The wet and wild Lake District

Tiscali Travel visited The the Lake District hosted by Cumbria Tourism 015398 22222, www.golakes.co.uk, www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk

Three weeks of rain poured down in three days on my visit to the Lakes. You have to be happy to embrace all weathers as the climate is constantly changing. A weatherproof jacket and walking shoes are a necessity as is a good sense of humour and a love of the outdoor world.

You can't visit the lakes without a trip on Lake Windemere or Conistan Water. If it's raining, you may as well be in the water, or on it in a boat. Despite the wet weather, the view of the luscious green scenery is fantastic, the crew very jolly and the commentary informative. You can get a waterways ticket daily travel-card, which will allow you to hop on and off everything that floats within the district. Make sure you pop into the Lakeside hotel for at least a cup of tea when jumping off at Lakeside. The bright and airy conservatory is perfect for a light lunch or romantic evening meal. Cruise aboard the Consiton Launch, a small 1920s solar-electic powered boat and watch out for the captain's two happy bouncing black Labradors, who may push a wet nozzle on your lap on the duration of the trip.

Surely the highlight of any trip to the lakes however must be the scenic road trip over some of the highest passes in the country. Hardknott Pass is the steepest road in England with Wrynose Pass not far behind. Both are perfect spots for getting the best views of the surrounding Langdale Pikes. I would have loved to have hiked the many footways and explored the surrounding forests, but considering the wet wind and rain, the car was a more comfortable and easier option and you get to see just as much. It's amazing however, how quickly the clouds blow over. Contrasts of rain to the left and sun to the right provide some interesting picture opportunities.
-- Find more destinations of outstanding natural beauty

Once over the west side of the passes, make sure you visit Muncaster castle. Set amidst 70 acres of huge gardens with many rare species of plants, trees and shrubs, as-well as a huge owl sanctuary, the castle has been home to the Pennington family for the last eight centuries. On entry to the castle you are greeted by what feels like, lots of friendly staff! However when you consider that the Pennington's still live there, and you're there to have a good snoop around their guest bedrooms and living areas, it's not that surprising. Hundreds of years of antiquities, spooky stories of hauntings and the evidence of family life still taking place, bring past with the present and create a fascinating environment.
-- Search for more attractions

As well as viewing the Lakes by boat, foot and in my case the Seat Ibiza on well paved roads, why not consider an off-roading experience in extreme driving situations! It's great fun, and gets you right into to the nooks and crannys of the area no matter what the weather. Kankuu off-road adventures, offer personal driving experiences as well as convoy expeditions for groups. Never in my life have I driven a four wheel drive, yet Nick Fieldhouse, owner of Kankuu gave me the confidence to tackle narrow, rough and rocky trails at obscure and illogical angles. Girls, it's not just for guys!
-- Search for more activities in the Lakes

No holiday is a real treat unless there's lots of gourmet cuisine on the menu. The Lakes community are very proud of their local produce. Cumberland sausages, Herdwick lamb and home-made pickles and chutneys are common in most good restaurants. Most of the tourist centres have a wide selection of tea shops, global cuisine and traditional fayre including good old fish and chips. We indulged at Lucy's on a plate, and hopefully sat in the same seat as Renée Zellweger when she visited after filming Miss Potter. Lucy's portions are huge, and you can just about squeeze a cake in for third course, however this is compulsory. To visit Lucy's and not have a pudding is a sin.
-- Find more Lake District eateries

Camping is a great way to base your holiday, especially for those of you with children. However if you're in need of something more comfortable, there are hundreds of quaint B&B's and hotels to choose from.

We stayed at the Queen's Head Hotel, complete with gourmet food, a four poster bed, and sumptuous cushions, curtains and drapes - perfect for flopping out on, after a wet and windy exploration of the surrounding area. Don't miss the Confit of Duck Leg and Grilled Home Made Cumberland Sausage served on a Haricot Bean and Chirizo Cassoulet with Crisp Richard Woodhall Pancetta for dinner. Check prices and availability.

So in short, do visit to the lakes if you love everything outdoors, are prepared to be enveloped by the district and enjoy fantastic food. However, if you're the type who worries about your hair getting wet, your shoes getting dirty and are faddy with your food - don't bother!