If there is anywhere in Britain where caravan towing services are likely to be continually in demand, it’s the Lake District. Marking its 70th birthday this year, England’s largest national park offers natural wonders none of its Anglo-Saxon contemporaries can match, such as mountains over 3,000 ft.
With so many things to do when one gets there, many will be happy to read some suggestions, and the Times has published its own travel guide of 21 things to do.
This list includes a visit to Keswick Market, rowing a boat across Derwent Water before climbing Catbells, climb fellwalking guru Alfred Wainwright’s favourite peak of Haystacks, take on the challenge of climbing the Old Man of Coniston, traversing the mountain passes, riding the boat on Ullswater, visiting the Grisedale Forest and marvelling at the Castlerigg stone circle.
Families staying in west Cumbria may be particularly keen on the suggestion to have a ride on the narrow-gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.
None will argue that these are all great things to do, but those who know the Lake District well will be aware that wherever one camps, there are superb things to see. For instance, there are several sites in the low-lying terrain between Windermere and Kendal and, instead of joining the crowds at England’s largest lake, one can go walking around the peaks of the Kentmere Horseshore.
Similarly, while those camping in the Langdales may visit the famous Pikes or Blea Tarn, quieter treks may take in summits such as Lingmoor Fell and Pike Of Blisco.
Sometimes it pays to take local advice. Cumbrian paper the News and Star has produced its own list of great places to go for a walk in the northern part of Cumbria.
As well as walking around the lakes of Ullswater, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake, readers of the paper recommended walking around the Cumbrian parts of Hadrian’s Wall.
70 years of the Lake District National Park : Lake District National Park
21 best things to do in the Lake District – Times Travel (thetimes.co.uk)
Here are some of the best places in north Cumbria to go for a hike | News and Star