 Cumbria, including the Lake District, is England's most visited scenic area but don't let that put you off. The Lake District alone is visited by sixteen million visitors a year who flock in to visit the famous lakes, picturesque villages and spectacular landscape. Cumbria hosts the country’s largest and deepest lakes, Windermere and Wast Water respectively. Also it boasts England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
All the walks are based in Cumbria, not simply the Lake District, commonly known as the Lakes. Cumbria was formed in 1974 from the historic counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and the northern part of Lancashire.
Many of the walks do fall within the Lake District National Park. This was established in 1951 and at 880 square miles it is the largest National Park. At just 30 miles across and easily reached off the M6 motorway it makes this National Park very accessible.
 There are plenty of areas the crowds never find and hopefully I have tried to write walks in some of these. Even on the busiest of summer days, it's relatively easy to escape the crowds by climbing to the higher fells and more remote valleys or alternatively heading away from the main, "Tourist traps". If you choose to visit Cumbria in late autumn or winter, you are treated to empty paths and the lovely crisp, clear air, which makes it extra special.
It's hard to think of a region that has such a wide variety of scenery in such a small area. From the coastal plains to the wild hills which are surrounded by glacial lakes and forested valleys.
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