitors and is home to the most wonderful and huge selection of
outdoor pursuit shops imaginable. There are also many attractions
such as the Cars of the Stars Museum, the Cumberland Pencil Museum,
Keswick Launch and the Theatre by the Lake to name but a few.
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To the north of Keswick is Cockermouth, the birthplace of Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The house where they were born, a beautiful Georgian residence, is owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors. Cockermouth has several attractions such as Jennings Brewery Tour, the Printing Museum, Percy House Gallery, Castlegate House and the Kirkgate Centre. Wordsworth House |
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| The Solway Coast, Hadrian's Wall and Carlisle can all be reached in less than a half hour (15 to 20 miles). The beautiful stretch of coastline is renowned for breathtaking sunsets and wonderful bird-watching. It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hadrian's Wall and Carlisle boast a rich history of Roman Camps and Border Rievers. Carlisle city centre offers shopping to rival any small city, as well as a magnificent Cathedral, a very impressive Castle and a fascinating museum chronicling the history of the area (Tullie House Museum). |
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Here are some Links you may wish to follow to find out more about our local area.
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| The Cumbria Directory |
| Keswick Area |
| Cumberland Pencil Museum | Keswick Launch | Theatre by the Lake | |
| Trotters World of Animals | The Lake District Osprey Project | Mad About Mountains | Overwater Equestrian |
| Cockermouth Area |
| mcscott |
| Caldbeck | Wigton | Hugh Walpole | William Wordsworth | Sea to Sea Cycle Route |
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Cumbria tourist information, cumbria tourist board, lake district national park, Keswick, Cumbria, UK
