The Lake District: characterised by steep, towering mountains, vast lakes and walking gear. We had our family holiday here in August and it is stunning. Do visit.

Historic economy was based on wool; minerals: graphite (the pencil was invented here), copper, lead, slate, stone; and, coppicing for charcoal (for gunpowder) and bobbin making. The Victorians brought the railway here to transport the resources out of the area and then came the tourists and the tourist industry which is still going strong today. Many of the towns and villages have imposing Victorian buildings and housing make of the Lakeland slate – with a green tinge caused by chlorite.

This combination of Victorian building, industry, green slate and narrow strips of land between mountain and lake gives the area quite a distinctive character and winding roads. The ‘always outdoors’ nature of the local activities combined with the clean, fresh air and water, gives locals and visitors a healthy glow and cheerful disposition.