WITH more people expected to holiday at home this summer, the Lonely Planet has just published its first guide to the Lake District.
Author Oliver Berry, originally from Cumbria, has done a comprehensive job with more than 250 pages of straight-talking, practical advice and information, and 48 easy to use maps.
Places to visit, local foods to try, walks and drives – including up England’s two steepest passes, Wrynose and Hardknott, and their 30pc gradients – all feature.
He also discovers quirky Cumbria, such as the tizze-wizzie – a creature with the body of a hedgehog, tail of a squirrel and wings of a bee – and recommends the most environmentally- friendly eating, sleeping, drinking and transport options.
The Moss Grove Hotel is described as one of Grasmere’s trendiest hideaways, with organic wall paint, sheep’s wool insulation and Fairtrade local food.
4 Winds Lakeland Tipis offer seven Native American tipis – made in Scotland – which sleep two to six.
The George and Dragon in Clifton is “gorgeously” refurbished with reclaimed furniture and serves produce straight from its organic farm.
Lonely Planet describes Windermere town as a place where tradition and mass-market meet head-on.
“It’s brash, busy and the summertime traffic can certainly take the shine off things, but Windermere is still an essential stop on every Lake District itinerary.”
Grasmere’s narrow slate streets are “crammed to bursting throughout the summer months, and the modern-day rash of gift shops, tearooms and coach-tour hotels has done little to preserve the quiet country charm that drew Wordsworth here in the first place.”
However, Coniston Water “manages to retain an air of unruffled serenity even on the busiest of days.”
Keswick is “one of the handsomest of the Lake District’s market towns”, while Cockermouth is “a good deal less polished and prettified than many of the other Lakeland towns, but feels more authentic as a result”.
Kendal occupies “a hallowed place in the hearts of many hill walkers thanks to its sweet and powerfully pepperminty treat, Kendal mintcake.”
● The Lake District is published by Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. It is available in book shops and from lonelyplanet.com, priced £10.99.
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