The Lake District is home to some of the U.K.’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Lake Ullswater is thought by many to be the most beautiful in the Lake District. The second largest lake surrounded by magnificent fells,woodland and mountain. Approximately nine miles long and for much of it’s length Ulllswater forms the border between the old counties of Cumberland and Westmorland.

One of the best walks in the National Park is along the Eastern shores of Ullswater, dominated by Place fell, St. Sunday Cragg and Fairfield.

Helvellyn the third largest mountain in the Lake District is dominated by two knife edges – Striding Edge and Swirrel Edge leading to the conical summit of Catstycam.

Travel the Roman Way along the High Street Ridge or from your doorstep at High House Farm a gentler walk is to Aira Force through woodland and around Gowbarrow fell and on to probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. The main force falls 70ft below a stone footbridge, worth a look and with stunning views of the lake along the way.

Whichever walk you choose in whichever season you will be guaranteed stunning views and dramatic scenery.

Since 1855 steamers have sailed Ullswater, take a cruise in one of five. The first to be launched Lady of the Lake, Raven, Lady Dorothy, Lady Wakefield and Western Belle. They travel between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge calling at Howtown and take an hour each way.

The village of Pooley Bridge is at the northern end, the narrow 16th century bridge straddles the River Eamont. It is overlooked by Dunmallet, site of an Iron Age Fort.

At the southern end is Glenridding leading on to Kirkstone Pass and Ambleside and Windermere passing Brotherswater.