Lake District National Park

   The official web site of the Lake District National Park authority with information about the Lake District including walks, local events and visitor information.

   Web:  www.lake-district.gov.uk

Whinlatter Forest Park & Visitor Centre

Rising to 790 metres above sea level, Whinlatter Forest Park offers spectacular views of the Lake District and into Scotland, numerous walking routes, high level and low level cycling routes, nature trails, orienteering trails, picnic sites, a tearoom and a shop.

Tel: (017687) 78469
Fax: (017687) 78049
Email: whinlatter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5gzlny

Walking

Cumbria Tourist Guides

   The official website of the Cumbria Tourist Guides. All members of Cumbria Tourist Guides have been awarded the Blue Badge for Cumbria, the British national standard guiding qualification and internationally recognised benchmark of excellence. Blue Badge Guides are selected, trained and examined by the official British tourist boards. The training is detailed and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and registration an achievement. Search for a guide by location or by special interest.

   Web: www.cumbriatouristguides.co.uk/

Guided Lake District Walks

   Guided walks service with experienced and qualified leaders. All walks are tailored to suit your requirements and personal abilities, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery! Whether you are looking for a relaxing and informal ramble, or a more demanding day out amongst the higher fells, have a browse through the web site. Includes a Wordsworth Trail, Beatrix Potter Trail and Wainwright Trail.

   Tel: 07876346215
   Email: anne@lakelandexperience.co.uk
   Web: www.lakelandexperience.co.uk/

Lake District Walks

   John Dawson's "Lake District Walks" helps you to plan a day out on the Lakeland fells. For newcomers to the area this can be daunting. A series of walks is presented here in outline, giving distances covered and heights ascended. More detailed information on the walks is available by following the links.

   Web: www.lakedistrictwalks.com/

Fishing

Buttermere

   The fishing on Buttermere is controlled by the National Trust. Boating & fishing (trout, char, pike & perch) permits and two rowing boats for hire are available.
Mr. & Mrs Parker, Dalegarth, Buttermere.

   Tel: 017687 70233
   Web: www.dalegarthguesthouse.co.uk/

Crummock Water

   For boating and fishing permits (trout, char, pike & perch)
contact: Mrs McKenzie, Woodhouse.

   Tel: 017687 70208

Loweswater

   For boating and fishing permits (brown trout & coarse fish)

   Tel: 01946 861465

Fly fishing guide & tuition

   Glyn Freeman is a full time and a fully qualified fly casting instructor and guide (River Eden - c.1 hour's drive).

   Tel:016973 51752
   Web: www.cumbriaflyfishing.co.uk/

Lake District Fishing

   Website with information about all aspects of fishing in the Lake District

   Web: www.lakedistrictfishing.net/

Horse Riding

   Bradley Riding Centre, nr Ennerdale
Pony trekking & horse riding for all levels.

   Tel: 01946 861354
   Web: http://www.walk-rest-ride.co.uk/

Mountain Biking

Keswick Mountain Bike Hire

Southey Hill
Keswick

   Tel: 017687 75202
   Web: www.keswickmountainbikes.co.uk/

Grizedale Mountain bikes  
   Situated at the heart of Lakeland's largest forest, which is also home to the county's biggest off road cycling facility. Ideal for young children, with unrivalled cycling tracks free of other traffic, the perfect place to cycle in safety. Maps, helmets and spare kit are included in hire charges and there is a range of frame sizes suitable for all.
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 0QJ

   Tel: 01229 860369
   Web: www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk/

Keswick Tourism Association

   Downloadable mountain bike routes

   Web: www.keswick.org/cycling.asp

Sustrans

   Information & maps for cycling routes around the Lake District

   Web: www.sustrans.org.uk/

 

Coast to Coast cycle route

   The definitive resource centre for the sea to sea cycle route

   Web: www.c2c-guide.co.uk/

Adventure Sports

Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Keswick

   Clay Pigeon Shooting, Quad Bike Safari, Off Road Land Rover Driving, Mountain Biking, Falconry, Guided Fell Walking, Mountaineering, Abseiling, Canoeing, Fencing, Ghyll Scrambling and Horse Riding.

Tel: 017687 76759
Email:  frank@armathwaite-hall.com
Web:    http://www.armathwaite-hall.com/

Derwentwater Marina

   In Portinscale, near Keswick, you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking also mountain biking and guided hill walking/climbing and ghyll scrambling.

   Tel: 017687 72912
   Web: www.derwentwatermarina.co.uk/

Low Wood Watersports & Activity Centre, Windermere

   Waterskiing, speedboat rides, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, boat hire, also mountain bike & cycle hire and archery. Open 7 days a week, Easter to the end of November.

   Tel: 015394 39441
   Web: www.elh.co.uk/

Rookin House Equestrian & Activity Centre, Penrith

   Quad bike treks, human bowling, Argo Cat, Go Kart Rally Cross, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, tank driving, amphibious army vehicle driving, JCB driving, horse riding lessons and hacks

   Tel: 017684 83561
   Web: www.rookinhouse.com/

Go Ape, High Wire Adventure, Grizedale Forest

   Go Ape offers you the chance to climb way up into the trees. Rope bridges, a Tarzan swing and zip slides stretch through the forest up to 60 feet above the forest floor, the highest of any Go Ape course. As you might expect, you'll get some stunning views as you tackle the various obstacles. Winner of 'Best Tourism Experience 2005' in the Cumbria Excellence Awards, the course provides a dramatic tree top adventure which shouldn't be missed! Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre
Hawkshead
Ambleside   Tel: 0870 444 5562
  Email:  info@goape.co.uk
   Web:  www.goape.co.uk/ 

Bird Watching

Lake District Osprey Project

   The Lake District Osprey Project is managed by a partnership of the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority and the RSPB. You can view these spectacular birds of prey as they nest near Bassenthwaite lake (April to August):

The viewpoint is situated about 3 miles north of Keswick off the A591 - follow signposts to the Mirehouse from the A66. Car parking is available at the Sawmill Tearoom opposite the entrance to Mirehouse. From the Tearoom the viewpoint is a fifteen to twenty minute walk uphill along a gravel path.

   Web: www.ospreywatch.co.uk/

 Haweswater RSPB Reserve

   The Haweswater RSPB reserve is a mixture of woodland and mountain grassland with tumbling becks and imposing crags, surrounding Haweswater reservoir. It is the only place in England where Golden Eagles nest. Buzzards, Dippers, Peregrines and Redstarts are also regularly seen here. An observation point is open 10am - 4pm during the breeding season (Apr-Aug). It is reached from the western end of Haweswater Reservoir, 2 km along an uneven path.

   Tel: 01931 713376
   Web: www.rspb.org.uk/