Ireby is an unspoilt, peaceful fell village, which lies 550 feet above sea level in an area known as 'the back of Skiddaw". Skiddaw Peak and the Skiddaw Forest lie between Ireby and Keswick.

Walking	Cycling	Climbing	Watersports	Horseriding
Swimming	Fishing	Birdwatching	Steam Trains	Lake Cruises
Cinema	Theatre	Music	Stately Homes/Castles	The Coast
For Children	Breweries/Beer	Mine Tours

Walking

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There are thousands of walks in the area, from gentle strolls to strenuous hikes. Walks suitable for children and pushchairs to climbs and scrambles suitable only for experienced climbers. Walks in all seasons and all weather conditions bring endless variety. In the cottage you will find a selection of walking guides and maps but if you plan to take them out please return them in good condition. Keswick is full of shops selling guides and the tourist information office is a good place to start. It is also the starting place for many guided walks. A selection of suggested walks can be found by clicking on this link and below are some of the nearest to the cottage and some personal favourites but it is impossible to do justice to the endless possibilities here, you really need to go and explore yourself! If you would like to join a group on a guided tour you can join with Keswick Rambles. Another site worth a browse is www.bestwalks.com for a comprehensive selection of books on walking in the Lake District and throughout the UK.

A very local walk, from the front door in fact !

For a route description of this walk from the front door, click here

The local 'Wainwright' is Binsey Fell,

An easy climb with fantastic views as can be seen below

For a route description of this walk, click here

View of Northern Fells from Binsey

View of Solway Coast and Scotland from Binsey

View of Overwater from Binsey

View of Skiddaw from Binsey

Skiddaw dominates the Northern Fell group and there are many different routes up. One of our favourites is via Ullock Pike and the whole route up can be seen form Ireby.

Watendlath is a hidden gem, a hamlet with a tea shop and tarn. There are several ways of reaching it, including a small road, but our favourite is to follow the stream all the way from Lodore, passing great waterfalls on the way

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There are many opportunities for cycling both on and off road .Cycling on the roads and lanes around the cottage is fun and we enjoy the ride over to Caldbeck and back. Bicycles can be stored behind the cottage, out of view but unfortunately not undercover. Several bicycle hire companies exist nearby and information on these is kept in the cottage. However for some reason Keswick cycle hire no longer stocks children's bikes. There are several great trails to follow including the Coast to Coast cycle route, Hadrian's Wall Cycle Route, EskTrail, a great new route from Dalegarth in Eskdale to Ravenglass. Put your bike on the little steam train at Ravenglass and cycle back .(booking for bikes essential). We did this last year and combined it with an overnight stay at Muncaster Castle, Britain's most haunted house! Off road trails for all abilities and cycle hire are available in Grizedale forest, near the visitor centre.

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There are many opportunities to climb in the area from strenuous routes for the experienced climber

to climbing walls for beginners or for the odd wet day.Children can book sessions with instructors at the many climbing walls in the area.

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As you would expect in the Lake District there are many opportunities to partake in a wide range of watersports. Sailing. canoeing, rowing boats, motor boats, white water rafting, water skiing, wind surfing are all available at a variety of venues in the area with opportunities to hire equipment only or to have instruction.

However it is also possible to have off shore adventure on board RIB rider, a Rigid Inflatable Boat that will take you around the coast showing you the best of the amazing scenery and wildlife.

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There are many equestrian centres throughout the Lake District, again offering activities across the whole ability range from a 1/2 hour lead led ride for children to whole day treks for experienced riders. The nearest is based just a mile away at Overwater though I am not yet sure whether they will take people staying independently.There is also a centre at Armathwaite Hall and details about this and most other centres in cumbria can be found in the UK Directory of Riding Schools

There are two centres near Ullswater which is about a half hour drive from the cottage

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There are several swimming pools nearby. The nearest is in Wigton but this is a reminder of days gone by and probably not what you are used to! In Keswick there is a modern sports centre with a great new pool. This has a water slide and wave machine and modern changing facilities. There is also a sports centre in Cockermouth and further afield, in Workington and Carlisle. If the weather is good the coast is only 20 mins away for a dip in the sea, and many of the lakes are also safe to swim in. There is a shingle beach on Derwenwater in Hope Park, Keswick.For more information and up to date time tables of swimming pools please click here

In addition, both The Castle Inn and Armathwaite Hall have private leisure clubs which you can join for a day or a week

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As you would expect in the 'Lake' district there are many many places to enjoy fishing. In the cottage you should find a helpful book entitled,' The Lake District Angler's Guide'.

One of the closest is to be found at Overwater Hall just over a mile from the cottage. One of the most picturesque must be at Watendlath. More information can be found at,

SEA ANGLING is also available nearby. A local firm provides sea angling experiences for up to 8 passengers off the cumbrian coast.

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