PeterE wrote:
I know I might be howled down for this, but somehow the Lake District has never really hit the spot for me - it seems too full of improbably picturesque, chocolate-box views.
Personally I much prefer the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. Why not give the latter a try - lots of excellent scenery (if a bit bleaker than the Lakes), interesting places to visit, characterful little towns full of good pubs like Buxton and Bakewell, and some of the best driving roads in the UK such as the Cat & Fiddle and Long Hill?
Find the Peaks too bleak - personally and just a little bit too busy for my personal taste - though have found a nice scenic walk taking in the Cresswell Caves around there.
As for Co Durham .... could I recommend Waskerley, Consett. Fairly challenging 9 mile walk
- but some spectacular views at Horeseleyhope.. It's challenging because the paths are little-walked and you have to pick your way in parts
- but the Moorcroft pub provides decent food and very decent line in
real ales but
no cream filled doughnuts....
Less challenging - but highly recommended up around here ... Bowlees (highest waterfaill in the country - but you can only really see the lower falls at Bowlees Beck. Maps of the paths are available from the Visitors' Centre at the car park (in the hamlet of Bowlees, Middleton-in-Teesdale) on the B6277). Think the Raby estate is now open due the Ramblers Right of Way legislation - but check with the estate if you still need their permission to walk through it. This is the route to Gibsons Cave (behind the waterfall. Gibson was a criminal who hid theee whilst on the run in C16.
Ideal place to hide from my speed guns....
The other walk from the car park takes you through meadows to a suspension bridge over the Tees and the Low Force waterfall. Some good picnic areas and rest places along the way...
Ah... but we are on about the Lake District....
You should come to us - at least we do not have speed cams - but one van and lots of police cars...
OK - so what's an easy walk over in Cumbria... an easy walk which I did with the Mad Cats and all the kids was at Muncaster...there is a short walk to the castle itself - and the Owl Centre is worth a visit (assuming it's still there...). and the 15 in gauge railway is a highly enjoyable experience - very scenic!
Up in the Eden Valley - there is a very easy two hour walk around Langwathby , Edenhall and the River Eden.
Also - we recently completed a family walk at Orrest Head - near Windermere. This was about 7 miles - but very easy and well sign-posted. Kids and our respective parents had no problems here!
Walking maps can be obtained from the tourist office.