The Lake District National Park is the largest National Park in England. We will be visiting in September 2012. The Lakes gives us stunningly beautiful landscapes of craggy mountains (fells) and valleys (dales). There is a vast array of walks available on this holiday for both the peak bagger and the lakeside wanderer. And because we always bring more than one Mountain Leader on these holidays there should be no problem in making sure that everyone gets to do what they want to do.

Accommodation

We will be staying in Coniston, a picturesque village in the Southern Lakes. The surrounding area offers plenty of options for mountain, lakeside and woodland walking, while avoiding some of the crowds that can be found around around nearby Windermere. The village itself is home to a varitey of shops, cafes and pubs.  

Walks

As usual on our holidays we will be flexible enough to set the itinerary as the week progresses, choosing walks that best fit the wishes of the guests, and of course the weather. The following are some of our favourites, some or all of which will doubtless be included in the week.

The Old Man of Coniston

This mountain, 803 metres in height, dominates many of the views from the lake and village with which it shares a name. The view of the mountain over Coniston Water was described by John Ruskin as "the best in all of England". It is a natural choice for anyone wanting a big mountain day in the area and can be ascended by a path direct from the village. A less frequented, and more challenging, approach can be made by a long scrambling route above Goat's Water to the South.

Coniston Water

The lake is perhaps best known as the site of Donald Campbell's ill-fated water speed record attempt in 1967, when he gained the record but died in the process. It also has a place in history, and in literature, as the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons.

A walk along the lake shore can be combined with a trip in one of the ferries that run regularly from various points around the lake.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest covers the hills to the East of Coniston Water. It consists mainly of coniferous forest but also has some deciduous and mixed areas. it is home to various woodland walks, a  visitor centre and a cafe but is perhaps best known for its sculptures. these are found throughout the woods and are in the main made from woodland and local materials.

The forest is also a great place to visit for its wildlife, and is one of the few remaining homes for barn owls.

Church Beck

Gills (mountain streams) are something of a feature of the Lake District, many of which provide fascinating routes up onto the hills, or a trip out in their own right. Gill Scrambling usually has a very adventures feel to it, as you climb, wade and boulder hop your way up stream, never knowing whether the next bend will reveal a pool, ravine or waterfall.

Church Beck, which runs into the village from Copper Mines Valley, below the Old Man of Coniston, is a great example. Never very difficult, and always very escapable, it provides a good introduction to Gill scrambling. and even has a great pub at the bottom of the walk back! It does however require a spell of dry weather.

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