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DAY TWO
Morning Before leaving Grasmere, drop by the Gingerbread shop to pick up some sweet snacks. Set in a school built in the 1630s, it sells a selection of locally made gingerbread, rum butter, fudge and mint cake. Then drive north to Keswick (20 minutes) for the incredible Whinlatter Forest. Rising to 2,590 feet above sea level, this is the only mountain forest in England and is home to a range of rare wildlife including red squirrels, deer, osprey and otters. Wander or cycle through the forest or join a photographer for a two-hour introduction to landscape photography. Photographer Steve Blake runs a series of these taster workshops from 10am-12pm on selected Saturdays throughout the year, heading to a mix of locations within the forest to teach different camera techniques and settings for capturing the beauty of the place.
grasmeregingerbread.co.uk steveblakephotography.co.uk
Aſternoon Keswick’s a great spot for outdoor activities, so if you have any energy leſt, take the via ferrata at Honister Slate Mine. There’s the gentler Classic Via Ferrata option, but for a more challenging climb, try the Via Ferrata Xtreme, which includes a series of vertical climbs, cliff-edge ladders, mountain edges and cargo nets to clamber across. The course brings a dose of adrenaline, but with it also comes natural beauty and serene views, like those of Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater lakes amid the high, barren landscape of Haystacks fells. For something a little more relaxed, there’s The Lakes Distillery (an independent producer of whisky, gin and vodka based in a farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent), which offers tours, tastings and a chance to meet their adorable on-site alpacas.
facebook.com/honister.mine
lakesdistillery.com
Evening A 10-minute walk from the centre of Keswick, Theatre By The Lake is a contemporary space made up of two stages that shows new and classical works as well as touring plays and regular free exhibitions in its gallery spaces. Stop by Crow Park, across the road from the theatre, for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Borrowdale valley before heading in. The Lakeside Restaurant (part of the theatre) serves up dishes made from excellent locally sourced produce — and all with views of the national park. Menus change with the seasons: during warmer months, you can eat your meal on the terrace. Prebook a performance and dine out there first (it’s open until 7pm on show days and until 4pm on no-show days). Then aſter the performance, head to the Spotlight Bar (open until 11pm) for a nightcap.
theatrebythelake.com
THE B E S T B R EWE R I ES & DI S TI LLE R I E S
For beer Hawkshead Brewery & Beer Hall, in Kendal, brews a mix of classic beers and more innovative types with limited edition small batch brews. The beer hall here’s also a brewery tap, beer shop, visitor centre and tasting room. The beer hall’s open every day.
hawksheadbrewery.co.uk
For gin Shed 1 Distillery was started by a couple in their 7x7ſt garden shed in Ulverston. This award- winning business has since been expanded into a former calf shed across the road. They’ve also added space for visitors to come to their bar and shop, with distillery tours and tastings (of at least six gins).
shed1distillery.com
For whisky The Lakes Distillery’s whiskymaker aims to take a holistic approach, using the Lake District as inspiration for whisky distilling. They’ve branched out into vodka- and gin- making, too. There’s also a shop, bar, bistro and range of tours in this spot near Bassenthwaite Lake.
lakesdistillery.com
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Stanley Ghyll waterfall in the Eskdale area of the Lake District; curious sheep on pasture at sunset in the Lake District; Warnscale Bothy — a bad weather retreat for climbers at Buttermere, Honister Pass
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nationalgeographic.co.uk/collection
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