In the Lake District

You don’t need to scale a mountain to be rewarded with great views in the Langdale Valley. There’s lots of walks around us with fantastic effort to reward ratio (sounds good to me). Great for days when your legs hurt from yesterday’s grand expeditions or you’ve had one too many from the mini bar last night.

It’s not about sprint finishes or breaking PBs, it about experiencing the landscape and soaking up the atmosphere of such a beautiful place. Get that feel-good high that only comes from doing something like this.

The well-know beauty-spot is nestled between Grasmere, Langdale and Ambleside. It offers amazing views towards the Langdale Pikes. Loughrigg Tarn is a favourite for wild swimming fans as it's relatively warm due to not having any rivers running directly into it.

Only a short distance from the Langdale Estate, Loughrigg Fell is extremely popular all year round with walkers of all abilities yet has enough small paths that one can find solitude, even in the middle of the busy Summer holidays. In the Winter months it provides stunning views of the surrounding fells and valleys that are easily accessible to all.

Hodge Close is one of many slate working near to Brimstone Hotel. Located in the Tilberthwaite Valley Hodge Close has a 150 feet deep face which is a favourite with abseilers, and the 150 feet of flooded workings below are also popular with divers. It's an impressive reminder of the industrial heritage of the area, and definitely worth a visit, sometimes it is hard to imagine that significant industrial workings took place in what we now consider such a peaceful and picturesque setting. Stay safe, as it can be dangerous!

This disused quarry with tunnels up to 120m long and a Cathedral like main cave which is 12m high are the highlights of the trip. The cathedral is supported by a huge natural rock pillar and is well lit by natural windows. Close by is the ever popular Slater's Bridge for even more fantastic photos, and the Three Shires Inn for refreshments.

Grasmere Village and Lake are a must visit when you're staying at Brimstone and if you travel via Red Bank you will be rewarded with amazing views in every direction including towards Windermere and back along the Langdale Valley to the iconic Langdale Pikes. The picturesque village of Grasmere is a favourite of many who visit the area and is packed with cafés, shops and galleries. William Wordsworth lived (and is buried) in Grasmere and described the area as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found."

Created during the Ice Age, Blea Tarn is located between Great Langdale and Little Langdale. Best accessed from the adjacent National Trust car park, or a walk from the head of the Langdale Valley, up the reasonably steep hill. The views are spectacular all around and the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

One of the Lake District's most loved beauty spots, and for good reason. Tarn Hows boasts some of the best views of the central Lakeland fells and is within easy reach for all. Being so popular means that during the Summer months, and on weekends, it can be a very busy place! We can't guarantee what the weather will be up to, but we can tell you that a visit on a Winter's day is certainly worth the 20 minute drive from Brimstone.

The Lake District (as the name suggests) must be one of the best places to visit if you like a bit of wild swimming, and we've got plenty of places to choose from.

You can’t visit the Lake District without being enticed by the deep blue sparkling lakes and Windermere is one that has so much to offer.

Described as a one of the best bars in the area by locals and many tourists, The Crafty Baa is Windermere’s best bar. Just a 20 minute drive from Brimstone, Vince, Lisa & Ben ensure a warm, friendly welcome with a cosy ambience for you to sip, nibble and chat!