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England's north-west is dominated by the breath-taking scenery of the Lake District. The area's dramatic fells, picture book lakes, rolling fields and sandstone villages are famous the world over but the north west also has the Pennines to the east and Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. The area's industrial heritage is evident in the modern, cosmopolitan cities of Chester, Liverpool and Manchester and then of course there's Blackpool with its pleasure beach, tower and famous illuminations. All in all the north west adds up to one big adventure playground! There's a variety of walking tracks from gentle lowland countryside to more energetic walks over fells and mountains. The Cumbria Way from Ulverston to Carlisle follows old pack horse trails and paths and has great mountain views. Cyclists can follow the Cumbria Cycleway or the Sea to Sea cycle route. There are numerous by-ways for horse riders and water sports enthusiasts will love Ullswater. Parts of the vast north west region give the illusion of being totally remote and undiscovered and yet the beauty of the area is that it is so easily accessible. For the adventure of a lifetime visit England's north west.
The ancient city of Chester is more than 2,000 years old and from its complete city walls the visitor can see the Welsh mountains on a good day. The 13th century Rows are two-storey black and white half-timbered buildings housing modern shops. The city also has the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain and a glorious 900 year-old cathedral. Birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool is a green city with two cathedrals and the Leeds-Liverpool canal, which is great for walking and cycling. The Trans-Pennine Trail cycle route also runs from Liverpool to Hull along disused railways and canal towpaths. Southport has eight championship golf courses and has been coined "England's golfing capital". The cosmopolitan city of Manchester has it all - shopping, dining, clubbing and of course Britain's most successful football club! The 42-mile Oldham Circular Way walk crosses Medlock Valley, Tame Valley and the Peak District and canalside warehouses, locks and aqueducts can be see along the Rochdale Canal Walk.
Lytham Windmill Lancashire is home to the Ribble Valley and the West Pennine Moors. The Hyndburn Clog is a 33-mile walk through the centre of Lancashire's hill and mill country. The 260-mile Lancashire Cycleway runs through coastal villages, the wooded lanes of the Ribble Valley, rugged moors, historic milltowns and stunning reservoirs and canals. The area has strong connections to the cotton industry and there are also numerous arts and crafts studios. The pretty villages of Belthorn, Great Harwood and Green Haworth, are surrounded by rolling countryside which is great for walking. Lytham St Anne's has a windmill perched right in the centre of Lytham Green overlooking the Ribble Estuary. There's also a sand dune nature reserve. Blackpool is the UK's most popular visitor attraction, with its illuminations and famous roller coaster.
Downham Village Lancashire's Forest of Bowland was an ancient royal hunting ground. Its magnificent open scenery of low-lying foothills and bleak gritstone moors is dissected only by fast flowing streams and a variety of walking tracks. On the edge of the forest is the historic city of Lancaster with its medieval castle surrounded by hills, moors, ancient market towns and lush green valleys. The Lake District's most famous lake is probably Windemere. It's also the largest lake in England. You can admire the forest and mountain scenery from a steamer boat on the lake or cross the lake to the village of Sawrey where children's author Beatrix Potter lived in a cottage, behind the pub. Hawkshead is a superb village of white washed cottages and winding streets. The lovely Valley of Langdale, with the Langdale Pikes towering above, is nearby as is Ambleside and the pretty village of Grasmere. William Wordsworth lived here at Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808 and is buried in the village. The lakes to the west have some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Lake District. There's lovely Eskdale and Wastwater with its breathtaking views across the lake to the rugged mountains at its head. Walkers will love Scafell Pike, Scafell, Hollow Stones and Wasdale Head with their rugged scenery and unsurpassed views. Derwent water has pleasant riverside footpaths and wooded shores and Keswick is real wilderness country. Majestic Ullswater is nine miles long with a curving shoreline of green fields, woodlands and sheer rock faces. The mighty peak of Helvellyn stands to the west of the lake and to the east is the High Street range of fells. Beyond High Street lies Haweswater, the quietest and most remote of the lakes. Walkers should try the track from Howtown to Glenridding or for the more adventurous follow the rocky ridge of Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn. Ullswater is surrounded by pretty villages including Dacre, Watermillock and peaceful Patterdale. Martindale, on the eastern shore, is home to the last herd of wild red deer in England. The Lowther Parklands at Hackthorpe has 150 acres of parkland, lakes, birds and wildlife and in the woodland surrounding the impressive Aira Force waterfall red squirrels are often spotted. Penrith became the capital of Cumbria in the 9th century and the town tells the tale of centuries of Border unrest. It's dominated by Beacon Fell, a rich red sandstone outcrop, and the ruined Penrith Castle. An air of old-fashioned charm pervades the town - you can even shop at an original 18th century grocery store! The River Eden Valley is lush, green and dotted with historic market towns. Heron, kingfisher and otter populate the river, which is also great for fishing. The ancient stone circle of Long Meg and her Daughters is a popular attraction. Kirby Stephen, to the east of the Lake District, is famous for its antiques and pine. The dramatic Dale of Mallerstang, with Wild Boar Fell at its head, is beautiful. It is the site of the ruined Pendragon Castle, said to be home of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father. There are 11 long distance walks in the area and the town is a stopping place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Innov8 Events Ltd Innov8 Events offer a range of outdoor adventure activities including adventure weekends in the Lake District and Liverpool City Breaks and Manchester City Breaks and Blackpool weekend breaks.
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