Andrew Thomas column: Favourite spots to explore in the Lake District

That trend is likely to increase in the coming weeks as Covid restrictions continue to ease.

We are so lucky to live in this part of the country, with such wonderful scenery on our doorstep. Some of my favourite spots include the area south of Grange-in-Borrowdale at the foot of Derwentwater and the fells around Grasmere.

I asked some of my contacts about their favourite places in South Lakeland and the Lake District.

“I like the limestone scars, such as Scout Scar and Whitbarrow Scar,” said David Harpley, conservation manager for Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

SCENERY: Scout Scar has been highlighted as a favourite place to check out in the Lakes Picture: Bill Patten

“They are interesting places in nature terms and famous for their rare flowers. Scout Scar has the Hoary Rock Rose. The flowers are tiny and pale yellow and grow in great carpets on the cliff edge. There are also rare butterflies, such as the High Brown Fritillary on Whitbarrow Scar.

“I can also remember going up both scars with my mum and dad as a little lad so it is also a nostalgia thing for me.”

Neil Corrigan, managing director of marketing and branding specialists Creative Lakes Limited, which is based in Kendal, highlighted circular walks from Sizergh Castle as particular favourites.

PICTURESQUE: Circular walks from Sizergh Castle were named as a popular pick

“I like that area because we are National Trust members, Sizergh is easy to get to from where we live at Over Kellet and the circular walks give you cracking views over the Lyth Valley,” he said. “It is also dog friendly, so a great place to take Beau, our Labrador.”

Historian and judo referee Peter Holme, of Kendal, had no hesitation in naming Tarn Hows as his favourite spot. “It is what the Lake District is all about – it has the tarn and the fells around it and, although popular, it is somewhere you are not going to get hundreds and hundreds of people.”

CLEAR: Tarn Hows in Coniston is somewhere to discover away from the crowds Picture: Lucy Millar

Amateur astronomer Stuart Atkinson, of Kendal, said: “Before I injured my knee, I spent many happy hours up at Kendal Castle, sitting in the grass reading or writing after finishing work in the daytime or gazing up at and photographing the stars after dark. I’ll be up there again after my operation.”