"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." -- William Wordsworth
====================================================================(in northwestern England) Dramatic mountains, moody weather, and ancient lakes have all helped to make the popular Lake District an inspiration for artists, dreamers, and wanderers. Wordsworth and Coleridge’s poetry helped turn this stunning corner of England into a tourist’s haven, while the hand-drawn guide books and maps of rambler Alfred Wainwright* have made it a must-do for hikers, bikers, and those looking to escape the bustle of English cities. A hauntingly beautiful part of northwest England, the Lake District was voted the UK's favorite national park in 2018. The region not only seduced Wordsworth and other literary giants, it continues to attract lots of sightseers, hikers, and adventurers in search of its fascinating heritage and abundant outdoor activities.
+ The Lake District is both a famous scenic region and national park. The lake-strewn valleys of the region contribute to the distinctive character that makes the entire Lake District attractive to so many visitors. The geologic structure of the region is basically a dome, with hard rocks forming most of the principal summits, including the highest, Scafell Pike, (at 978 meters). To the north are more rounded hills. In the south, lower hills surround several lakes, including Windermere -- England’s largest body of water. The Lake District has been influenced by glacial action, which not only deepened existing valleys but also truncated former tributary valleys to create a number of “hanging valleys” with attractive waterfalls.
+ The Lake District was the home of poet William Wordsworth, who was born at Cockermouth and is buried in Grasmere churchyard (beside his sister and his wife).
+ The national park covers an area of 866 square miles (2,243 square km). The famous lake-strewn valleys of the region radiate from a core of central mountains, thus making through-routes difficult to establish but also contributing to the distinctive character that makes the entire Lake District attractive to tourists.
+ The Lake District (or Lakeland, as it's commonly known round these parts) is by far the UK's most popular national park. Ever since the Romantic poets arrived in the 19th century, its attractive panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns, and glittering lakes has been stirring the imaginations of visitors. Since 2017 it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its unique hill-farming culture. From lake cruises to mountain walks, many people visit for the region's literary connections. In addition to Woodsworth, the many writers who found inspiration here included Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome, and, of course, Beatrix Potter (a lifelong lover of the Lakes).
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*Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells has become the standard reference work to 214 of the fells in the English Lake District.
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