Some Web Sites You Might Find Useful*

*This is JUST for information, we take no responsibility for any mistakes in other people's sites. Also, no-one is paying us to have sites mentioned. If you find any links that are dead we would be very grateful if you could let us know.


Weather

You probably know what the weather can do in the Lake District, so take a look at these and pick the nicest forecast:

Food And Drink

If you like to eat food that is in season (or even pick your own as you're rambling) here's a chart of what's in season for the Lakes from Taste Cumbria.  They have lots more info on their website at TasteCumbria.com.

If you like wild garlic you can find lots of it from late February, early March, through until May at the end of Thornthwaite near where the road joins the A66 at Bassenthwaite Lake - here's a map. Another good place to look is along the bank of the river Greta in Fitz Park.

Wild strawberries (tiny but very tasty versions of their cultivated cousins) can be found growing wild along the western bank of Bassenthwaite and also in roadside hedges around Keswick. We found more than enough to accompany vanilla ice-cream near Swinside (another map).

For tips on safe food handling take a look at this US site.

Out And About

Safety: Before attempting anything but the simplest walk around town you should check that you are prepared correctly and safely. Please take a look at the advice provided by Mountain Rescue for England and Wales or 'Safety on the Fells' advice from Keswick.org.

If you're using Keswick as your base to explore the Lake District why not consider using public transport to get around? There are some lovely bus routes throughout Cumbria. Here is a map. The Honister Rambler (77/77A) is surely among the most beautiful bus routes in the country, but, like many of the more scenic routes, the service stops during the off-season. While individual tickets can be a little expensive there are some great deals for families and parties of adults. Also there are tickets for three and seven days that offer real savings. A great deal for those staying in the Lakes for a holiday is the Stagecoach Mega-Rider Gold ticket which gives seven days unlimited travel throughout the North West (up to Dunfires, across to Newcastle and down to Chorley) for £26. Get more details of the Stagecoach Megarider Ticket.

There are any number of walking guides for the Keswick area and many are available in the town for reasonable to unreasonable prices. However, the web is full of free advice and walks for all ages and physical fitness.

Dog Friendly Lakeland

The Lake District is notoriously friendly to pooches and their humans. For info try dogfriendlylakes.co.uk