With all the lakes and mountains around the Lake District, all sorts of outdoor activities are possible. Guided walks are very popular, and the Lake District National Park Authority hosts about 600 of them over the course of a year. These walks vary in length and difficulty of terrain to accommodate people of all ages and fitness levels.

There are many sports companies that offer a wide range of guided activities from mountain climbing to canoeing for individuals, families and groups. Excursions of various lengths are usually available. Try Pleasure in Leisure (10 Keldwyth Park, Windermere), Country Adventures ( www.country-adventures.co.uk), and River Deep Mountain High (Clock Tower Buildings, Haverthwaite). Bike, boat and other sports equipment rental places can be found in every major tourist town.

Some unique attractions in this area include Hawkshead Trout Farm in Ambleside, which offers fishing lessons and allows people to fish in their self-stocked lake for a fee. The Murthwaite Green Trekking Centre hires out horses for guided tours lasting a half or full day. The Carlisle Racecourse on Durdar Road hosts not only horse races, but is also used for conferences, exhibitions and weddings. There are also a few sports centres that provide special facilities and equipment for enthusiasts, such as the Low Wood Watersports Centre in Windermere and the Sands Centre in Carlisle.