The Lake District National Park, in England’s north-west, has inspired countless poets, authors and artists, hillwalkers, nature lovers and day trippers. With its rugged peaks, green valleys, seemingl

It’s been a long mile, trudging uphill in the rain, across uninspiring fields, past rickety ruins of long-abandoned farm buildings, mud slowly working its way up my waterproof trousers. Sometimes walk

I feel privileged to have visited this most magical of lakes

A LOCAL’S GUIDE

We also visited Bowness, famous for its Beatrix Potter visitor attraction, and strolled down to the pier, where you can hop on a cruise that’s not only child‑friendly but dogs can also travel for free

Marian Boswall defends the building of lakes, which bring both beauty and biodiversity