Portinscale is a wonderful centre from which to enjoy Keswick and its surrounding valleys. Newlands and Borrowdale both lead to the door of "Lakeview" and so numerous walks of varying demands are readily available.

Whether it be a pre-dinner amble around the fields and hedgerows of Ullock and Little Braithwaite or a full day's romp of The Coledale Horseshoe it may not be necessary to put the keys in the ignition.

Stroll down to Nichol End Marina where it is possible to hire canoes windsurfers or sailing boats or board the launch and cruise Derwentwater. Disembark at Lodore and climb the Falls before walking via Ashness Bridge to the beautiful hamlet and tarn of Watendlath. Contact Stan Edmondson on 01768777293 to fish the stocked tarn for Borrowdale Trout from boat or bank.

Explore the tranquil valleys of Troutdale, Langstrath or Seathwaite. Honisters heights offer adventures in www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk with daily guided tours into the depths of a working slate mine.

Buses run regularly along the valley either back to Portinscale, Keswick or over Honister and through Buttermere, Lorton and Whinlatter Pass.

Portinscale lies on the Coast 2 Coast route and Lakeview offers secure cycle storage, cleaning and maintenance facilities to C2C,ers and mountain bikers.

Routes available from www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk

Cycle hire from www.keswickmountainbikes.co.uk

Lakeview also lies on the route of the CUMBRIAN WAY and offers relaxing hot baths for those weary limbs. While gents may golf on Keswick's wonderful 18holes www.keswickgolfclub.com ladies may pamper themselves at Oxleys at Underscar, a beautiful health spa set amidst the Lake Districts rolling countryside. 01767871500 will give you the necessary info.

Well worth a visit may be The Arts and Crafts House www.blackwell.org.uk at Windermere where inglenooks and window seats invite you to relax and appreciate the architecture arts and views of Lake Windermere.

La,al Ratty www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk a miniature gauge railway.

Haunted Muncaster Castle www.muncaster.co.uk offer enjoyment to those who may wish to tour rather than walk or cycle.

At Rookin House Farm www.rookinhousefarm.com fun abounds for children and adults alike. Drive a horse and carriage, a quad or an all teraine agrocat. Paintball, clay pigeon shooting or archery there is something to do whatever the weather.

Honister's Via Ferrata www.honister.com is an adventure climbing system that uses a permanently fixed cable for safety and protection up the rock face of the old miners' route. You are attached to this system by a harness provided by Honister. Full safety instructions are provided and initially all tours will be guided.

Go ape www.goape.co.uk is an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the tree tops.

Keswick's Jazz Festival www.keswickjazzfestival.co.uk will once again bring together many of the world's finest exponents of mainstream and traditional jazz. American and European stars will rub shoulders with a glittering array of Britain's top jazz musicians.

Theatre by the Lake www.theatrebythelake.co.uk is one of the most beautifully located theatres you can find in Englandand is a year-round professional producing and presenting theatre which provides a service through the performing arts to communities of, and visitors to, Cumbria. Discount vouchers for the Theatre can be provided upon request.

Mirehouse www.mirehouse.com is a family run historic house open to visitors to enjoy its strong literary connections, live piano music and children's activities. Its grounds which stretch from Dodd Wood to Bassenthwaite Lake include four woodland playgrounds and a heather maze for children and grown ups alike to enjoy in all weathers.

The National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk preserves and protects the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Doing this in a range of ways, through practical caring and conservation, through educating and informing, and through encouraging millions of people to enjoy their national heritage. The Trust owns many heritage properties, including historic houses and gardens, industrial monuments and social history sites. It is one of the largest landowners in the United Kingdom, owning many beauty spots, most of which are open to the public free of charge. Local attractions of the Trust include Buttermere and Ennerdale, Borrowdale, and Derwent Island and House.