OK, so you’ve booked one of the best hotels in the Lake District and are gearing up for a relaxing holiday full of the glories of nature and some outdoor activity. Since The Lakes offer the visitor anything from archery to windsurfing, the sheer choice on offer can be dizzying. Here are just three of the sporting activities to be found in the Lake District:
Ghyll scrambling. Making the best possible use of the local terrain, this activity transforms a ghyll – the local term for a mountain gully – into an adventure playground for a day. A day spent ghyll scrambling will test your muscles and agility to the limit, as it involves first climbing the course of a mountain stream any way you can before heading straight back down again – choosing the quickest, wildest and wettest route possible. The ascent involves clambering over rocks, leaping waterfalls and squeezing through chasms, while the ghyll becomes a fantastic natural waterslide for the descent, culminating with a dramatic plunge into a pool. Enjoy this adrenalin-fuelled activity with a licensed ghyll scrambling group, who will take you to the best courses as well as issuing you with your helmet and protective clothing.
Hill Walking. It would be completely remiss not to mention that the Lake District is a hill walkers’ heaven, with some of the most beautiful and breath-taking landscapes in the UK, all with a unique character – and highly accessible too, with routes suitable for all ages and abilities.
From the more gentle routes around the Lakes, to the more challenging rugged fells and gorges of the Lakeland area, you will not be disappointed – and anyone who wishes to call themselves a seasoned walker needs to have climbed Scafell Pike and Helvellyn. Afterwards, why not treat yourself after a gruelling day on the hills by returning to one of the best hotels in the Lake District to soothe those aching feet?
Sailing. If you’re an old hand, then you’ll know you’ve come to the right place. If you’ve never tried your hand at sailing before, then there is no better place to start than Coniston Water, Ullswater or Windermere. With plenty of wind, but no pesky tides or currents, the Lakes offer amazing opportunities for sailing in beautiful surroundings.