| Cumbria is
home to some of England's most spectacular scenery. At its heart
lies the magnificent Lake District National Park, whilst to the
east and the west there are many other natural treasures for visitors
to enjoy. Cumbria encompasses the green and fertile Eden Valley,
the golden beaches and historic ports of the western coastline,
the great lakes of central Lakeland, the solitude of the North Pennines
and the rich beauty of the northern edge of the Yorkshire Dales
National Park.
The beauty of the central lakes: Coniston,
Thirlmere, Ullswater, and Windermere (the longest in England), combined
by with the seemingly endless miles of hills and peaks throughout
the region, provide a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Walkers,
climbers, riders, cyclists, bird watchers and water sports enthusiasts
are spoilt for choice when they visit Cumbria. But you don't have
to be sporty to enjoy the region.
Some of the most scenic and spectacular
sights can be glimpsed from the comfort of a car. One particular
route crosses from the central lakes to the western coast via Hardknott
Pass. With a gradient of 1-in-3 the road clings tightly to the mountain's
side as it winds its way through the pass, but whilst the driver
must concentrate the passangers can take advantage of the magnificent
views. Another route(A686), on the region's eastern limits, rises
from the green and fertile fields of the valleys to climb the rocky
hills of the North Pennines. At its crest it reaches the village
of Alston, the highest market town in England, where the steep cobbled
streets provide excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Some of the most scenic
and spectacular sights can be glimpsed from the comfort of a car.
One particular route crosses from the central lakes to the western
coast via Hardknott Pass. With a gradient of 1-in-3 the road clings
tightly to the mountain's side as it winds its way through the pass,
but whilst the driver must concentrate the passangers can take advantage
of the magnificent views. Another route(A686), on the region's eastern
limits, rises from the green and fertile fields of the valleys to
climb the rocky hills of the North Pennines. At its crest it reaches
the village of Alston, the highest market town in England, where
the steep cobbled streets provide excellent views of the surrounding
countryside.
The rich natural beauty of
Cumbria is further enhanced by its historical and cultural significance.
With such a rich natural backdrop it is no surprise that writers
and artists have found inspiration from the land. Indeed it is within
his own records that William Wordsworth records the many hours he
spent wandering the hillside whilst composing his greatest works.
Cumbria's current tranquillity
belies its violent history. Carlisle, the region's most northerly
town, still bears many of the signs of its turbulent past. It's
impressive sandstone castle and great city walls are a testament
to a time when the marauding reivers made frequent and often savage
attacks upon the city and its inhabitants. Large scale fortifications
were first introduced to the region by the Romans. The Emperor Hadrian
had a 73 mile fortified wall built from Carlisle to Newcastle upon
Tyne to keep tribal raiders out of the Holy Roman Empire. Although
largely in ruins, Hadrian's Wall and its related Museums are now
one of the most popular attractions in Cumbria.
Cumbria has a wealth of
attractions to visit, including museums, craft centres, gardens,
tourist centres, historic buildings and shopping centres. Combined
with the picuresque and magnificent natural environment it is no
surprise that this is one of the most popular regions in Britain.
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