An alternative view of the North West of England that delves into its stranger past. I Hate the Lake District offers a different vision of the rural environment from those found in much contemporary nature writing. Based on the author's trips around North West England, the book engages with nuclear power and nuclear war, slavery, imperialism, ghosts, love, God, cockroaches, and the sheer violence and contingency of “nature” itself—of which the human presence is merely a part. Each chapter starts with an account of a visit to a place in this remote part of England, the deep north, but digresses and wanders through multifarious themes and subjects. Among the sites Gere visits are the defunct nuclear power station at Sellafield, home of all British nuclear waste; Lake Coniston, where Donald Campbell died trying to break the water speed record; Hadrian's Wall, furthermost reach of the Roman Empire; the mysterious and deathly Morecambe Bay; sites of slavery in the North West; places where UFOs have been sighted, avant-garde artists created work, and Islamic terrorists trained; shantytowns where the navvies who built the railways lived with their families; and even the remains of Blobbyland in Morecambe. In I Hate the Lake District, Gere challenges the bourgeois pastoralism of popular nature writing and reveals the landscape of North West England as profoundly unnatural and strange.

The houses and castles of the Lake District, secreted among the lakes and fells, are inextricably linked with their dramatic setting. Many are architecturally distinguished, even more have intriguing tales to tell. In this book Christopher Holliday explores in detail the history and architecture of the houses and the personal stories of their owners through the centuries right up to the present day. Clive Boursnell's stunning photographs capture the houses, inside and out, their gardens and their setting. Houses covered include: Levens Hall, Sizergh Castle, Holker Hall, Blackwell, Dalemain, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Dove Cottage, Rydal, Mirehouse, Brantwood, Hill Top, and many more.

A. Wainwright's definitive guide to walking in the Lake District, comprehensively revised and updated.

An inspirational guidebook to the best days out in the Lake District mountains, including Scafell Pike, Fairfield, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Blencathra and other lesser-known but wonderful Lake District mountain walks. Each route offers a Great Mountain Day, a challenging walk exploring the beauty of the Lake District. This larger format book is perfect for choosing the next mountain to summit whether that will be a well-known classic challenge or revisiting a favourite mountain via a new route. Ideal for those new to the Lake District or those who think they know the Lake District well! Centres include Ambleside, Keswick, Patterdale, Seatoller, Boot, Ennerdale, and Wasdale Head. Each of the 50 great mountain days can be hiked in one day or are suitable for backpacking adventures. The circular walks are between 4 and 14 miles in length and all graded for difficulty, making this guidebook equally suitable for less experienced walkers and those looking for a challenging day out on the fells. All routes are illustrated with Harvey maps and the author's pictorial route diagrams.

From Scafell's towering volcanic crags to the deep lake-filled glacial valleys of Wasdale and Buttermere, the Lake District possesses an extraordinary variety of scenery in a relatively small area. This dramatic landscape has inspired writers, climbers, painters, and all who seek the solitude and beauty of the high fells – and wish to understand the forces that have shaped this unique place. With over 230 illustrations including maps and superb photographs with unique aerial views and panoramas, it includes: easy-to-understand explanations of how the rocks formed; how the geology affects the landscape and an exploration of the long human story of Lakeland landscapes. There are guided excursions to seven easily accessible geological locations and a dedicated website, with a Google Earth photographic guide to all the main localities mentioned in the book: lakedistrictgeology.co.uk This book will enable you to 'read' the landscape, understand how the region's rocks were formed, how glaciers and rivers sculpted the fells and valleys, and how human interaction with geology and climate has helped to create the Lake District today.

The book takes you on magical journeys through Britains most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with adventurous swimming, collating the very best swims and hikes in Lakeland. Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and history, the book is packed with all the practical information you need, including detailed directions, route maps and downloadable guides.> Discover the beautiful pool below the highest waterfall in Cumbria> Seek the legendary talking fish of Bowscale Tarn> Swim around the islands of Ullswater and into the Devils Chimney> Bathe in the deepest tarn in the Lakes beneath the towering crags of Mardale> Explore the craggy highs and the watery lows of Scafell Pike from the wonderful Eskdale Valley

Whether you’re looking for the best hikes, the region's most breathtaking beauty spots, or the best restaurant in the area, this DK Eyewitness Top 10 guide will lead you straight to the very best of the Lake District. With user-friendly maps that show you how to get there and stunning photography showing you what to expect, this guide will make planning your trip a pleasure. Whatever your budget, you’ll find restaurant reviews for every town and village, as well as recommendations for hiker's hotels, B&Bs, luxury hotels, campsites, and places for afternoon tea. There are dozens of Top 10 lists, from the Top 10 best pubs to the Top 10 swimming spots, houses and castles, activities for children, places to shop for classic souvenirs, and more in the Lake District. There’s even a list of the Top 10 Things to Avoid. Packed with essential information every visitor needs, this guide is the perfect travel companion.

The second edition gives comprehensive coverage to every attraction within the National Park and accounts of outlying towns such as Kendal and Penrith. There are informed features on the writers, artists and local characters who have shaped the history of the Lakes, together with full guidance on lakeland walks and advice on staying safe in the hills.The colour section features the author's choice of the Lake District's finest scenic, cultural and outdoors attractions.

'Photographing the Lake District' is a comprehensive photographic-location guidebook to the most beautiful places to take photographs in the English Lake District. The book guides the reader to beautiful places and gives advice on how to take the best photographs when there.