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Eskdale
The
ramparts of Hardknott Roman Fort must enjoy one of the most
spectacular historic situations in Britain, on a flat hillside
with excellent views of Eskdale. Roman sentries would have been
able to keep watch on the valley below as well as the central
fells from where they might have had some fear of the local
brigands. |
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Watendlath
The
‘hanging valley’ basin which holds Watendlath Tarn in its
palms seems a world away from the major Lakeland valleys.
Retaining much charm and character, the unspoilt hamlet has
historical interest from the Rogue Herries chronicles by Sir Hugh
Walpole. From the tarn, the outflowing stream leads along the U
shaped valley before dropping sharply down the Lodore Falls made
famous in a poem by Robert Southey, thence into Derwentwater. |
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Crummock
Water
The
road alongside Crummock water lads eventually to Buttermere,
hidden beyond the distant woodland, with the option of continuing
to Gatesgarth and Honister Pass. The range of mountains in the
distance include the slopes of Fleetwith Pike on the left, the
basin of Warnscale Bottom and the ever-popular Haystacks on the
right. Green Gable is the shapely peak behind. |
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Robin’s
Fold, Borrowdale
Situated
off the beaten track, this old sheepfold commands a wonderful, if
not unusual, vista of the Borrowdale Valley. The two side valleys
in the distance are Greenup Gill and Comb Gill, with Rosthwaite
Fell between. High Doat down below is flanked by Johnny Wood.
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The
Screes, Wastwater
Wastwater
has a haunting atmosphere for many visitors, enhanced by the dark
cliffs and screes of Illgill Head forming a dramatic and
magnificent backcloth to the deep, dark depths of the lake. The
other famous view to be found in Wasdale is the unique shape of
Great Gable standing proud at the valley head. |
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Borrowdale
Rosthwaite
is the hamlet to be seen in this view of the heart of Borrowdale,
with Eagle Crag and Langstrath in the distance. At one time, a
natural lake would have filled the valley, before deposition and
drainage created this fertile scene. |
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Wastwater
The
classic viewpoint for Great Gable is from the shores of Wastwater
and is used as the National Park emblem. The fell on the right
hand side is Lingmell and on the left, in shadow, is Yewbarrow.
Wasdale boasts the deepest lake, tallest mountain, smallest church
and biggest liar in all England. |
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Castlerigg
Stone Circle
This
popular stone circle occupies a wonderful setting to the east of
Keswick and was probably built between 1500 to 2000 years B.C. when it may have been on a route used for transporting stone axes
from the high mountains near Langdale. The Department of
Environment now cares for it on National Trust Land. |
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Ullswater
The
wooded shores of Ullswater near Glenridding afford a wonderful
aspect of the lake with the late spring snows sitting high on
Place Fell. A pleasant stroll along the far bank makes for a Line
return journey to Glenridding after
a cruise along the lake to Howtown.
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Langdale
From
Loughrigg fell the view to the head of Langdale is superlative.
Across the broad expanse of the lower valley the eye is drawn
meandering through the fells
to
the high rocky peaks of the valley head. Crinkle Crags, Bowfell,
Esk Pike, Pike-o-Stickle, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark in all
their glory.
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Ennerdale
& Bowness Knott
Ennerdale
Water, the lake in the valley of the river Ehen, is guarded at its
foot by the commanding Bowness Knott. The woods and forest tracks
alongside provide recreation for walkers and cyclists whilst
rising in the background Pillar and the horseshoe appeal to the
adventurer, climber, walker and fell runner. |
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Buttermere
Buttermere
is not the easiest of the lakeland valleys to visit. Whether you
rake the high mountain passes of Honister and Newlands or the
tortuous road along the very edge of Crummock Water you can be
sure of an interesting journey. But once in the valley all this
will seem insignificant as you gaze upon the crystal lakes
surrounded by high rugged fells. The walk around the shore of
Buttermere is low level walking at its very best. |