Lake District recommendations please.

[Justmuddlingalong]

DP and I have booked a lodge at Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere for 4 nights in October. I haven't been to the lakes for many a year, he's never been. Do any of you have hints and tips of things you've really enjoyed doing and seeing in that neck of the woods? TIA.

Lucky you!! Loveliest place in the world.

Depends how fit and active you both are, and whether you have appropriate waterproof gear etc.

Get the Ordnance Survey maps, 1" one covers whole area and is shaded to give a real representation of the Fells. Then get the 2-1/2" maps if you can afford them, four cover the whole area, or get the one that covers your area first.

Do you know the 'Wainwright' books? (I am in the Wainwright Society). There are now THREE versions of these seven books, that cover 214 Fells: the original books, then two revisions at roughly ten year intervals.

You can easily find the 'touristy' places on numerous websites, but if you want to 'climb' Fells in the 'virtual world' this is the best way:

www.wainwrightroutes.co.uk/

There are also several Lakeland 'web cams' showing it in 'real time'.

I'll look back some time, see how you are getting on!

Many thanks, Ferguson. I'll have a look at the webcams and that link you gave. And your info about the OS maps is really helpful. We're moderately fit and have the basics for hill walking, so will make sure we stay within our capabilities. Really looking forward to going!

The walk up to Easdale Tarn from Grasmere is beautiful.

You must go to Chesters by the river for brunch or lunch one day. You can then have a nice flat walk to Elterwater and you can carry on from there into Langdale if you want to walk a bit further.

Grizedale forest is nice especially if it's bad weather one day as you can find more sheltered walks in the trees.

The Crinkle Crags is a nice high level but not too difficult walk from Langdale.

Drive over Honister Pass (better than Kirkstone) to Buttermere. Loads of walks e.g Scarf Gap or even the walk round the lake.

So many walks.... so little time! I love Coniston for walking too and Ullswater....and......

Theres a nice walk in Borrowdale. Start off from grange and follow the river to Rosthwaite and then head up the track to Watendlath.

Buttermere is nice, have a pint in the pub and walk up Haystacks. There's a via ferrarta you can do at Honnister as well which looks like fun.

The Coppermines walk at Coniston is nice.

Ha, I live in Troutbeck Bridge, welcome :)

Lots of walking of course, you can hire boats at Waterhead (Ambleside), Bowness of the National Trust place a bit further south down the Lake is a nice place for a picnic and a boat ride.

Via Ferrata is good but Honister's a fair trek away from Troutbeck.

Ullswater is the next valley and has some nice easier walks if the weather's poor.

For adventure close to Troutbeck go to treetop trek at Brockhole can also get a steamer from their one suggestion is to get the boat to the low wood and do afternoon tea. Eating wise Chesters is good. I'd head down the lyth valley to the hare and hounds at Bowland bridge. Some great low level walks in that area. If you're staying at white cross bay pick up a "destination pack" from reception has discount for the steamers and go ape and others in it.

I moved up here a year ago and have been slowly discovering the area. So far my absolute favourite is the walk up to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere village. Spectacular views, waterfalls and paddling in the tarn at the top. Then back down for a potter around the lovely village and a stop to buy some of the legendary Grasmere gingerbread. Perfect.