Much of the Lake District’s striking geography is the result of glacial activity during the last
ice age, and the U-shaped valley of Coniston Water is one of the clearest examples of this
Above: Coniston Water. Islands on this lake were the inspiration for Arthur Ransom's Swallows and Amazons books. Right, background: The prehistoric Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick
back into the Lake District’s long history. The remnants of barracks and bathhouses are all that now remain of one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire. You might not associate beautiful coastlines with the
Lake District, thinking rather of mountains and lakes; but the western reaches of the Lakes actually include some fascinating places. Past Ennerdale the intrepid visitor will find quirky coastal towns like St Bees, which marks the starting point of Wainwright’s famous coast-to-coast walk. Georgian Whitehaven, with its harbour and right-angled, grid-like street system, is thought by some historians to have provided the initial inspiration for New York’s similarly regimented urban-planning style. If the north, south and west of the Lake District manage
to encompass lakes, mountains, forests and coastline, then it would seem unlikely that the eastern part of the region could have anything new or distinctive to add. And yet, against all probability, it does. On its eastern side the Lake District has the high, flat
and open moorland of Shap Fell, complete with its own unique flora and fauna, and the pink-tinged Shap granite. The fell overlooks Haweswater, which has one of the most interesting histories of any of the lakes. Technically, Haweswater is not a lake at all but a man-made reservoir, constructed in 1929 to provide a water supply for the
14 BRITAIN
nearby urban centres. However, its creation was highly controversial, as it requiring the flooding of nearby farm settlements, and relocation of the village of Mardale. Although many of the houses were pulled down, it is still possible when the reservoir water level is low to see the remains of the flooded houses. That said, the reservoir is none the less beautiful for being man made, surrounded as it is by rolling hills, moorland and coniferous forests. It’s easy to think of the Lake District as one area with
one look and feel. But the reality is that the Lakes are a patchwork quilt of delights, with each different area bringing some new charm to the design. For a vast range of natural beauty, and a treasure trove of heritage, there’s really nowhere quite like it.
For our full report, go to
www.britain-magazine.com. For details of what to see and where to stay in the Lake District contact Go Lakes, tel: 01539 822222;
www.golakes.co.uk. Tourist Information Centres: Central Buildings, Market Cross, Ambleside, LA22 9BS; Glebe Rd, Bowness, LA23 3HJ; Brockhole, Windermere, L A23 1LJ; Old Town Hall, The Square, Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6JF; Ruskin Ave, Coniston, LA21 8EH; 12 Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2DW; Town Hall, Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4DL; Moot Hall, Keswick, Market Sq, CA12 5JR; Market Hall, Market Place, Whitehaven, CA28 7JG.
www.britain-magazine.com
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