David Hall - Lake District Directory

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Ambleside  
 
 
Askham Askham is a lovely village, and a real treat for anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist Lakeland. Found about five miles from Penrith, the village has a long main street lined with broad grassy banks and attractive houses, many of which are centuries old. Springtime is particularly striking in Askham, when the village is dressed in all the finery that the season has to offer.

You'll not find row after row of houses fronted by brightly coloured boards advertising bed and breakfast in Askham, nor will you be faced with the prospect of outdoor shops trying to gain a quick sale by intrusively spilling their wares out onto the street. Here you'll be greeted by a village seemingly suspended in time, where the dates above the houses offer testament to the unfaltering continuity of the place. This is a village to wander around at a somewhat leisurely pace, a place to soak up the peace and quiet, and to remind oneself that life hadn't always been pursued at our modern tempo.

At the lower end of the village is Askham Hall; a 14th century pele tower built to withstand attack from the Scottish armies who at the time were opposed to English rule in Scotland. The manor was acquired by Sir Thomas de Hellbeck and passed by marriage to the Swynburn family about the year 1314. In 1375 Edmund de Sandford came into possession. Two hundred years later in 1574, his descendant, Thomas Sandford transformed the tower into an Elizabethan mansion where the family remained until 1828 when it became the rectory for the parish of Lowther.
 
 
Boot  
 
 
Braithwaite  
 
 
Buttermere  
 
 
Caldbeck  
 
 
Calder Bridge Calder Bridge is found on the A595 between Gosforth and Egremont and unfortunately it has the feel of one of those places that you always seem to just drive through. Somewhere you'd never really need to go for its own sake.

At one time the village had a selection of shops and other businesses to support the local community. Sadly, and as with so many other country places this on the decline, with Calder Bridge currently retaining one shop, two public houses, a garage and a sawmill.
The church, St Bridget's was locked when I tried to get some photos, but what I do know is that it was built in 1842 by Thomas Irwin of Calder Abbey. In 1978 the then vicar retired and the parish was joined with Beckermet the vicarage was subsequently sold and now provides flats for the elderly.
 
 
Chapel Stile  
 
 
Coniston  
 
 
Elterwater The village of Elterwater takes its name from Elpt Vatin, the Norse term for swan lake and developed as an industrial community through the influence of quarrying and gunpowder manufacturer. The gunpowder works was established alongside the fast flowing Langdale Beck in 1824 to supply local quarries and mines. Charcoal was used in large quantities and was obtained mainly from alder trees managed in local coppiced woodlands. These woodlands survive to this day but the gunpowder works ceased production after 1928 and the site is now occupied by a timeshare development.
 
 
Eskdale Green  
 
 
Glenridding  
 
 
Grange  
 
 
Grasmere  
 
 
Greendale Greendale is a small hamlet found along the road between Gosforth and the ever popular Wasdale Valley. The hamlet itself is made up of no more than a handful of houses / cottages, and although it's so close to one of the most desirable walking & climbing areas in the Lake District, it has remained unspoiled by modern development or expansion.

A couple of the houses in Greendale offer accommodation, which is ideally located for those wanting to visit England's highest mountain, deepest lake or perhaps, simply wanting to look at Britain's favourite view. The attractions found along Cumbria's west coast are also close at hand, including Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, St Bees and Whitehaven. Even closer however, are the numerous walks that can be undertaken quite literally from the doorstep. The fells above Greendale (Buckbarrow, Seatallan and Middle Fell), if done on a single walk, will present an enjoyable half days' outing. Always worth a visit is the lovely Greendale Tarn; the source of Greendale Gill which runs under the bridge at Greendale, and found below Middle Fell in a somewhat boggy area of fellside.
 
 
Hartsop  
 
 
Hawkshead  
 
 
Howtown  
 
 
Kentmere  
 
 
Keswick Keswick is undoubtedly the main hub of activity for the Northern Lake District, offering visitors and locals everything from world class theatre to an unparalleled selection of outdoor activities. The town itself has a charm all of its own which will leave the visitor more than satisfied that they have had their expectations met.

Located between the northern end of Derwent Water and mighty fells of Skiddaw & Blencathra, the setting could not be more beautiful. The surrounding countryside has everything you could possibly ask for; high mountain passes, scenic rivers, lakes, picturesque dales with charming stone built villages and not forgetting the fells themselves. Notwithstanding all this, the chief jewel in Keswick’s crown is Derwent Water. Within easy walking distance of the town centre and by whatever standards you wish to compare, here you’ll find a beauty not easily equalled.

Although Keswick has a long history, it is often referred to as a Victorian market town. A market which continues to this day; held every Saturday in the very heart of the town. Along with the market, Keswick plays host to a wide selection of shops, cafes, tearooms, restaurants and pubs.

Whether you’re looking for the exhilaration of a more energetic visit, the chance to hit the shops or a relaxing time where you can forget about the stress of everyday life, then Keswick can certainly offer you exactly what you’re looking for.
 
 
Little Town  
 
 
Loweswater  
 
 
Mosedale  
 
 
Mungrisdale  
 
 
Patterdale  
 
 
Pooley Bridge  
 
 
Portinscale  
 
 
Rosthwaite  
 
 
Rydal  
 
 
Sadgill  
 
 
Seathwaite (Borrowdale)  
 
 
Seathwaite (Duddon)  
 
 
Seatoller  
 
 
Stair  
 
 
Stonethwaite  
 
 
Thackthwaite  
 
 
Threlkeld  
 
 
Troutbeck (Windermere)  
 
 
Wasdale Head  
 
 
Watendlath