Top 5 ways to explore the Lake District’s islands

Our Book of the Month is 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District by Robert Twigger. Here Robert tells us the best ways to explore the Lake District’s islands:

1. Packraft or inflatable canoe

Some lakes are next to convenient roads but not all are. Many Scottish lochs with interesting islands and ruined castles are deep in the wilderness and you have no choice but to walk there. In the Lake District, where I searched out the 36 islands to be found on twelve of the lakes there, quite a few are not that easy to access. Take Devoke Water, far on the western side between Wast Water and Ennerdale- without a very transportable form of boat it would be impossible to reach the tiny island Watness Coy, which is to be found there. This island, called by Wordsworth a ‘bare rock’, is in fact a perfect place for a one person camp. It has a single tree and a gravel beach and can be reached after crossing 200 metres of lake. Providing you are able to carry your boat in. That’s where the inflatable packraft comes in. Made of super-light and super-strong materials and weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 Kg you slip this craft rolled up into your rucksack and walk happily over the worst terrain to get to your objective. With dismountable paddles and a lightweight lifejacket of the kind used by fisherman such remote islands are fairly easy to reach. The joy at approaching an uninhabited island which is rarely visited is a great experience and with a packraft or inflatable canoe you can easily carry enough gear to set up camp and have a wonderfully remote time ‘stealth camping’ ie. trespassing in the nicest possible way…

Continue reading Top 5 ways to explore the Lake District’s islands

Book of the Month: 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District

Our Book of the Month for November 2022 is 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District by Robert Twigger

A journey across the Lake District to discover the secrets of its 36 islands.

Continue reading Book of the Month: 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District

Lake District Guides and Maps

Friday 13th August marks 70 years of the Lake District National Park as it was founded in 1951.

Home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, the Lake District is steeped in history and a popular holiday destination for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors . It is the perfect place to enjoy scenic walks, visit market towns such as Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick, swim in the famous lakes and tarns, go fell-running and Wainwright hill-bagging, to name just a few things this magnificent National Park and World Heritage Site has to offer.

If you love the Lake District or are planning to visit, here are some of our favourite guides and maps:

Continue reading Lake District Guides and Maps

A different view of the Lake District

by Lesley Williams, author of Walking the Tour of the Lake District: A nine-day circuit of Cumbria’s fells, valleys and lakes (Cicerone). 

The Lake District is justifiably one of Britain’s most popular national parks, offering a treasure trove of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and more leisure conscious visitors alike. Whatever the weather, the mountain light of this special landscape is reflected in the beautiful lakes and tarns, and while the wild open fells provide a backdrop for some, they remain the main focus for any keen walker.

Continue reading A different view of the Lake District