Many tourists book their holidays in Cambodia purely because of their desire to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat. The awe-inspiring temples were constructed in the 12^th century by the Khmer people and really have to be seen to be believed which explains why each year over a million tourists flock to Siem Reap.

Photo by Dave Perkes

Although Angkor Wat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, the nearby town of Siem Reap is also well worth a few days of your time. Here are a few of our recommendations for more unusual places to visit and things to do in this interesting city.

1 – Balloon Ride over Angkor Wat

If you have never experienced a hot air balloon ride than what better place to start than by silently gliding above these ancient temples. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists and touts at the site but you will get a fascinating birds eye view which allows you to fully comprehend the size of the site. The views of Angkor Wat and the city beyond will stay with you for some time.

2 – Landmine Museum

From the times of the Khmer Rouge to the Vietnamese occupation – Cambodia has a war torn past. In fact, it wasn’t considered safe for tourists to visit until the 1990’s. The country is littered with millions of unexploded landmines and other objects that were left behind by the decades of conflict. As you explore Siem Reap you will be greeted by sights of injured landmine victims who are a testament to just how dangerous landmines are to this day.

The Landmine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rough and is staffed by victims and orphans of landmines. A wander around this fascinating museum will give you a sobering insight in to what life was like in Cambodia only a short time ago.

3 – Kampong Phluk

Photo by Ewen Bel

Just 13 miles from Siem Reap is Kampong Phluk, a fishing village constructed entirely on stilts in the swamps that surround Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Cambodia. This is still somewhat a hidden gem as the majority of tourists are distracted by the charms of Angkor Wat. This means that the village remains an authentic place to go to get a glimpse into Khmer life away from the influence of heavy tourism.

4 – Military Shooting Range

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you have ever wanted to fire a gun, this is the place to go. It will take you 40 minutes to get here from Siem Reap and you will be greeted by ex-soldiers who will talk you through the weapons and how to use them. You can fire AK47’s, throw hand grenades and if you have the money you can try out a Soviet made rocket launcher.

Photo by Matthew Hooper

Although Angkor Wat is undeniably the biggest attraction in Siem Reap, stay a few more days and discover some of its other, more unusual charms.

This article is brought to you by travel writer John Gainer, who’s has enjoyed travelling since he was a young boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to far away lands to experience new foods and cultures.

Author Barry McCann is a writer and expert on the horror genre, tradition and folk tales.  He appears regularly on BBC Radio sharing quirky tales of mystery and imagination in Cumbria and Lancashire.  Here are some of his favourite stories from the Lake District.

The shires and counties of this country are rich in their local folklores. Legends and superstitions shaped by the local landscape and centuries of colonisation by Teutonic, Scandinavian and Norman settlers with the traditional legends accompanied their cultures. The Lake District is no exception. Its large, imposing landscapes have nurtured stories of giants, while more hidden corners are a breeding ground for sightings of elves and fairies. And the ancient stone circles across the region add a further mystique to local superstitions. Yes, witches and ghosts walk here too.

You can already enjoy a literary tour of the Lake District courtesy of our very own Quirky Traveller, but how about supplementing with a folklore tour of the region. Dare you walk Souter Fell where, in 1774, Daniel Strickland witnessed a ghostly army of Jacobite troops marching north. Or take a libation in Kendal’s Angel Inn where, in 1745, attempts by marauding Scots to kidnap a child were thwarted when an angel appeared between them and their intended victim.

For the really brave, try counting the rocks that make up the stone circle that is Long Meg and her Sisters. Legend hath it that they were originally witches performing an infernal ritual when locals used the power of the saints to turn them into stone. It is said if you count the stones, you will never arrive at the same number twice. But if you do, beware! For that will cancel the spell, releasing Long Meg and the girls to make their mischief again.

On a lighter note, I have enjoyed an expedition to Thirlmere Lake and contemplated the rock known as Clark’s Loup. So called, as this was where the suicidal Clark leapt to his watery grave after his dutiful wife advised him that drowning was far more pleasant than hanging himself. A preferred leap can be enjoyed at Derwentwater, where the sister of the wicked Lord Derwentwater chose death over capture. Known as Lady’s Rake, she is said to have jumped from the precipice after setting fire to her brother’s castle and destroying his ill gotten gains. Either that or she escaped to London, depending which version of events one prefers.

If  traversing the Shap Fells, then be vigilant of the shadowy figure of a giant upon a mighty steed, galloping like the devil. For this is none other than Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur. Unlike his heroic son, Pendragon was a cannibalistic tyrant who founded his kingdom in Mallerstang. Heaven would not admit his wicked soul, perhaps neither would Hell. For he now rides the Fells, perhaps in search of Pendragon Castle; once the seat of his power but now a scanty ruin. But beneath its foundations there is said to lie a great treasure. The sleeping King Arthur and his Knights awaiting their call to battle, perhaps?

These are but a few of the many legends that colour the Lakes; many more await uncovering. So why not take yourself on a magical mystery tour of this lovely area and discover some for yourself?

This article is sponsored by Barry McCann, writer, editor and broadcaster, specialising in short stories, reviews, features, talks and, more recently, travel writing.  Barry is the editor of Parnassus, MENSA Art & Folklore Correspondant on BBC Radio Cumbria. Follow him on Face Book and read his Blog ‘Writing Without Tears’

If you enjoyed this article you may like to read another of Barry’s quirky posts ‘Going Underground in Seattle’ and ‘The Padstow Obby Oss’

You might feel stuck in the wrong groove & feeling temporarily glum, or perhaps you’ve been struggling with unhappiness all your life; many of us feel caged in at some point. While it’s always worth seeking professional depression advice if you’re suffering, backpacking offers many of the lifestyle changes that are typically prescribed for anyone who’s feeling low.

Exercise & fresh air

Photo by Chantal Forster

When you’re at home, it’s easy to get into the habit of staying there, especially if you live in a rainy country, or in a city whose parks contain more urban grit than trees & ponds. Exercise stimulates the production of seratonin, the brain chemical that makes us feel good. It burns off tense energy that’s hanging around unused in your muscles, & gets oxygen pumping further into brain & body, making us feel more alert & generally healthier.

It also increases your metabolism – nothing like a little weight loss to cheer you up on a grey day. Backpacking, especially on a budget, necessarily involves much wandering around, be you sightseeing in a city (where, admittedly, the air might not be quite so fresh) or clambering through the jungle. Exposure to nature, a well-known mood-enhancer, is another excellent side effect of backpacking in the rural & wilder countries

Meet new people, & observe different lifestyles

Photo by Derrick Story

If your colleagues are a bunch of pessimists & your entire family is addicted to X-Factor, it might be time to seek out some alternative points of view. There’s nothing quite like making new friends on the backpacking trail, be they fellow travellers, folk who make a living running hostels or selling supplies & trinkets, or the everyday people you meet on the bus. It’s infinitely refreshing to discover genuinely friendly & helpful strangers. Always follow strong personal safety measures – confidence that you’re self-protected from sad or annoying accidents will let you enjoy your travels – but try to engage with people, & venture further than the English-speaking bars & cafes so common on the backpacker trail.

The chance to help others

Photo by Chantal Forster

Working for a good cause helps you too – from the self-esteem that comes with experience gained, to the friends you’ll make in the process. If something about the world upsets you – orphaned orang-utans, habitat destruction, girls who can’t get an education – then it’s undoubtedly been bothering some of the rest of us, too. Seek out charitable or voluntary organisations where you can spend time working directly with those in need, for all or part of your backpacking trip. If you can’t commit enough time for this, or you’ve yet to encounter a convincing “cause”, look out as you travel – many excellent endeavours are too local to achieve international fame, & you might be able to make an impromptu contribution while you’re out there.

Constant change of scene

Photo by Chantal Forster

It can sound a little trite when a perpetually chirpy person suggests that “perhaps you all you need is a change of scene”. But don’t go underestimating that change of scene. There’s nothing like staring at the same workstation every weekday for several years to really grind a person’s spirit. Discovering that the world does not look like your home town is one of the most liberating experiences available; backpacking, especially when you step off the tourist trail & encounter daily life, provides a fabulous string of new scenes, which will fuel memories, inspiration & conversation for months, if not years, on your return home.

The article is brought to you by Greatvine, a team whose sole focus is finding the best experts in anxiety, depression and other related health and wellness issues, so you don’t have to!

Lancaster Canal

One of the loveliest sights in nature is that of the winter sun shining onto bright white snow.  It raises the spirits and seems to resonate with purity and innocent joy.  This photo was taken on a walk we took along the Lancaster Canal near to Carnforth.  It was one of those magical days that visit so seldom in this part of the world and lift the spirits immediately. We walked for miles and almost every person we met smiled and said, ‘Good morning’ – sharing in the delight of this winter wonderland …

With so many iconic places to visit, holidays in Vietnam can be difficult to plan for. It is a country with deep history and interest; one with such natural beauty that every city and town has a huge amount to offer. However, no trip to Vietnam’s is complete without a visit to its capital city, Hanoi.

Hanoi City by David Conger

Located in the centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is an old city of great cultural importance, growing in popularity with tourists every year. It is one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities in Southeast Asia, with something to entertain and inspire all visitors. The weather is favourable throughout the year, though it is hottest between May and August so it’s best avoided then if you’re not a fan of humid weather. Flights fly directly into Hanoi Airport and it’s easily accessible by rail and road, meaning it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of your journey around Vietnam.

Explore Hanoi’s History

An absolute must-see is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute and museum to the infamous Communist leader and for many, it’s an important place of pilgrimage to their former leader. The Mausoleum itself is an absolutely remarkable sight and in a similar style to the mausoleums of Lenin and Stalin. Here you’ll learn the history of Ho Chi Minh and can view his body on display in a glass case, a memorable experience in itself as you slowly file past the heavily guarded body.  There is, however, a strict dress and behaviour code so make yourself aware of these before you visit. It’s also worth taking a trip to the Presidential Palace, a stunning example of architecture built by the French colonialists, where Ho Chi Minh refused to stay during his trips to Hanoi. Another place many refused to stay in, though some had no choice, is the infamous Hanoi Hilton. It was here that the American POWs were brought during the Vietnam War and whilst it has been largely demolished, a section still exists and has been preserved as a museum.

Enjoy Hanoi’s Culture

Hanoi Pagoda by David Conger

If you want to kick back and relax, Hanoi also offers many opportunities to do so. There’s the tranquil and serene walks around the many lakes the city has to offer, exploring pagodas and taking in exquisitely built bridges. If you want to experience something far more modern, it’s off to the shops.  Hanoi has been named as one of the top 10 places in Asia for shopping and there’s much here to delight the shopaholic, though you may have to rein it in to ensure you’re still able to carry your backpack!  Hanoi also has a thriving nightlife, with many karaoke bars, theatres and cinemas across the city and also numerous festivals to experience throughout the year.

Hanoi at night by Flipnomad

Top 5 things to do in Hanoi

1) Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2) Take a trip to the Hanoi Hilton

3) Explore Colonial Hanoi

4) Visit an iconic pagoda

5) Go shopping!

Hanoi Market by Fahara

This article is brought to you by Natalie Likness.  She got her love of travel at an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.

I was thrilled when Zoë agreed to let me write a guest post for The Quirky Traveller as I love her way of seeing the fun in everything. I reckon she would love the Magic Circus Hotel in France, where I spent Christmas, as it’s a French manor-inspired hotel with a circus theme!

I decided to go crazy and take my young daughter to Disneyland Paris for Christmas and I wanted a hotel with a fun atmosphere but was still ‘grown up’ enough to offer a quality stay as no-one wants to be trudging around a theme park after a sleepless night.  Magic Circus is a Disneyland Paris ‘Selected Hotel’ which means it reaches high standards and is only a short bus ride from the parks so can offer more space as well as more peace in the evenings.

It’s a large four star hotel and each and every room has a circus reference. It can be subtle with framed prints of circus escapades, or full-on, brightly-coloured fun, as the family rooms have bunk beds with circus tent curtains!

Magic Circus Family Room

I had booked a Family Room but the hotel upgraded us to a Tower Suite, which was a real treat as it meant my daughter had a separate bedroom and I could relax in the evening with the TV, while lounging on my enormous Queen-size bed when she was asleep. The hotel has chargeable wifi but I took a Tep Wireless pocket wifi device so I could stay in touch with friends (mostly on Twitter!) and this option meant I could get online while away from the hotel too.

After seeing so many buggy-pushing parents smoking at Disney Village when we arrived in France, I was grateful that the hotel is fully non-smoking and the luxury L’Occitane toiletries allowed me to feel spoilt too.  I also discovered the hotel is not only popular with families and guests going to Disneyland Paris, but also as a Conference Centre. I reckon it would be so much more fun than the often bland and generic conference venues I’ve attended.

The hotel’s circus theme is in all the public areas too.  When we arrived and saw the huge lobby with arcade games and rides – including a carousel right opposite the Reception Desk – we were both happy. And there were more squeals of delight when we turned around and saw a ball pit next to the bar!

Magic Circus Hotel - Bar des Artistes

All staff wear a red faux ringmaster/military uniform which is quirky in the extreme and even though the hotel was at maximum occupancy they always had a smile for every guest. Costumed characters were in the lobby each day to hug youngsters and make them feel special too.

I had thought about staying in a serviced apartment for this trip but there’s no way we would have had the same festive experience. On Christmas Day morning, Father Christmas came to the restaurant to meet families at breakfast and at the end of a long day at the Disneyland Park we were greeted off the shuttle bus with mulled wine and clementines.

Speaking of breakfast, the large restaurant lays on the best buffet breakfast I’ve even seen. From cooked items to fresh fruit salad, dried fruits to brioche-men, yogurts, cereals, cheeses, cold meats… Really, the widest selection I’ve ever come across. There’s no way we would have enjoyed breakfast in an apartment as much as here.

We made good use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool which stays open until 10pm every day and is a great way to let off steam before bedtime. I didn’t need to use the Fitness Centre as the theme parks were my workout but we enjoyed going to the Health & Beauty Salon and watching other guests have fish pedicures.

Magic Circus Hotel

I’d definitely stay here again as, even though the theme is fun and loud, the hotel also offers peace and quiet and I slept soundly every night. Magic Circus is part of the Austrian hotel group Vienna International; not a brand I was aware of before but I’ll certainly be looking out for their hotels across Europe for future travels.  I paid for my travel and stay at the Magic Circus Hotel.

All Images Copyright © Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. Tep Wireless loaned the pocket wifi to the author.

Laura Porter writes the About.com London Travel site which is an online travel guide for visitors to London. Like Zoë, she also writes every month for the Visit Britain Super Blog. You can follow Laura on Twitter and Facebook too.

Quirky Travel is all about seeing the world from a different angle, looking at things from all sides, finding the unusual, the interesting, the fascinating.  Meeting delightful people, discovering new cultures, eating strange foods and seeing curious customs, have fuelled my life-long love of the breadth and depth of experiences that travel gifts to us – and 2011 has been the epitome of Quirky Travel.

Over the past 12 months I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around the UK and abroad with a host wonderful companions.  I’ve learnt about some incredibly quirky customs and etiquette (I now know NOT to ask a Finnish reindeer farmer how many animals he has), eaten some absolutely delicious food (Cunard’s Princess Grill restaurant was SUPERB), seen on some amazing sights and spent a lot of time discovering yet more beautiful and inspiring places in my beloved Lake District.

Although it’s been incredibly difficult to choose, here are my Top Ten highlights and why they epitomize Quirky Travel … (They are roughly in date order, NOT preference – that would be impossible.)

1. The Snowmobile Safari, Finland: this was my very first visit to Scandinavia but also my first blog trip abroad. To be invited to stay in beautiful  Iso-Syote fjell-top hotel and experience their adventure holiday was a dream come true.  Zooming across pristine snow over frozen fields and through ancient pine forests at high speed defines ‘exhilaration’.
2. The Scaffolding Tour, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: In April Visit England invited me to Chatsworth, one of England’s great historic houses.  The external stonework of the house is being cleaned, repaired and restored and I had a Scaffolding Tour to the roof.  Being able to see up close the very quirky Snake motifs was a reminder of the days when, with money, grand designs and a view to history, architects created individual works of art, even when hardly anyone would ever see them.
3. The Calf Of Man, Isle of Man: on a glorious spring day, sitting on boingy grass dotted with dainty wild flowers, gazing out across ancient stones and the Irish Sea, all seemed right with the world. I’d chosen to visit the Isle of Man as the prize for winning ‘Britain’s Best Travel Blogger’ in January.  It’s a magical island and so very quirky … a treasure trove of maritime history, proud Parliamentary tradition, roaring race tracks across the landscape, four-horned sheep and faery folk-lore.
4. Geiranger Fjord, Norway: Gazing down on the toy ship set in the middle of one of the world’s most stunning fjords was surreal.  Had I really sailed all the way to Norway aboard that ship? Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth was on her maiden voyage and I will never forget the myriad of sensory experience on board and ashore during that trip.  I fell in love with the ship and the crew made every moment a joy and a treat.  I am now a total convert to cruising  – maybe someone will invite me on another one in 2012 – hint hint!
5. The Calvari Steps, Pollensa, Majorca: walking up the 365 old stone steps past beautiful gardens was a rather exhausting but rewarding experience. We were having a family holiday in nearby Puerto Pollensa but son & friends didn’t want to do the walk – wimps!  At the top there is a small, simple chapel with a wooden cross placed in memory of shipwreck survivors.  Sitting within its peaceful tranquility was a moment to reconnect with the soul and a reminder of what’s important in life …
6. Cogglesford Mill, Lincolnshire: Windy Miller aka Michael, a retired school teacher, shared his passion for the old tradition of making wholesome, tasty flour in one of the country’s few surviving working mills.  I bought a bag of flour and it does make exceedingly good bread.
7. Walking with Wallender, Sweden: medieval Ystad, in the Skäne region of southern Sweden, was a delight. Its colourful wood-framed houses, winding lanes and imposing square all feature in the detective series ‘Wallander’.  I was with a really fun group of travel bloggers and sharing the delights of this region with a group of like-minded writers was the other reason this trip was so enjoyable.  Oh, and the food was DELICIOUS.
8. The Art Deco Tour, Midland Hotel: Morecambe is not necessarily the most obvious place to find one of the UK’s best-kept Art Deco gems, but then travel is full of surprises.  Renowned (and definitely bonkers) sculptor Eric Gill produced some of his best work for this hotel; my brother and I had an absorbing insight on one of the hotel’s tours, followed by excellent afternoon tea. History, art, culture and cake in one afternoon – heaven.
9. Strahov Monastery Library, Prague: books are a passion and the historic collection in this 12^th century monastery is one of the glories of the Czech Republic. Prague is one of my favourite European capitals. The people are friendly, cultured and feisty, the architecture is varied and well-preserved, the beer is excellent and the food … well, the food is OK if you are a carnivore with a penchant for dumplings, but it’s definitely one place I could return to again and again.
10. Cocktails at the Cavendish, London: learning how to make cocktails from a world-class expert with a group of food & drink bloggers in this luxury hotel – what’s not to like?  It combined so many things I love about travel – great surroundings, meeting new people, discovering how to do something different and getting in the festive spirit in style.

With grateful thanks to all people who made these trips possible.  Wishing all the friends and travellers I have met along the way a very Happy New Year and all the very best for 2012.  Travel Quirkiliciously …

May Your Days be Merry & Bright …

Just before Christmas I was invited to learn how to make cocktails at the Cavendish Hotel, just off Piccadilly, round the corner from its sister hotel, the world-famous Ritz in the heart of luxury London.  The hotel was previously owned by Rosa Lewis, the renowned ‘Duchess of Duke St” and her spirit would have loved the fun we had trying to come up with a festive cocktail.

Head Barman Gabor, one of Hungary’s top cocktail professionals, shared the secrets of how it should be done and then we (fellow bloggers from the world of food & drink) split into two teams to create our very own Christmas special.  I’m delighted to say that our team came up with the winning drink. The main ingredient was Bloom Gin – apparently an aromatic combination of natural botanicals of chamomile, pomelo and honeysuckle.  I think the winning touch was the twist of lime and red berries on the top!

After that fun we sat down in Petrichor, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, for a delicious meal.  The dining room overlooks one of my favourite shops in all London, Fortnum & Mason’s fab food emporium.  They are also famous for their Christmas window displays -and this year’s burlesque theme was fun, frivolous and very festive.

The following day I window-shopped till I dropped.  There are three famous Shopping Arcades in Mayfair: Piccadilly, Princes and Burlington & and I gazed in envy and lust at all the fabulous items on sale in them all.  What I loved most were the decorations – and for just looking there was not cost involved whatsoever!  In Fortum & Mason I found some tasty treats to take back home for the Christmas stockings and revelled in the magical atmosphere of luxury and indulgence. 

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Quirkilicious New Year …

“Christmas isn’t just a day: it’s a frame of mind …” Kris Kringle

Picture the scene…middle-aged couple, two monsters children, busy working lives, and never any time to be together. Not even date nights.  Such is my life.  And then … a surprise birthday gift. Vouchers for GilpinLodge, a luxury country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District.  My mind was made up.  No flitting this on just dinner, oh no, I wanted the full Monty and all parents’ dream, a childfree night away!

Needless to say, it took flipping ages to find anyone stupid willing to have our darlings for just one night’s sleepover. So six months later, we’re booked, sleeping bags and pyjamas delivered (not for us) and we’re outta here!  To make things even better, we received a call earlier from Gilpin to say we’d be getting an upgrade to a junior suite. Oh the excitement. So what if the journey was only 30 minutes from home? We still felt like tourists.

There was no gleaming glass-fronted behemoth when we arrived. Just a secluded house set back behind the mature garden. This was far from a typical overnight experience. It felt like someone’s home.  A grand one, mind.  We were welcomed and checked in though it didn’t really feel like checking in. The suite was a delight. A massive bed that was just asking to flopped upon – so we did. A large living area with French windows looking out, not just at countryside, but at … llamas.  Not what you’d expect in the Lake District. But that’s Gilpin all over. Uniqueness and details. We made tea and were happy to find delicious homemade biscuits to go with it. Feet up and just relax.

A thought came to us. Best work up an appetite for that evening’s gastronomy. So off we zoomed down to Bowness and the Old England Hotel and its spa and pool. A quick swim, a pause to admire the view of Windermere from the water plus time in the steam, dry heat and ice rooms. Then it was back to our suite for a sleep. All this relaxing was exhausting. Or perhaps it was just our bodies telling us something?

We dressed smartly for dinner and made our way smartly to the bar for an aperitif. The bar was unstuffy and has an unusual walk-in wine cellar so guests can explore their ample and tempting collection. In the past I’ve felt a bit self-conscientious in similar hotels. Not here.  Here we felt at ease. It was like being with friends. We made our choices and treated ourselves for the recommended wine with our courses. Never done anything like that before; naughty but hopefully nice.

The dining room was spacious so we didn’t have to whisper for privacy or shout to be heard. And the meal was heavenly… Gilpin’s chef has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants previously so we knew we were in for some great flavours – Cumbrian rarebit soufflé, Celtic scallops, local pheasant, wild mallard – all mouthwatering. With wines to match, expertly poured and explained by sommelier Ziggy. We could have finished the evening with coffee and petit fours in the comfy lounge. Instead we climbed under our duvet and slept like logs!

We woke late, no little feet bothering us this morning. Breakfast was magnificent as expected and we were sad to check out. But for that shortest of breaks, the weight of the world was no longer on our shoulders and we floated off to the car park without a care, ready to face modern life once again.

 Alex McCoskrie is a freelance marketer specialising in tourism. Visit his website AMPM Professional Marketing and follow  him @AMProfMktg on Twitter

“The first thing which I remember as an event in life was being taken by my nurse to the brow of Friars Crag on Derwentwater.”  Victorian art critic and philanthropist John Ruskin described this view as one of the three most beautiful in Europe.   Friars Crag is a one of the most popular places to visit in the Lake District, and it really is easy to understand why.  It’s a small and perfectly-formed promontory floating out above one of Cumbria’s loveliest lakes, Derwentwater.

A short, easy stroll to Friar’s Crag from Keswick town centre takes only 15 minutes; no problem for pushchairs and wheelchairs.  Wandering by the shore, huge swans demand to be fed and graceful old rowing boats wait to be taken out for a ride. The Crag may be familiar to Arthur Ransome fans as Darien, the children’s lookout point in ‘Swallows and Amazons’. It’s said to have got its name because monks used to leave from this point to get to St. Herbert’s Island where a hermit lived. There are old trees and a seat to give protection when it rains.  On a bright day the sunlight glitters across to lake in a shattering of diamonds.

There are stunning views across the lake to Derwent Isle, once owned by the very eccentric 18^th century entrepreneur Joseph Pocklington, who used to hold mock battles and horse races on rafts around the lake.

Regular ferries taking passengers around the lake; Brandlehow Woods can be seen across the water; it was the very first property acquired by the National Trust in the Lake District. Canon Rawnsley, vicar of Crosthwaite and one of the founders of the National Trust, ensured that this area was not developed. On his death in 1920 Friars Crag, Lords Island and Calf Close Bay were given to the Trust as his memorial. A plaque, unveiled by Ruskin, commemorating this is set into a wall beside the Friars Crag Path.

The curiously named Catbells undulates in the distance; the name is believed to come from the Old Norse ‘Cat Bields’ meaning ‘shelter of the wild cat’. It’s one of the Lake District’s most popular easy walks – on a summer’s day a steady stream of hikers can be seen wending their way along its spine.

Through the overhanging pine branches, the end of the lake shimmers in the mist towards the Jaws of Borrowdale, a rocky ravine leading into a beautiful valley of white-washed villages, high passes, majestic mountains and yet more lakes, tempting the visitor to explore yet more Lake District delights …