The Lake District looks compact on a map, but valleys, passes and narrow lanes turn "nearby" into a proper journey. Briony Wilson from Mountain Goat Tours in Windermere, a Lakes local of more than 20 years, shares how to get there by train, whether you need a car, how many nights to plan and where to base yourself.
Where the Lakes sit: 90 minutes from Manchester, three hours from London by train
Why the scale catches first-time visitors out
Arriving by train via Oxenholme to Windermere
Getting around by bus, cruise and tours
Parking, narrow lanes and steep passes: when a car is more hassle than help
Mountain Goat tours for first-timers: Ten Lakes, Six Lakes and Beatrix Potter
How many nights to plan: two minimum, three or four if you can
Choosing a base: Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, Keswick or Kendal
On the water: Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Buttermere and Coniston
Literary stops: Dove Cottage, Hill Top and Swallows and Amazons country
Gentle walks: Orrest Head, Tarn Hows, Aira Force and Miles Without Stiles
Quickfire picks: sticky toffee pudding, Blea Tarn and Kendal Mint Cake
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