december in cumbria...
Walk - Buttermere
Take the top three views you have stored in your mind's eye and then go for a walk around the lakeshore of Buttermere to see how quickly you reprioritise. It's not the biggest in the Lake District or the best but it takes some beating.
What's more there's dozens of well-established vantage points on the 4.5 mile circular lakeside path which starts in the centre of the tiny village near the Fish Hotel. The gem of this walk is the gigantic natural pyramid of Fleetwith Pike, which sits proudly at the far end of the Lake. Buttermere is regarded as one of the most accessible lakes to get around and the paths by and large are wide, low level and easy for all the family to do.
To get specifics go to www.walkingbritain.co.uk and enter walk "1142" in the search bar.
Cycle route - Penrith area
Explore the sheer diversity of Cumbria's countryside with an energising, mid-winter cycle ride to the rural village of Greystoke near Penrith. This route starts at Sandgate Car Park in the rusty red sandstone town centre. It soon takes you out of civilisation and into low-lying farmland with the crouching mountain range of the Northern Lake District as your compass. You'll pass the villages of Stainton, Newbiggin and Greystoke on this 15-miler then start the double-back. It's hamlets all the way home through Little Blencow, Newton Reigny and Newton Rigg before arriving back in the market town. Download a special map to the route and four others do-in-a-day rides direct from www.penrithtown.co.uk/living-cycling.htm
Food - Damson Gin
The fresh Turkey may be on order but what about the other mainstay of Christmas dinner - the pudding? Lake District company Cowmire Hall, run by gastronomes Oliver and Victoria Barrett, create a striking Damson Gin from the delicious purple fruit grown in the farm orchards.
For the first time ever, they have linked up with the local Ultimate Plum Pudding Company to create a tantalising Damson Gin Christmas Pudding.
By adding luxury fruits and nuts to the nectar-like liqueur, they have created the Christmas pudding to end all Christmas puddings. As well as buying it directly online, you can also snap it up at various local foodie outlets like Windermere Wine Stores as well as across the country at places like Fortum and Mason's, London, and Rick Stein's deli in Padstow, Cornwall. If you can't wait for the big day, get it now by going to www.cowmire.co.uk
Dancer and Prancer and Donner and Blitzen
On Friday and Saturday evenings throughout December Lakeland Llama Treks will be playing host to Father Christmas and his real life reindeer at their brand new Llama Karma Kafe. Visits to Father Christmas and his reindeer in his magical grotto include mulled wine or coffee and mince pies for grown ups and soft drinks, cakes, a certificate and a present from Santa for all children, not to mention the opportunity to meet Rudolph's real life relatives. www.lakelandllamatreks.co.uk
Dickens on Derwentwater
Take in a seasonal play at the Theatre by the Lake, stunningly set on the edge of Derwentwater. This Christmas, as it enters its tenth anniversary year, the theatre presents an adaptation with music of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol - a revival of the first Christmas show ever produced at the theatre, perfect for persuading Scrooges into a more seasonal mood. www.theatrebythelake.co.uk
Skating spectacular
The South Lakes Wild Animal Park at Dalton-in-Furness is offering an extraordinary Christmas extravaganza this year. As well as being able to hand-feed giraffes, penguins, kangaroos, wallabees and ducks to name but a few of the animals who live happily there, families can also enjoy a visit to Santa in his enchanted house, they can pet and feed Santa's special reindeer, take part in a full size nativity story in the stable, have a spin on the ice rink under the stars in the Winter Wonderland, indulge in a traditional Christmas menu and see the spectacular lights and tree displays. www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
The Cumbrian Polar Express
You can give the children a yuletide trip to remember on the scenic South Tynedale Railway. The picturesque train ride is followed by a visit to see Father Christmas in his Grotto and there are seasonal refreshments for all as well as a present for each child. www.strps.org.uk
View
Elterwater is a Christmas card Lake District village with its slate cottages and willo' the wisp blue chimney smoke. It is set in the never-ending valley of Great Langdale where the road runs out due to an ominous wall of mountains barring its progress.
Elterwater's key attraction is its walk-around tarn of the same name, which is surrounded by shaggy orange-brown bracken and lumpy green hillsides. It's perfect for a pre or post-Christmas stroll alongside the river banks with a great view back towards the Langdale Pikes. Getting snowed in is a distinct possibility here. If so, make a beeline for the "Brit..." The Britainnia Inn is a 400-year-old traditional Tavern with thick walls, dark varnish bar and plum-coloured seats. Try its very own cask ale and get a tummy-rumbling waft of hot food on-the-go. www.britinn.net
For more information about breaks in the Lakes, go to www.golakes.co.uk
