Lake District National Park, a real delight for the eyes and ears. In this article we will describe in detail the area around Cumbria with a population of about half a million people. The administrative center of this county is Carlisle. We move through the picturesque area of Cumbria (Northern England, almost on the border with Scotland). The landscape is hilly. The road winds between not high ancient walls of perfectly arranged hewn stones and hundred-year-old, well-kept hedges.
It seems that the sloping hills are lined with their brightest green robes. Ancient Cumbria is nestled in the northwest corner of England with its charming lake and mountain landscapes. The Lake District is the largest national nature park in England. The Lake District is a typical Herdwick sheep breed. Very durable, adapted to the mountain climate, with valuable wool. The young lambs are born pure black and over time their fur fades. The sheep population in the area is over 3 million. Stone houses and flower gardens welcome every traveler.
What I liked most about the Lake District
The wonderful blue shades of Lake Windermere – the largest of the lakes in the Lake District. Stone walls enclose roads, courtyards and pastures throughout Cumbria. Miles of centuries-old hedges (Hedgerows) draw the boundaries of properties. Gardens with spring flowers smile at passers-by. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. With a length of more than 18 km and a width of almost 1.5 km, this lake type “Ribbon” is formed in a glacial bed. We took a two-hour boat ride on Lake Windermere.
The place we stayed – Coppermines Valley, just above Lake Coniston. These are former copper mines that functioned for hundreds of years until the middle of the last century. The mountain coziness is enhanced by the crack of the wood in the fireplace. Industrial copper mining in Coniston is said to have begun when Queen Elizabeth I brought in German miners to exploit local deposits. The typical for the region plant Preshtip covered the mountain hills.
We climbed to the high mountain lake Levers water. The lake serves as a reservoir for drinking water. Numerous flocks of sheep graze in the open almost all year round. It is spring. Herds of sheep graze meekly, newborn lambs bleat. The lush pastures are fenced off by thousands of miles of the same stone walls or neatly trimmed hedges, and in the distance resemble outdoor homes. So that every herd can know its home.
Why visit the Lake District national park
Because sky is blue, the sun is shining, and fluffy white clouds are floating in the calm sky. It is beautiful. A real rural idyll. Here and there blooming daffodils sway, the meadows are strewn with thousands of sun dandelions. Chirping birds. We pass through small roadside villages with white or stone houses. Lilac and wisteria shyly dissolve their colors. It smells of late spring flowers. It’s fabulous. What will it be like when the roses bloom?
The Lake District is a typical Herdwick sheep breed. Very durable, adapted to the mountain climate, with valuable wool. The young lambs are born pure black and over time their fur fades. The sheep population in the area is over 3 million. We are approaching the first Windermere Lake on our way. And the largest of the lakes in the Lake District. The water flashes playfully under the scream of eternally hungry glares, hundreds of boats – small and large – sway lazily in the harbor, and white sailboats and even whiter swans float on the smooth water surface.
Life is boiling, but with a fun rhythm. Like in the countryside. And the soul rejoices. And relax. In quiet delight. Time to rest. Hill Top – the farm owned by children’s writer and illustrator Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), known for a series of little books about Peter Rabbit. Potter bought the house and its 34-acre farm in July 1906 as his home away from London and his artistic refuge.
Since the picturesque landscapes surrounding the farm with the characteristic rolling hills and lush green pastures with gently grazing sheep are the inspiration and theme of the illustrations in Beatrix Potter’s little books. Beatrix Potter donated the house and farm to the British charity National Trust. It was a pleasure to sit and dream in her garden. The village of Near Sawrey. Homemade pastries – self-service. A common practice in the English countryside. The road between the villages is narrow and winding.