The Lakes of Lancashire

The Lakeland region of Lancashire is different from that of Westmorland and Cumberland, with a different dialect and landscape. The red sandstone buildings around Barrow-in-Furness and white limestone outcrops among the sheeplands of the Furness Peninsula give a stony ruggedness amongst the gentle scenery. The picturesque Duddon Valley, with its waterfalls, fern covered hills and woodlands inspired Wordsworth to write 34 sonnets about it.

Coniston. This is Lancashire’s major lake and the atmosphere of a past mining industry is still retained in this tourist village which lies about half a mile from the head of Coniston Water. The scenery around the village is superb and it is an ideal centre for scaling The Old Man of Coniston, at 2635 ft. the highest peak in Lancashire, and for climbing on Dow Crag. The 19th century writer, John Ruskin, lived at Coniston at Brantwood on the east shore of the lake and his house is open to the public. He is buried at Coniston church. The village museum contains some of his drawings and models of geological structures in the area. The disused copper mines, one mile north west of Coniston are a popular attraction with visitors. Coniston Water, 5.5 miles long has excellent shore side walks. It was here that Donald Campbell was killed in 1967 when attempting a new world water speed record. There is a memorial to him on the lakeside. At Coniston Water you can enjoy a unique experience by cruising the lake on the steam powered Gondola yacht. Cruises can be combined with stop offs at the grounds of Monk Coniston estate where you can walk through the beautiful walled garden and on to Tarn Hows. Tarn Hows is a picturesque place for a stroll and is also one of the best places to go for wheelchair users. The National Trust site consists of several small tarns (lakes) which are surrounded by woods and open fells. In the distance are the majestic Langdale Pikes. There are good pathways around the tarns that are suitable for wheelchairs and ample car parking space (including a car park specifically designed for disabled persons) at Monk Consiton. Cruises also sail to John Ruskin’s spectacular lakeside house, Brantwood, which is on the eastern side of Coniston Waters and one of the many beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. The Brantwood estate is 250 acres of pastures, ancient woods and high moors, plus eight splendidly restored gardens to walk in. Every year there are special exhibitions and displays, family activities, events in the outdoor theatre and lace making demonstrations. In the winter, Brantwood events include art workshops, a Craft Fair, Ruskin Readings, concerts and talks. The estate also includes a restaurant, arts and craft gift shop and bookshop.

Hawkshead. Tree covered hills and picturesque stone cottages make this village one of the leading beauty spots of the Lake District. It is near the head of the 1.5 mile long Esthwaite Water. There is a one mile long footpath from Hawkshead to Hawkshead Hill, west of the village, that offers splendid views of nearby mountain ranges. There are also beautiful walks in the surrounding Grizedale Forest.

In the village of Hawkshead you can visit the delightful Beatrix Potter Gallery. Here you can browse through a very interesting display about the making of the film, Miss Potter and the life of this fascinating writer of children’s stories. Also on display are some of the original watercolour paintings and sketches that Beatrix Potter did as illustrations for her books. 2 miles south of Hawkshead is the tiny hamlet of Near Sawrey where Beatrix Potter used to live. The house is called Hill Top and is open to the public from mid-March to the beginning of November. It was from this house that Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her stories. The house is bursting with her personal treasures, furniture and china. The garden is laid out and planted with many of the flowers, vegetables and herbs that she would have been familiar with. Discount tickets are available if you visit both Hill Top and the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Esthwaite Water at Hawkshead is a natural lake covering 280 acres with extensive shallows and deep basins to the north and south. These characteristics create a rich and varied fishing environment and an excellent fishery has been established here for boat or bank angling. The Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery is located at The Boat House at Hawkshead. The lake provides long drifts for loch-style fishing and wind lanes to give a more exciting fishing experience. It is a perfect fishing lake for beginners and experts alike. The lake is stocked on a weekly basis with rainbow and brown trout throughout the season and, in winter, there is plenty of specimen pike to catch.

One of the first things a visitor to Ulverston will notice is a huge stone tower on the summit of Hoad Hill. This is a replica of Eddystone Lighthouse and is a memorial to Sir John Barrow, founder of the Royal Geographical Society. There are many interesting walks in the area. The town of Ulverston is where Stan Laurel, of Laurel & Hardy, was born in 1890. The Laurel & Hardy Museum is situated in the centre of the town and contains letters, photographs, personal items and furniture that one belonged to them both. There are also day long showings of films and documentaries about the duo. Good disabled access. The Cornishead Priory is also situated at Ulverston. This priory was founded as a hospital for the poor in the 12th century by Augustinian monks. The present romantic Gothic mansion was completed in 1836 as the home of the Braddyll family. The mansion is dominated by two octagonal towers and has some splendid decorative features. The site is also home to the Kadampa Buddhist Temple for World Peace and provides a place for quiet reflection and spiritual inspiration. It is used everyday for meditation and prayers and is open to the public in the afternoons. The mansion and temple are set in beautiful gardens and woodlands on the shores of Morecambe Bay and is a beautiful place to relax in peace and quiet.

Located between Barrow and Dalton, and set in the beautiful wood valley, Vale of the Nightshade, are the stunning red sandstone remains of Furness Abbey. These are the ruins that inspired Wordsworth’s poem, The Prelude’. It was founded by King Stephen in 1123 as a Cistercian monastery and remained an abbey until it was plundered in 1537 during the reign of King Henry VIII with the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey, even in its ruined state, is still an impressive building and it is easy to see the importance and wealth that the Cistercian monks had in the area during the middle ages.