Tourists in general bring jobs and money into the area but increase traffic congestion and have a significant environmental impact. The Lake District National Park was formed in but the idea of an area for all to enjoy and have access to began long before.
The railway from Kendal to Windermere that was completed in improved access for many, but it was the advent of the motorised vehicle which brought the high visitor numbers, firstly the charabancs of the early s and latterly the private car. Initially it was only the local factory workers who would visit from the surrounding counties on their days off, but now visitors from the southeast of England outnumber those from any other region and many people come from overseas too.
Current surveys show that Most come to enjoy the scenery, peace and quiet and walking but many others visit specific attractions or take part in an outdoor activity. They stay in a mixture of self-catering and serviced accommodation.
The National Park Authority's current challenge is finding ways of encouraging sustainable tourism without further damaging the very landscape which visitors come to enjoy.
Lakeshore erosion is a continuing problem around Windermere. Visit Fix the Fells. They used Stone Pitching which involves digging stone into the ground to form good solid footfalls. This ancient technique is used extensively in the central fells using stone which is naturally occurring.
Case study — Whiteless Pike, Buttermere. The two photos are from the same location near Buttermere. The path had become so deep and loose that a second path had developed alongside. Soil was being eroded into nearby streams. Management was only needed for 20m of path along a steep gradient. The solution was to use local stone to pitch the path. Transport initiatives have focussed on public transport, sustainability and getting people out of their cars. The Lake District's roads were not designed for car use which is one reason why that long, long queue is still with us.
Statistics tell us the other. Ninety two percent of visitors drive to the Lake District. That's 92 percent of an estimated 16 million people a year. The Shuttle has an integrated timetable and through-ticketing and there are cycle racks on the boats and minibuses that provide the service.
It has an ambitious goal: a unified 'boats, bikes, boots and buses' network throughout the national park. Popular walking routes are being connected to public transport services. Cycleways and footpaths are also being brought together. This initiative wants to cut 11, tonnes of carbon emissions and ease congestion in visitor honeypots of Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston and Grasmere.
The dominant building is The Moot Hall, an ancient foundation home to the National Park Information Centre and an excellent starting point for planning your adventures during your stay. It was used in the past as a covered market, a courthouse, a museum and a prison. A short walk from the Market Square are two large public parks offering games faciities such as pitch and putt and crazy golf. Though only a small town, Keswick has a range of shops and services far larger than might be expected.
You can find lots of lovely shops both in the main Market Square and down every alley and side street. There are unique shops which you will not find in any other town. Most of the art galleries are off the main square and sell photographs, paintings, pottery and jewellery by local artists and craftspeople.
If you need outdoor gear or equipment Keswick has the largest collection of speciaist retailers in Britain. The visitor also has the choice of four museums, cinema, and the all year round Theatre by the Lake. Few visitors come to Keswick without making the short walk to the lakeshore and the boat landings from where rowing and small motor boats can be hired; the regular launch service around the lake also starts from here. The climbing wall is for the more adventurous while the leisure pool, tennis and bowls add to the list of activities for all.
Derwentwater rivals anywhere in the world for its sheer stunning location and beauty. So, dive in, and have a holiday to remember. Sail on it …………. Sail to one of the islands, explore and have a picnic. Walk or Cycle round it ………. Rest on one of the shingle beaches and simply watch the world go by. The bike ride is slightly longer as you need to head down the Borrowdale Valley as far as Grange, take a right over the beautiful humped back stone bridge and back via Portinscale. Paddle in it ………..
The lakeshore is just perfect for families. Pack a picnic and have a memorable family day out. Take the launch to your favourite bay — which will it be — Brandelhow or Manesty, or perhaps Calf Close Bay?
Ramble round it …………. Take a break at Buttermere and enjoy an ice cream. Stay by it ……. Keswick is situated by the lake — just a short walk from town. Quality accommodation from camping to cosy cottages, guest houses to luxury hotels. Try a valley location for a change-peace and quiet a world away from city life! Walk on the fells surrounding it ………………. Plenty of fellwalking to give you such a fabulous day out. Explore the fells yourself, with map and compass in hand, or take a walk in the company of an experienced guide.
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