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THERE can be no doubting Cumbria's Lake District offers some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the UK has to offer.

From stomach-churning high-altitude ridge walks to impossibly beautiful, quaint English villages, this relatively tiny region packs a wealth of attractions into its idyllic borders.

It's also home to Britain's deepest lake (Wastwater's black depths plummet in parts to 258 feet), steepest roads (as anyone who has tackled the white-knuckle Hardknott, Kirkstone or Honister passes will testify) and, of course highest mountains, (Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw all checking in at more than 3,000 feet).

A mecca for walking and climbing enthusiasts, its many market towns and villages are packed with shops catering for the needs of outdoors enthusiasts of every persuasion.

The adventurous - some may say insane - will relish the knee-trembling ascents provided by the likes of Scafell, Blencathra and Helvellyn's summit and notorious Striding Edge.

But it's not all scrambling, stumbling and three points of contact - beautiful low-level strolls for walkers of all abilities are on offer at the tranquil Grizedale Forest Park, spectacular Aira Force and impossibly stunning Tarn Hows to name but three.

When you're all shopped out and walked to a standstill, there's an array of other activities on your doorstep, pony trekking, birdwatching, fishing and watersports all vying for your attention.

For the less energetic, or for the days when the rain comes down sideways and the hills are shrouded in clouds and mist, chocolate-box vilages such as Grasmere, Coniston, Hawkshead and Pooley Bridge are a treasure trove of gift, craft and tea shops to while away the hours.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be featuring just some of the attractions in and around one of the Lake District's most famous honeypot tourist destinations - Ambleside - includng places to eat, stay, walk, wildlife-spot and entertain the kids.

If you've never visited the Lake District - yet - you're missing out on one of the brightest gems on Britain's tourist map.

And it's all little more than three hours from your door...

The trip was hosted by Cumbria Tourism, 015398 22222.

Lake District accommodation booking line: 0845 450 1199.

www.golakes.co.uk www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk

11:47am Thursday 1st May 2008

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