The Lake District and walking go hand in hand along with stunning Lake District cottages.
For those wanting to experience walking on some of the highest mountains in England and view some of the most spectacular scenery, then staying in a Lake District cottage is ideal.
Self-catering cottages can be found all over the Lake District from Keswick in the north to Cartmel in the south. The central Lakes have the highest concentration due to demand and such stunning scenery. One location in particular is the valleys of Great and Little Langdale lying in the shadow of the mighty Langdale Pikes. A series of soaring, jagged volcanic peaks, they form the great central massive of the Cumbrian Mountains and are one of the most iconic images of the Lake District.
Across the mountains run the Wrynose and Hard Knott passes.
Head towards Little Langdale and use your map and signposts to find the start of the pass. This dramatic road snakes its precipitous route through the craggy mountains, offering breathtaking views and picture moments. There are plenty of stopping spots where you can simply wander off and explore the rocky heights and breathe mountain air. You can extend your outing by carrying on to Wastwater, without a doubt, the most haunting and dramatic of all the lakes. The view across the water is to Scafell, Great Gable, flanked by Kirkfell and Lingmell. If the mist rolls in the mood is dark, and the knowledge that the waters drop down to some 258 feet adds to the drama.
Holiday cottages in the Lake District can often be found in off-the-beaten-track locations with many having a plethora of walking routes right from the front door. For complete relaxation this is a huge plus point compared with staying in a hotel. Having arrived at the self-catering cottage, if you wish, the car needn’t be touched again. A true escape can be had from the stresses and strains of modern life.
Walking and hiking is becoming more and more popular with young and old taking up this free pastime. A self catering holiday gives greater freedom than staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast and is the perfect solution for a group. Practical points such as drying and storing the walking kit can easily be done in a self catering cottage too.
Lake District self-catering cottage needn’t mean a step down in quality. With the rise in the number of travellers choosing the self-catering option, a wider range of properties has become available including some of the most stunning, luxury Lake District properties. The stigmatism of bad and grotty self-catering properties has well and truly been eradicated. Luxury Lake District cottages have been beautifully furnished and styled, have all the latest gadgets and have hot tubs and landscaped gardens.
Whether it’s a step up from or to obtain the same quality as at home, these properties really hit the mark.
Photo by Sam Barber
Photo by James Armes