Cumbria

Heart of the Lakes

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Overview

Leave Haydon Bridge and pass through Haltswhistle in Northumberland to reach Brampton in Cumbria. Enjoy historic Carlisle before dropping down to Penrith. Pause at Pooley Bridge as you enter the Lake District National Park and arrive at Keswick. Take in the views of Helvellyn before arriving at Ambleside. Enjoy the expanses of Windermere before arriving at Kendal.

Haydon Bridge

A picturesque location that crosses the River Tyne, Haydon Bridge in Northumberland is an ideal base for exploring. Visit Hadrian’s Wall or relax in the village and watch the salmon jumping in the river.

Haltwhistle

The quirky village of Haltwhistle is a walker's paradise – explore 22 circular walks through the surrounding countryside or head to Hadrian’s Wall by Housesteads or Vindolanda before heading to Cumbria and the Lake District.

Brampton

An octagonal building, Moot Hall, sits in the middle of the town. On the eastern side of the town, you can visit a statue of the 7th Earl of Carlisle atop a high motte with far reaching views. Close by you will find Talkin Tarn Country Park, with 120 acres of farmland and a 65 acre lake.

Carlisle

The border city of Carlisle is rich in history. Visit Carlisle Castle – also home to the Border Regiment Museum, Carlisle Cathedral and the Prior’s Tower. Take in Tullie House, the Guildhall Museum and St. Cuthbert’s Church.

Penrith

Sat in the Eden Valley, Penrith was once the capital of Cumbria. Strategically important, you will find the ruins of Penrith Castle and Brougham Castle. Penrith Beacon overlooks the town where you can explore Penrith Museum and the presumed grave of King Owain of Cumbria in the St. Andrew’s graveyard.

Pooley Bridge

At the northern end of Lake Ullswater – the Lake District’s second largest lake - and located on the River Eamont, the village of Pooley Bridge sits in a picturesque location. Nearby you will find Maiden Castle, a circular fort dating from the first millennium BC.

Keswick

The bustling market town of Keswick is a hive of activity and often associated with Beatrix Potter. Enjoy water sports and explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike or at a slower pace take in the Keswick Museum & Art Gallery and the Pencil Museum.

Ambleside

A short walk will take you to Stock Ghyll Force, a 70 ft waterfall and the 17th century Bridge House over the Stock Ghyll beck. A short walk from the village will also take you to Stagshaw Gardens, whilst you can see the Rydal Sheepdog Trials at Rydal Park in August.

Windermere

The Georgian tourist town of Windermere is located by the Lake of the same name, Bowness-on-Windermere being the most popular destination in the Lake District. Take the ferry, explore the village or enjoy the World of Beatrix Potter. A slight detour will take you to nearby Coniston Water.

Overview

1

Haydon Bridge

2
9.1 miles

Haltwhistle

3
13.3 miles

Brampton

4
9.8 miles

Carlisle

5
20.9 miles

Penrith

6
6.0 miles

Pooley Bridge

7
16.1 miles

Keswick

8
16.7 miles

Ambleside

9
4.6 miles

Windermere

What to see and do…

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The Norman Centre | Cumbria

Appleby Castle, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria , CA16 6XH

Appleby Castle | Cumbria

Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XH

North View B&B | Cumbria

43 Wordsworth Street, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7QY

Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts | Cumbria

Burthinghurst, Walton, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2JW

Fairy Bell Wood Yurt | Cumbria

Fairy Bell Wood, Moresdale Lodge, Lambrigg, Cumbria, LA8 0DH

Firth View Pods | Cumbria

Aikton, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 0JF

Drybeck Farm | Cumbria

Armathwaite, Cumbria, CA4 9ST

Hut in the Sheep Wash | Cumbria

Ben Cragg Farm, Newland, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7PZ

About the Heart of the Lakes Trail

Distance:96 miles
Cities / Towns:9
Number Of Businesses:12

From Haydon Bridge in neighbouring Northumberland head through Haltswhistle on the scenic drive to Cumbria. Pass through Brampton to reach the historic border city of Carlisle, with its many fortifications reflecting its strategic positioning. Descend through to Penrith and enter the Lake District National Park at Pooley Bridge before heading to the bustling town of Keswick. Head through the Park, passing Helvellyn to reach the beautiful lake at Ambleside. Enjoy Windermere, the largest lake of them all before arriving at Kendal – home to the famous mint cake.

Lake Land

Attracting millions of visitors each year the Lake District National Park is home to a stunning collection of lakes, streams, forests and hills. Enjoy the magic of Ullswater, Buttermere, Coniston and Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.

Towering Rock

The harsh beauty of the Lake District is characterised by the high peaks and rock formations left by the Ice Age that today create a stunning environment for tourists, walkers, cyclists and other activity seekers.

Photo Opps

The Lake District National Park is a photographer's dream – from stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, rock formations and bustling villages the area is a great place to head for with your camera.

Also Nearby

The Norman Centre | Cumbria

Appleby Castle, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria , CA16 6XH

Appleby Castle | Cumbria

Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6XH

North View B&B | Cumbria

43 Wordsworth Street, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7QY

Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts | Cumbria

Burthinghurst, Walton, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2JW

Fairy Bell Wood Yurt | Cumbria

Fairy Bell Wood, Moresdale Lodge, Lambrigg, Cumbria, LA8 0DH

Firth View Pods | Cumbria

Aikton, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 0JF

Drybeck Farm | Cumbria

Armathwaite, Cumbria, CA4 9ST

Hut in the Sheep Wash | Cumbria

Ben Cragg Farm, Newland, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7PZ

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