Cumbria (the Lake District, Herdwick Sheep and Quakers!)
Cumbria is mostly made up of the Lake District, England’s largest national park. Most of the rest is also rural, with just one city (Carlisle).
It’s also near the Scottish border, with Hadrian’s Wall nearby. This medieval stretches all the way to Northumberland on the east coasts.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and sand dunes. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside. Check beach bans before travel.
The Lake District National Park
This is England’s largest and has 16 lakes (though most are more meres). Lake Windermere is England’s largest body of water, though at present there are concerns over sewage pollution.
Home to all the highest mountains
Every one of England’s highest mountains are here, most of them climbed by Alfred Wainwright, who created the coast-to-coast walk that starts at St Bees and ends in Robin Hood’s Bay in Cumbria.
The highest is Scafell Pike, one not for beginners!
Keswick
This is a nice mountain town away from the more touristy areas. It has close links to literature and is also close to Derwenter lake and Cat Bells mountain, and Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Links to literature
William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere and went to school in Hawkshead. This is where children’s author Beatrix Potter met her solicitor husband, and they together lived in Near Sawrey. On her death, she left most of her land to the National Trust.
Herdwick Sheep!
These are very hardy sheep, native to the Lake District. Thanks to Beatrix, they are thriving and she likely saved them from extinction through generously giving them her land. They have right of way on roads!
Grange Over Sands
This is a pretty town near the coast, though you don’t walk on the sand due to sinking mud. It has a lovely genteel feel of times gone by.
The on-sea part came about because the local vicar kept getting his post delivered to somewhere else called Grange!
Ulverston
Nearby is this little market town. The birthplace of Stan Laurel, it was also the birthplace of the Quaker movement. George Fox lived with his wife (her dad was the local judge and their home Swarthmoor Hall is now open to the public for talks and retreats).
