There's nothing like exploring on foot and with over 20 peaks towering over 800 metres high there is always somewhere to escape the crowds and get up close and personal with nature.
The popular lakes of Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere all provide a great place for families to enjoy a pleasant amble through nature trials and woodlands. There are many guided walks and routes available at the visitor's centres - perfect for those not used to navigating themselves around such vast landscapes.
Keswick Walking Festival is held in the month of May every year. Thousands flock to enjoy the variety of events on offer. These include talks, guided day and night walks as well as navigation and photography courses. It's a great excuse for a holiday in this beautiful part of the world.
Head to the coast for some fantastic cliff side and beach walks. Enjoy five miles of sandy beach at Silecroft or the imposing red sandstone cliffs at St Bees Head. This area is also home to three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty being Arnside and Silverdale, the Solway Coast and the North Pennines, Europe's first `geo-park'.
With all this varied habitat it's no wonder Cumbria boasts some of the best wildlife sites in the whole of the UK. Look out for Ospreys in Bassenthwaite, Peregrine falcons on the coast and the inland crags, otters around the lakes and red squirrels amongst the woodlands and forests.
Some of the most popular walks in Cumbria such as Striding Edge and The Dales Way pass a number of our properties and many many more are located in THE best places for keen walkers. Just click on `browse cottages suitable for walking' to start your search for that perfect cottage close to your favourite walking destinations in the Lake District.