top 10 free experiences...
They're free, open every day of the year but will live long in the memory...the experiences that don't cost a penny. We focus on the Lake District, which is full of them. The Lakes is only 33 miles wide by 40 miles long but that means it's crammed with 200 mountains and 16 lakes to savour. Mile for mile, it's the most scenic place in the world and this top 10 costs nothing to enjoy.
Fall for this
Aira Force at Ullswater is probably the most famous waterfall in the Lake District. Close to the road but hidden from it, the rapids are framed by a fairytale stone bridge and plunge 70ft. There are numerous woodland pathways to explore but if you prefer a walk along the flat, the dramatic shores of Lake Ullswater and the tiny wild daffodils that inspired Wordsworth's great poem, are just on the other side of the road. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
A Dam fine walk
Many people know Lake Windermere from their travels, but few find their way to Finsthwaite. Close to the village, you'll find magical High Dam, a superb walk for all the family through oak, birch and conifer. There's a car park to put your boots on and then it's a straightforward stroll on the wide path up through the woods which gently climbs a few hundred feet. The short trip to the top is rewarded as it opens out to show off a panoramic tree-lined tarn, which will beg to be your new desktop photo come Monday morning. You can download a map to this walk from the website of the nearby Lakeside Hotel. http://www.lakesidehotel.co.uk/lake-district/hotel/walks/Walks1.pdf
Feel sheepish
The Lake District is the sheep capital of the UK. These natural born fell walkers are also nature's greenest lawn mowers - keeping the fell sides shorn with their round-the-clock munching. One of the best places to watch Lake District spring lambs at play is Great Langdale. This crucible of mountains contains acres and acres of flat low-lying farmland which represent a vast open playground for hundreds of newborn lambs. Head to the car park near the National Trust campsite for an afternoon and the kids will be giggling all the way home. http://www.langdalecampsite.org.uk/
Don't pass by
Kirkstone Pass is the highest mountain pass in the Lake District which means it's the highest point you can get to in the Lakes without leaving your car. The hairpin drive along the A592 is a popular thoroughfare and easily do-able, passing soaring mountain and moorland country on the way. Start this drive on the outskirts of Windermere and end up on the other side of the valley at Glenridding near Lake Ullswater. The whole run is 13 miles. Turn off at the cliff top car park opposite the Kirkstone Pass Inn where you can enjoy a drink, take photos and taste the rarefied air nearly 1500 feet up. http://www.kirkstonepassinn.com
Skim some stones
Head for Water Yeat at the tail end of Coniston Water just south of Torver. There's a small area to leave the car and then it's a short walk to Water Yeat. It offers superb access onto the reedy shores, some great views up and down the five-mile long lake and lots of moulded grassy banks to relax. You can cycle along the roads here although the opposite eastern shore carries less traffic but isn't as good for open views across the lake. http://www.conistonlaunch.co.uk/lake_walks_map.htm
Laze by a bridge
Visitors heading to the Lake District often go into default mode on the M6 by turning left at the Junction 36 exit. If you do turn right, you can find one of the area's undiscovered gems a few miles east on the A65. Kirkby Lonsdale is a charming Market Town home to pretty streets like "Salt Pie Lane," and "Jingling Lane" as well as Ruskin's View painted by Turner. It also has its own spectacular Devil's Bridge high over the River Lune. It's possible to spend a whole afternoon at Devil's Bridge wandering along the riverside pathways or simply relaxing by the water's edge and there's toilets and a snack bar selling coffee in real mugs. Anyone visiting on Sunday can check out row upon row of gleaming high-powered motorbikes as friendly bikers from across the North West meet up for a chinwag.
Freeview!
You're looking for the classic Lake District skyline with a wow factor. Ideally you're seeking want glittering lake that goes on forever and soaring mountains as the backdrop. It's easy. Go to Keswick and then head for the Theatre By The Lake. You can either park up at the Theatre or in the town as this view is an easy five minute stroll. It is also one of the best in the Lakes showing off Lake Derwentwater and its islands, the dorsal fins of Catbells and down to Borrowdale. If you've money to spare you can hire a traditional wooden rowing boat for half an hour or catch the Keswick Launch and let an engine do the work. http://www.keswick-launch.co.uk/
Pub lunch with a view
You cave into temptation, break out the wallet and decide to splash out on a pub lunch. Not only does the food have to be good value for money but you want nice surroundings, friendly service and a great view ideally. The Mason's Arms at Strawberry Bank was made for such occasions. It's another out-of-the-way favourite on a hill overlooking the peaceful Winster Valley. Its terraced beer gardens are perfectly placed to drink in the views, which often include passing hot air balloons. The pub is a gem, all low-ceilings, wooden beams, iron grates and flagged-floors. More often than not, the scene is complete with the obligatory roaring fire and sleeping sheepdog. Did we mention the amazing fish, chips, mushy peas and Strawberry beer? http://www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk/contact.asp
Have a mooch
Sometimes you just want to find a pretty village to have a "mooch round." Head to Hawkshead if that's the plan. Parking will cost but the sights and atmosphere are straight out of a Beatrix Potter book. From the quaint white-washed cottages to the model-like church on a hillside in the centre of the village. Potter's home was close by at Near Sawrey and is still open to look around, while the Lake District's other famous writer, William Wordsworth, went to school here, http://www.hawkshead-village.co.uk/
Have bike, will travel
You've brought your bike, all you need is a route. Try Keswick to Threlkeld along the River Greta. It's about four miles long on a disused railway path in gorgeous countryside and barely any cars - making it ideal for families. The ride begins in the car park of Keswick swimming pool at Keswick and continues along the track of the old Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway - an easy ride through the beautiful tree-clad Greta Gorge. Eight bridges take the route across the river Greta. Your destination is Threlkeld, a village in the shadow of the Blencathra mountain with a quarry and mining museum. http://www.sustrans.org.uk
