Eskdale 

The ramparts of Hardknott Roman Fort must enjoy one of the most spectacular historic situations in Britain, on a flat hillside with excellent views of Eskdale. Roman sentries would have been able to keep watch on the valley below as well as the central fells from where they might have had some fear of the local brigands.

Watendlath 

The ‘hanging valley’ basin which holds Watendlath Tarn in its palms seems a world away from the major Lakeland valleys. Retaining much charm and character, the unspoilt hamlet has historical interest from the Rogue Herries chronicles by Sir Hugh Walpole. From the tarn, the outflowing stream leads along the U shaped valley before dropping sharply down the Lodore Falls made famous in a poem by Robert Southey, thence into Derwentwater.

Crummock Water 

The road alongside Crummock water lads eventually to Buttermere, hidden beyond the distant woodland, with the option of continuing to Gatesgarth and Honister Pass. The range of mountains in the distance include the slopes of Fleetwith Pike on the left, the basin of Warnscale Bottom and the ever-popular Haystacks on the right. Green Gable is the shapely peak behind.

Robin’s Fold, Borrowdale

Situated off the beaten track, this old sheepfold commands a wonderful, if not unusual, vista of the Borrowdale Valley. The two side valleys in the distance are Greenup Gill and Comb Gill, with Rosthwaite Fell between. High Doat down below is flanked by Johnny Wood.

The Screes, Wastwater

Wastwater has a haunting atmosphere for many visitors, enhanced by the dark cliffs and screes of Illgill Head forming a dramatic and magnificent backcloth to the deep, dark depths of the lake. The other famous view to be found in Wasdale is the unique shape of Great Gable standing proud at the valley head.

Borrowdale 

Rosthwaite is the hamlet to be seen in this view of the heart of Borrowdale, with Eagle Crag and Langstrath in the distance. At one time, a natural lake would have filled the valley, before deposition and drainage created this fertile scene.

Wastwater

The classic viewpoint for Great Gable is from the shores of Wastwater and is used as the National Park emblem. The fell on the right hand side is Lingmell and on the left, in shadow, is Yewbarrow. Wasdale boasts the deepest lake, tallest mountain, smallest church and biggest liar in all England.

Castlerigg Stone Circle

This popular stone circle occupies a wonderful setting to the east of Keswick and was probably built between 1500 to 2000 years B.C. when it may have been on a route used for transporting stone axes from the high mountains near Langdale. The Department of Environment now cares for it on National Trust Land.

Ullswater 

The wooded shores of Ullswater near Glenridding afford a wonderful aspect of the lake with the late spring snows sitting high on Place Fell. A pleasant stroll along the far bank makes for a Line return journey to Glenridding after a cruise along the lake to Howtown.

Langdale

From Loughrigg fell the view to the head of Langdale is superlative. Across the broad expanse of the lower valley the eye is drawn meandering through the fells to the high rocky peaks of the valley head. Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Pike-o-Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark in all their glory.

Ennerdale & Bowness Knott

Ennerdale Water, the lake in the valley of the river Ehen, is guarded at its foot by the commanding Bowness Knott. The woods and forest tracks alongside provide recreation for walkers and cyclists whilst rising in the background Pillar and the horseshoe appeal to the adventurer, climber, walker and fell runner.

Buttermere 

Buttermere is not the easiest of the lakeland valleys to visit. Whether you rake the high mountain passes of Honister and Newlands or the tortuous road along the very edge of Crummock Water you can be sure of an interesting journey. But once in the valley all this will seem insignificant as you gaze upon the crystal lakes surrounded by high rugged fells. The walk around the shore of Buttermere is low level walking at its very best.