natural environment of ullswater...
The National Trust is one of the largest landowners in the Ullswater area, holding 13,000 acres of farmland, woods and fellsides that are sensitively managed to maintain the cultural landscape and farming traditions of the central Lakes. The former parklands, wood pastures and veteran trees - a legacy of medieval hunting forest - are noted for their wealth of bryophytes, lichens and insects. The Trust aims to restore these woodlands by reintroducing cattle grazing in selected areas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Ullswater is a Serpentine-shaped lake with three ‘reaches' and three ice-scoured basins in its depths. The lake's glacial origins are evident today in its small population of schelly - a rare relic species of fish from the last Ice Age. The schelly was one of several species that were regularly caught on the lake and sold at the fish market in Pooley Bridge, a tradition commemorated by the fish vane on top of the market cross.
Brotherswater
Formerly known as Broad Water until the tragic deaths of two brothers in the 17th century, when the name was changed to Brotherswater. The lake used to extend into Dovedale, but vast quantities of material washed down by the tributary streams have infilled over half of it.
Aira Force
One of the most visited waterfalls in the Lake District. Well-surfaced paths ascend to a stone arched bridge underneath which the Aira Beck plunges 70 feet (22 m) into a steep-sided ravine. The surrounding area was developed as a ‘picturesque' landscape with winding footpaths, stone bridges and seating set amid a sylvan backdrop of specimen conifers from all over the world. Tearoom (open daily in the summer). www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tarn Moss National Nature Reserve, Troutbeck
Contained by a conifer plantation and the A66, this basin mire is a rare example of a nutrient-poor wetland that is rich in sedges, mosses and other bog plants such as bog rosemary, round-leaved sundew and bladderwort. Access is down a short track off the A66 (with parking in a layby opposite). Please take care when crossing the A66. www.naturalengland.gov.uk
Dalemain
Herbaceous borders spilling onto gravel pathways, trellises overflowing with old-fashioned roses and an Elizabethan knot garden are some of the floral delights that can be enjoyed in this 5-acre plantsman's garden. Each season heralds spectacular displays - snowdrops and aconites in early spring, blue swathes of Meconopsis poppies in June, cascades of rambling roses in summer and apple trees laden with orchard fruits in autumn. Gardens open all year, 10.30-5.00 (Easter-end Oct), 11.00-4.00 (end Oct-March). Admission charge.
