The UK beauty spot tourists avoid!

#cumbria #lakedistrictnationalpark #uk #england #holiday #travel #explore #mountains #lakes #abandoned
Welcome back to Turdtowns the channel that brings you some of the lesser known places in the UK. Today is a very strange video for us because it’s neither of a town or a village that we’re covering. This is the western Lake District a national park in the north of England. A truly beautiful area but strangely hardly anybody visits the western Lake District and it’s almost empty. All the tourists travel to the eastern Lake District for Windermere, Keswick and Ambleside. I thought I would you guys a peak into part of the The Lake District which is hardly visited by tourists and hardly anybody lives here!

[@joshM__]

I'm an american studying in Manchester and chose to spend reading week (in November) with friends in the lake district. We spent most of the time in the western lake district and did NOT regret it!!! Driving honister pass from just past Derwent water to lake Buttermere was absolutely unreal... Cloud covered mountains overlooking massive valleys with the gorgeous Gatesgath dale beck carving its way through was absolutely mindlowing, and the fact that we were able to go during the gorgeous fall with fewer other tourists and incredible scenery was an absolute privilege. Over 3 days we saw almost every lake, Kestwick, Kendall, Coniston, Ambleside, Lowther Castle, Wray Castle, Catbells, and more and I will never forget it...

[@chrisredding6673]

I live in Workington. *Nobody* could describe it as a tourist attraction (the clue is in the name) but it's a damned handy place to pick up all your supplies without getting ripped-off in the tourist area shops. Use the multi storey (CA14 3DZ £1.30/hour) for the town centre, or the big superstores at Dunmail Park (ASDA) out of town at CA14 1NQ Free Parking, or Derwent Park (ALDI, Moggies, McD's etc) at CA14 3UG and fill yer boots Marra. 🙂 p.s. I forgot the (very good) TESCO Superstore at CA14 3YG (no petrol, but everything else).

[@jonntischnabel]

There is no mountain called Snowdonia.

[@PastPresented]

Yup; also smaller versions of the same outlets in Whitehaven (and even Millom has a Tesco)

[@terryhoath1983]

@@jonntischnabel What has that got to do with this comment ? I'm sure that 80% of the viewers heard him say "Snowdonia" (20% are too thick to have taken ANYTHING in) but everyone of us >>>>>>>except YOU

[@angusclark8330]

Educational and inspiring.

[@MeTube3]

We often used High Seaton as a base. Often visited Workington, Maryport, Whitehaven, Silloth, Cockermouth. Plenty of others doing it too. This video seems to be about access and where the coach tours go. People with their own transport are well aware of the west side and the coastal areas.

[@rubberyowen1469]

Born in Whitehaven back in 54 and I can tell you this, there are some fantastic places in the western lake disrict, if you know where they are and how to get to them. All have road access if you know where these little secret roads are and the beauties they reveal. Many are not on any maps or even google Earth. No No No, I am not going to reveal even one and why? because we love our little secret havens of peace and tranquility and away from all those tourists plus Lager and litter louts. Stay east as there is nothing for you here in the west (that you know of). 👍

[@dave9456]

Selfish

[@jeffreymonks8507]

I'm from Liverpool. I regularly visit Whitehaven. It reminds me of a little Liverpool. Absolutely love the people In the town. And it's the people that make a town.

[@rubberyowen1469]

@@jeffreymonks8507 Your right and a nice comparison between the people of a great City and a great town. 👍

[@alexrobinson2281]

Well said , I totally agree with you

[@leedorney]

Looks great for cycling.. 👌 - tho I know of a area in Scotland..not saying at all due to not wanting it to be popular! 😉

[@slagorourke]

Wast Water is well worth the trip across the Hardknott Pass. A spectacular (if slow) journey to the best view in the Lakes. The vast majority never make it that far though. Which makes it all the nicer when you get there.

[@InaMacallan]

Hardknott and Wrynose passes are in theory the shortest, prettiest way of getting to the western lakes, and the most terrifying!

[@Bob-ts2tu]

@@InaMacallan i made the mistake of taking the wife up hardknott one winter about 20yrs ago, and we both almost shat ourselves as it was a tad icy and the car started to slide on a steep bend, so had to gingerly turn round before we went over the edge, it's was a mistake to try that i won't repeat

[@aubreyheartburn]

​@@Bob-ts2tunever take the wife up the pass....

[@glen1555]

​@@InaMacallandrove over those passes when I was a learner driver

[@Dandodod1]

Once got a tad lost while walking up crinkle crags and ended up having to walk hardknott pass to get back the car. I can honestly say the walk is not as bad as the drive. P.S by a tad lost it was a near 20 mile lost.

[@stumpy2000]

Wast Water and the surrounding area is possibly the most beautiful part of the UK. Been there 3 times over the years and always camped at Wasdale Head. If you can stand camping it's a lovely place to do so and there is a great pub down the lane a bit.

[@Ellis_B]

I've been there cloudless blue sky unusually. Beautiful and slightly haunting

[@colinmacdonald5732]

Never been to the Lake District, but hey, I'm from Loch Ness, why would I?! But Wastwater looks freekin spectacular and that's somewhere I DO want to see

[@anthonybrown4874]

Nether wasdale for me nice sheltered camp site 2 pubs kids used to love larl ratty nearby

[@stuartmacdonald9289]

Evidently you've never visited Scotland's Highlands then. The actual most beautiful area in the UK.

[@Ellis_B]

@@stuartmacdonald9289 nah England best at everything pal. Pathetic attempt

[@robertbench4664]

The main reason so many more people go up Snowdon is the steam railway that takes you to the top without walking.

[@hvidhavn1]

also closer to major towns & Cities ..London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester etc....

[@Turdtowns]

London and Manchester aren’t much closer to snowdonia there isn’t much in that at all.

[@EmsEms81]

I’ve extensively explored the Welsh mountains but never been to Snowdon for that reason. I keep off the tourist trails and enjoy the breathtaking scenery away from people! They can keep Snowdon.

[@bjorreb7487]

I'm swede and haven't been to many countries. If I had to choose between two beautyful places one with lots and lots of tourists and one with almost no tourists I would absolutly go to the place with no tourists. Bigger chance to meet genuine people and find local food.

[@Turdtowns]

Not sure about the food, but yea nice people for sure 😂

[@blackpool321]

Visited Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley numerous times on camping trips , love how quiet it is , leave the unwashed masses in Bowness and Conniston, I'll take the tranquility of the less touristy areas.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Reopening the rail line from Penrith to Workington via Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake and Cockermouth would be a major booster for tourism. Feasibility studies have been done and the Campaign for Better Transport has made it a 'Priority 2' project. The Mosedale Viaduct has been preserved, but some sections of the route are blocked. Penrith-Keswick would be a good start.

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

It would be quicker trafficking drugs to Workington as they do now 🤣🤣🤣

[@vodaredhill1704]

I walked on the old track bed in 1974 ,it is now the A66.

[@jackharrison6771]

YES definitely; they should reopen a lot of the old Railway routes, and not just to western Cumbria. But I am a bit biased being a Railwayman Rtd, and I visited the Lakes several times a year since I was three or four. [I'm now 66]. One great way of seeing the western side, is the train up the coast from Barrow to Carlisle, then return via ECML or Settle & Carlisle. route. There's lots if things to see like the old Ravenglass - Eskdale railway.

[@andirutherford2615]

Be a bit of a problem though reopening the railway, as the A66 is built on it. Oh Windermere isnt a lake ! its a'mere'. Its in name 'Windermere'

[@andirutherford2615]

We dont want anyone visiting here

[@susaneb1954]

Drove to Ravenglass, satnav took us over a monster fell but the views were tremendous. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway was fab, the whole area was beautiful.

[@theenigmaticst7572]

You didn't do the Hardknott and Snake Passes, did you? They're the steepest roads in the UK, as far as I remember...

[@rubberyowen1469]

@@theenigmaticst7572 Hardknott pass is said to be the steepest road in the World with a 1:3 gradient but Australia says it has one steeper.

[@michellebyrom6551]

Eskdalemuir campsite is at the end of the railway line. Beautiful spot. Onsite shop for essentials. Wonderful,fresh local water on tap (my kids brought up in Northern Ireland were amazed water can be that good), and 2 pubs serving food close by. Not that I'd encourage the a verge tourist, but having worked a couple of summers in the Lakes, its an ideal place for real outdoor enthusiasts.

[@davidbanks9427]

I go to Ravenglass every year - by Train.

[@CumbriaRoadandRail]

@@theenigmaticst7572 Not the Snake, thats in Derbyshire, you meant the Wrynose pass. Both 30 mins drive from where I live, done them several times on my mortorbikes. Once in the car, never again too many twats in camper vans which are too big for the road.

[@susanmarsh1128]

Speaking as fell walkers, the Western fells are definitely the most difficult to access and the majority of the time Wastwater is beautifully tranquil. However, in the year following Convid, the shores of Wastwater resembled a Benidorm beach with the mentality and the litter to go with it. Thankfully they've all gone back now.

[@DaveLongcock]

Buttermere and Crummock was horrendous back then.

[@griswald7156]

Cockermouth is wonderful town …it really impressed me…..and Maryport is great too.a local showed me….this stuff…so it is the best..

[@jgharston]

In 2015 I was working at Sellafield and staying in Cockermouth, and I took every opportunity to explore the areas I'd not been to since a child. I accomplished a goal of traversing Wyrenose/Hardnott in both directions as well. Beautiful and wonderfully deserted.

[@mrjoel4022]

On a bike?! You must have legs like tree trunks!

[@tahiracottam5]

Brings me back to my childhood! 😂

[@kantina4765]

Cockermouth lol

[@Stoitism]

Good video & right on the money. I live in Workington and I spend a lot of time on and around the western fells, hiking, camping and bouldering because they're so easily accessible by car from here. I love the solitude they offer & it's not very often I venture further south or east because as you say, there's a lot more people there to contend with. Eskdale is also particularly beautiful and overlooked by the main bulk of tourists.

[@Calvi36]

I used to work as a train driver working out of Barrow In Furness. I hated driving trains to Windermere as they were always full of tourists, mostly Japanese in the summer because of Beatrix Potter, well I cannot speak much Japanese and I don't bow to anyone. I used to drive trains from Barrow to Carlisle on the Cumbrian Coast line and it was ok, but oh so slow, so don't expect to get anywhere fast by rail on that one. On my time off I spent lots of time in the Western lakes and mountains, I loved it because it was oh so quiet, as Bjork would say. Swinside Stone Circle was a particular favourite of mine, such a peaceful place.

[@robinfereday6562]

Always full of tourists 😅😅😅 you mean customers who payed who helped keep you in work😅

[@johnross2924]

​@@robinfereday6562they want your money, not your friendship.

[@gabrielcox7348]

"It's Oh So Quiet" is a song by American singer Betty Hutton, released in 1951

[@PastPresented]

@@gabrielcox7348 "It's Oh So Quiet" is a song by Hans Lang* and Bert Reisfeld (translator of the original 1948 German lyrics by Erich Meder), sung by Betty Hutton, Björk and many others. *EDIT to correct mistake

[@allanhorne6067]

Shame nobody knows the meaning when the Engine Guard used to shout "eres Spatrie all them wi colgs on loup oot".

[@ukfinancialpreparedness7772]

You recommended Carlisle so I took my boys on Saturday and it was a good day 😊. The 7 hour round trip train journey went without a hitch too

[@Turdtowns]

Glad you liked it!

[@globalheart]

I love that area, precisely because of its wild rugged beauty, and lack of visual/audible commotion!!! Thx for the great views!!

[@nicks4934]

Buttermere! Great lake walk or hike up Fleetwith Pike, Hay Stacks, High Stile and Red Pike. Wonderful ❤

[@grayfox7671]

I visited the touristy Lake District once, so crowded. Now I base myself in Millom, based on the recommendation of a friend who lived there and commuted to Sellafield. I’ve found a peaceful Lake District which I love.

[@Sofasurfa]

I came to visit a friend in Millom in 1987, the following year when I found out I was pregnant my husband and I moved here as thought it would be the perfect place to raise my child. I was not wrong, I still live here and so do both my daughters, both of whom moved away then came back. Best decision I ever made I love the fact I can go for a walk around Hodbarrow, or just wander down to the beach. My eldest lives in Haverigg and can sit in here bedroom window and watch the ebb and flow of the tide. I don’t care that some people take piss out of my village I don’t want folk to know about this little patch. I have the best of all worlds, got the sea, the fells and the lakes. Failing that I can go up the road to Ulpha and take a dip in the river or jump of the bridge 😊

[@peteraston4753]

My brother ànd his family live in and around Millom love Haverigg beach and pubs plus Silecroft and the walks nearby

[@Sofasurfa]

@@peteraston4753 yes it is one those places that people overlook and those that love it here are very grateful for that fact, although the amount of people visiting does seem to have increased over the past few years. Not got an issue with that so long as stay as a few 😊

[@Broadwould]

I discovered Millom about 15 years ago collecting from the educational book place in 40t artics. I used to walk round the old lagoon wall while my trailer was being loaded. What a scenic but dangerous road from Greenodd to Millom. Retired now but still do the trip by car occasionally.

[@stefanmaslaczyk1259]

Have camped at Haverigg a few times. Very interesting place, sand dunes and a good beach. Beach cafe is handy, friendly pub and local stores. Million next door has a very interesting history and a walk round Slaggy (the old blast furnaces site) is atmospheric.

[@bubba842]

Cockermouth is a beautiful town. I was truly shocked at how much i enjoyed that place. And the people are nice and respectable too.

[@jackieoconnor4926]

Totally agree! I think calling it an “ok town” is doing it a disservice.

[@briangentle5515]

Because of a family connection, I have visited the Western Lake District on and off all my life. I drove here first on "L" plates and that also included reversing into passing places; great practice and so different from SE England where I grew up. I love Wastwater though I was never a hiker really. and used to come for a few hours to see the views and have a drink in the pub at Wasdale head. We would stay in holiday accommodation in Eskdale; no lake there, but my favourite attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway. No, everyone, keep going to Windermere. Then we who love them, can have the Western Lakes to ourselves!

[@Pyjamarama11]

Did you pack sandwiches for the drive or stop for burgers ? What is the easiest to eat whilst reversing into passing places ? Do you have long enough in a passing place to have a drink ? And is that a can of pop or something from a Thermos ? .... Asking for a friend

[@abrupt_oliver]

Sounds like a bumpkin shit ole

[@PastPresented]

@@Pyjamarama11 Pleasepleaseplease don't use passing places to stop for a snack !

[@Pyjamarama11]

@@PastPresented 😅😅😅

[@JohannSebastianWainwright]

@@Pyjamarama11if you stop to eat in a passing place you risk getting flattened by a farmers wheel

[@neilthehermit4655]

Visit Kent. Margate/Cliftonville in all their 'glory' are good examples of Turd towns. I spent two years living there, lots of ASBO people, ex-cons trying to get their lives back together with mixed results. - I finally had enough when a someone in our street was arrested for "allegedly" running a brothel, sexual assaults and again, "allegedly" child p++n offences. Never mind the junkies and random violent homeless demanding money with menaces

[@sliderdriver1]

Average day in Preston!

[@andrewcole4843]

I can attest to this, takes ages to travel around the West side but it is the best. Wish I had taken a week there this year and lumped the run down towns.

[@enchantress7940]

Won’t be peaceful now you have told everyone lol

[@Turdtowns]

Nah it’s safe. If people can’t be arsed to walk up the hill in Bowness they will never drive here 😂

[@VespaT5]

You don't need to drive though. I spent a few days on the west coast & I did it by rail. The line hugs the coastline and there are stations at all the interesting places. It is one of the best rail journeys in the UK.

[@Turdtowns]

@@VespaT5 how did you get to the lakes as they aren’t near those stations?

[@VespaT5]

@@Turdtowns I didn't. If your water preference is freshwater over saltwater, I guess you could walk or cycle. I took the scenic roads to Maryport and Rail from there. The scenery is spectacliar.

[@Nbstevens78]

Waswater is absolutely ruined, breaks my heart...

[@CheckerDavies]

I did the coast to coast cycle ride from Seascale to Whitby in a day. The best bit was the western Lake District. I have some amazing photos around the Hardknott Pass. I recommend the challenge to anyone who likes cycling up hundreds of massive hills. Keep the videos coming!!

[@marybarnes8698]

ahhh Hardknott pass and wrynose pass were some of mine and my husbands favourite places to go mind of course we were on a motorbike a lot of the time and the roads being narrow you had to have some nerve to go there one time we went and found what could have been a rolls royce stuck on a corner and hadn't even got very far up the pass due mostly to the fact it was a tight bend.

[@helenayamez]

@CheckerDavies hard-core

[@Bob-ts2tu]

a great ride in a day, WD !!. i've biked it up all the major lakes pass's at one time or another, but the only one to beat me was hardknott in the mid 70's between xmas and the new year, the ice, snow, saddlebag, winter bike and gradient all conspired to making me walk, but i managed wrynose, and now i'm a tad too old and fat to put it right !! lol. GL

[@Pyjamarama11]

Why haven't you covered Middlesbrough yet ? That place is the perfect example of how the Luftwaffe didnt try hard enough

[@PiousMoltar]

They probably took one look at boro and thought they'd already bombed it

[@andrewjohnston9115]

Don't forget Stockton!

[@danieleatwell7757]

I went there for an athletics event years ago and it looked like a shithole.

[@jackking5567]

I once dated a lass from Middlesbrough. Never again!

[@fugdefano]

During the war there was another Middlesbrough on the north Yorkshire Moors. a series of trenches that were set alight during the night to look like Middlesbrough which confused the Luftwaffe.

[@LegomanBunda]

I just finished the Cumbria way last friday and what i found was besides Coniston and Keswick, there was a significant lack of people most of the walk other than the other people we met doing the cumbria way. Especially past Keswick on Skiddaw. Didnt see a single other person until we got to Caldbeck. Langdale was also surprisingly peaceful and unlike coniston, the people at the campsite actually knew how to shut the absolute fucking hell up after 10.

[@alness1289]

Do you have to swear ????

[@LegomanBunda]

@@alness1289you’re asking me, someone who lives in England, not to swear? Have you even been to the UK?

[@RHR-221b]

@@alness1289 Fux sake, ma'am. Gie L some credence above your own totally flaccid Ad Hominem ruses. 3/10.

[@RHR-221b]

Get your plastic mental blocks sorted. Embarrassing comment.

[@Pyjamarama11]

Pro tip If the neighbouring tent is making a lot of noise, they can be silenced by setting fire to their tent or driving across it whilst they're inside

[@Belladonna602]

I live in the Duddon Valley and it’s still untouched. Beautiful and a place folk should visit

[@532bluepeter1]

Sssshhhhhhhh!

[@benscotti1991]

Don't tell everyone 😅 I'm from barrow but I love this is all on our doorstep

[@rachcampb]

No! Don't tell them! It's our secret! During COVID a couple of tourists turned up in Millom asking for hotel recommendations 😂. They were sent back towards Ambleside.

[@wendychandler8304]

We came here in 1982. For nearly 20 years grumbling tourists with no maps came North from London - or South from Scotland, convinced that mileage equalled hours. They borrowed our boots, sweaters and macs, cursed inns with No Rooms, guest houses with no www. Roads crammed with lurching caravans, racing bikers between lanes and Sunday trippers an hour from Manchester - that;s a laugh. Your super video showed me all the places they missed, as I did being too busy changing beds and cooking for one-nighters.

[@michaelj3282]

When I was a lot younger and more stupid I rode up Wrynose followed by Hardknott pass in the same day on a Raleigh pushbike. I was a tad fitter then too (c1983). By far the most beautiful area in the lakes, and miles away from the crowds. The Drunken Duck is well worth a visit too.

[@the318pop]

That road can be awful on a busy weekend, some idiots even try to drive coaches over the pass. As a cyclist I've been relatively lucky in picking my days to venture over there and through Eskdale.

[@martinrew9285]

Aah, the Drunken Duck! You reminded me of a wonderful couple of nights staying in the inn. Thanks.

[@nectafarious8842]

I remember the Drunken Duck at Barngates when it was a proper pub, not the posey gastro gaff for grockels it is today.

[@michaelj3282]

@@nectafarious8842 It's poncy now? I never new that, not been there in over 20 years. That's a shame.

[@sliderdriver1]

Lots of pubs in the lakes these days are just set up for the chelsea taxi brigade. Prices are ridiculous for the food on offer. True, it costs more to operate up there but even so.

[@helenayamez]

I've never been to the Lake District, always been put off by the amount of tourists so this video is a revelation. I would go out of my way to visit the Western Lakes area, it looks fantastic. The people of Workington and other towns are so lucky to have it on their doorstep. Great photography btw, really stunning.

[@0191Marko]

You do realise that he’s just a voiceover don’t you ? Not his photography I’m afraid.

[@iann23]

These images are all fake. Even the western lakes are absolutely stuffed full of people. Don't come.

[@helenayamez]

@@0191Marko no, I obviously don't realise, if that's indeed the case. How do you know this anyway? He's mentioned sending the drone up on other videos. It's fine if it's not his videography, it's still stunning and my other comments stand as well 😊

[@0191Marko]

@@helenayamez “ how do you know this ? “, good question ! Just based on what I watched and the editing, a lot of repeated views of the same drone shots tells me it’s not his footage, I may be wrong and will apologise if necessary but ask him yourself, in fact let’s all ask right now, is it yours mr turdtown ????

[@stevo728822]

I made some videos of visiting the Western Lakes.

[@jamesthompson215]

I am bout to visit the Lake District this week & this video is seriously making me consider adding it to my list. I've bin through little parts of the Western lakes before & its always looked beautiful and quiet.

[@Turdtowns]

Do it but make sure you take some supplies with you so you can spend as much time as you need.

[@petercottier1376]

If I may suggest, you should cut over the mountains via hardknot pass and wrynos pass. Roads built by the Romans. Little Roman forts/lookout posts along the way. This will bring you into eskdale valley where you can see and ride on the la'al ratty, a narrow guage steam engine.

[@sandragn3361]

@@petercottier1376 and the Roman Bath at Ravenglass!

[@jamesthompson215]

I already got hikes at Skiddaw, Striding Edge & Old Man of Coniston to do but its something to consider if the weather is bad (& if I haven’t knackered myself out.)

[@stevo728822]

Take into account you are unlikely to get a phone signal so take coins for parking machines. Ennerdale is free parking.

[@sonofjak1971]

Iv'e walked around Wast Water a couple of times and as a novice hiker i found it very peaceful and also manageable, loved the sense of solitude. I don't remember the roads being a problem either.

[@davidpriestley1650]

I used to drive up to my parents in Eskdale from Guildford most weekends. Sometimes if the main roads are slow moving (eg. blocked due to a collision) there are plenty of fell roads to wiggle your way across to the coast providing some of the best views available, plus there is an abundance of moot mounds, pack horse bridges, henges, standing stones, and stone circles (eg. Blakeley Rise next to the road on Cold Fell) to see as you work your way through the landscape.

[@andrewroberts4736]

Always a joy to see Turdtowns. Great video.😁

[@1964cohibas]

Spent many a happy hour strolling round buttermere, beautiful place and the Honister Pass is a fantastic drive

[@RLMS17]

I live in Whitehaven and always walk the dog at Ennerdale. It never fails to amaze me how quiet it is compared to the other lakes. Its stunning

[@petercottier1376]

If you really live in Whitehaven then you'll know it's eNNerdale. Not Emmerdale!😆

[@hvidhavn1]

@@petercottier1376 i stay with my sister & family in Ennerdale when visiting from Denmark ..love it up there... not happy with the Parking meters popping up around the West lakes now tho :(

[@PastPresented]

@@petercottier1376 Auto-correct maybe?

[@RLMS17]

@@petercottier1376 Woops! Must've been an auto correct 🤣 I'll edit now 😳

[@GCarty80]

I'm guessing that Ennerdale Water and Wast Water are very quiet because both are only accessible via a single dead-end road?

[@jacquelinelawrence8373]

As someone who was brought up in the north I can tell you that the towns you mention have a bad reputation because of Sellafield (formerly Windscale) particularly since the fire of 1959 at the nuclear power station. I was at school at the time and school milk was stopped because of the fear of radioactive fallout affecting local milk supplies. The reputation has stuck at least with people from the north.

[@jackharrison6771]

Yes, but it was Thatcher the milk snatcher who banned school milk everywhere.

[@darthwiizius]

@@jackharrison6771 Maggies Thatch started stealing milk from children long before she tried to install herself as dictator for life mate, she invented soft scoop ice cream, a method for selling people air.

[@franceskronenwett3539]

I used to go camping with my family in the Lake District back in the seventies. We used to pitch our tent in a farmer's field in the valley of Eskdale. We used to wash in the River Esk and there was a dilapidated stone toilet just outside the farmyard which we used. The nearest point of civilisation was a quaint little village called Boot which sported a few cottages, a general shop, a post office and a pub. We visited Wastwater and many other lakes and climbed Scafell. We also visited Whitehaven, Seascale and a place called Silecroft. To get to this remote part of the Lake District we had to negotiate two complicated narrow passes, namely Wrynose and Hardknott Pass. It was a most beautiful area of the Lake District - like paradise in fact and I have many pleasant memories of our holidays there.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Climbing Scafell from the Boot side is a far better experience than trogging up the normal routes. It feels wild and remote, and if you have a head for heights you can get in some enjoyable scrambling. But don't tell anyone...

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

Sounds like the perfect place, I’m definitely going to visit and spend some time in the western lakes, thanks for making this video 👌

[@bonzaimolly]

I live in the west lakes and tbh, their all stunning, and rightly pointed out, quiet. The locals know of more hidden gem's too 🤫

[@badbob1982]

I haven’t penetrated the western Lakes, but I did take my first trip around the Cumbrian Coast railway a couple of months back, and despite the occasional blip such as Barrow or Workington, I was astounded by how beautiful and remote that coast is. Some parts of that line made the West Highland feel like HS1.

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

t's Cumberland not "Cumbria"

[@clnre]

You are spot on. The western Lake District is beautiful and Wastwater is my favourite lake. The journey from Bristol was not too long, much faster than a trip we made to North Norfolk the previous year! Accommodation is a problem though, we stayed in Ulverston, a town which I was surprised did not feature in your Turdtowns of Cumbria video!

[@ALLIEDRECORDS]

these places look AMAZING

[@davidcrane7397]

My wife, dog and I have just returned from staying just outside Whitehaven. We travelled up from Reading and it took us 8.5 hours up (motorway closed near Manchester) and 7.5 hours back. However, as you say it is very easy to get to the western lakes from, say, Whitehaven, and there are not many people there. What you didn't mention are the beaches: the tide goes out quite a long way (but not dangerously so) and while walking our dog there we only saw a couple of other dog walkers in the distance. It was weird to see this land on the horizon and realise it was the Isle of Man. 'Course the other view on the horizon along the coast is Sellafield but the buildings are low profile and you're not really aware. The other thing to mention is that there is railway all along the coast and in a previous existence I did travel to Workiington from Reading via Carlisle.

[@samroberts7404]

Growing up in cockermouth youve got it pretty much spot on, its the best part of the pake district, but theres a reason we dont get crag rats there and the coastal towns are very much struggling/former industrial towns and not the prettiest or kost welcoming. There is some faded glamour and maryport does have some noce coastal potential as do silloth and allonby if you go a bit further up the coast, but, its the arse end of nowhere and you can tell... also, dont foget about sellafield which puts a certain type of visitor off the area.

[@markbrooke4100]

My general observation is most people don’t walk more than a mile from car park, which is great as it keeps the interesting countryside quiet 😀

[@josoapification]

I have driven through Cumbria many times on to and from London. You can see the Lake District hills in the distance across from solway firth on the A75 . Beautiful area.

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

Don't say Cumbria when you mean Furness (Lancashire), Cumberland or Westmorland

[@marklloyd3536]

This years holiday: Stayed in a wonderful hotel in Ulverston (Bay Horse) visited Barrow, Millom etc. etc. despite frequent rain had a truly wonderful time using our car and the rail network fantastic landscapes pretty villages majestic seascapes, good food and in Barrow the most interesting and well laid out museum I think I have ever visited, and I have developed museums! It is a forgotten area but a fascinating one.

[@Sofasurfa]

Shhhhhh! I moved to Millom 35 years ago after coming here on a visit to a friend I love it here but I’m selfish and don’t want to share😊

[@TheRealRedAce]

My first visit to the Lakes was in the West, staying near Ravenglass and spending a lot of time in and around Wasdale, climbing Scafell Pike and Pillar. It was back in the 70s, but even then wasn't too quiet - there were plenty of people on both mountains, though we ascended Pillar from the Ennerdale side, so it was quiet until we reached the summit, where there were several people (and sheep!).

[@ste2442]

Buttermere is a great part of the lakes

[@NathanWind99]

I'm planning a trip to the UK and the Lake District, just found your channel and loving it. We prefer the less crowded destinations and may just make the drive to the western Lake District. It looks absolutely stunning!

[@lawrencelimburger9160]

Lovin your visit to the norf!

[@Glenn1892]

The West Cumbria locals playground. We don't want Tourists.

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

It's Cumberland not Cumbria

[@macraghnaill3553]

@@susanofhullhumberside4753 Have they changed the name again?

[@jackytwix]

@@macraghnaill3553 No, They haven't changed it, its still Cumbria. They have amalgamated all the former smaller regional councils into 2 large ones Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council ( both now classesd as unitary authorities ) , This is to manage and administrate the County of Cumbria

[@chrisredding6673]

@@jackytwix True. The historic/ceremonial counties of (Cumberland + Westmorland) = "Cumbria". We don't have a thing about it, and use either.

[@robertleem5643]

We visited the Lake District in April and spent more time on the west side, took some stunning photos, totally agree with your comment which is why we really didn't visit the east due to the volume of people. I intend to go back early next year to take more photos. Excellent videos

[@christopherx7428]

Thanks for the tip! Last year I did a tour around the Scottish coast and enjoyed the solitude I could find in the NW corner. I deliberately stayed far away from the Lake District as I did not want to elbow my way through crowds of tourists, but this video gave me a new option.

[@bighappyhotgood]

There's a reason why West Cunbria keeps Western Lake District secret- we like it that way! Tourism money would be very welcome here, but brings with it cluttered roads and more work for the already stretched mountain rescue services. There's plenty of accomodation here if you need it, and it's cheaper than the East side, but really, only make the effort if you know what you're doing.

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

t's Cumberland not "Cumbria"

[@marybarnes8698]

Haven't been to the lake district for years and its only a few miles away from where we live but the crowds of tourists put us off finally there was no peace to the place even in the winter months there was always so many people around so what used to be a nice day out for us finally stopped being that anymore.

[@MarkHewitt1978]

About 15 years ago we had a holiday where we decided to visit every one of the major lakes in the Lake District over the course of a few days. It was surprising just how out of the way a lot of them are, even some in the Eastern Lakes.

[@5ebra1]

I went to Lake District for the first time ever this year. I loved the West side. Favourite place during the holiday was Wast water.

[@jessventures6172]

As an avid anti-social hiker from Birmingham, I love the Western side! So much more peaceful, less people, less traffic and endless beauty. Always have some emergency supplies, water and coffee making stuff. Was so exciting to see shots of roads and mountains I've travelled on there :)

[@jessventures6172]

I also typically hike on weekdays so your shots of the quiet spots were still busier than I've ever seen it there! :)

[@merikblackmore]

Not been to the lakes for years, but will look to go next year, the west side (without the lakes) kind of reminds me of Dartmoor

[@hrep14]

Looks like a beautiful, peaceful place.

[@brianligat9493]

Nice and humerous review

[@llanieliowe794]

The most beautiful national park that I've been to is somehow not even an official park, it's a mountains region in the highlands with some of the biggest you will see in Scotland: Sgurr nan Coireachan, Ladhar Bheinn, Sgùrr na Cìche and Beinn Fhada. The mountains are so jagged and rocky they feel like they shouldn't be in the country, it's incredible to go to, there was basically no one else there when I went. Fort William is your nearest place but everyone who stays there is after Ben Nevis

[@colinmacdonald5732]

Knoydart!

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

I lived in Ambleside for a while and it was always busy, even in the winter. The west lakes are all wonderful but, as you have said, the towns aren't. I'm now in Ceredigion in the Cambrian Mountains, another place not seen by many tourists who all prefer north or south Wales leaving mid-Wales to the decerning visitor who like a little more peace.

[@PiousMoltar]

Went on holiday to Pembrokeshire once, worst holiday ever, south Wales is shit.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

I’d disagree Cockermouth, and Keswick are lovely. I live close by and they’re are no where near as crowded as the South Lakes.

[@ashleysutcliffe2157]

Absolute perfection no people, country lanes the southerners don’t want to go there sounds like heaven.

[@mandychartres3033]

Looks a lovely part of the UK. Must explore in my campervan!

[@derekevans1932]

Really like Cockermouth and this is a place affected by the more recent flooding events that they are now trying to resolve by letting rivers and flood areas come back to where they used to be. Keswick and the Derwentwater area allows you to venture out, and we stayed at Braithwaite just outside Keswick, and you can get to Whinlatter Forest, or to hike up and across to Buttermere or south on a classic Wainwright horseshoe journey. The last time we were there we stayed in a YHA and it was not too busy in the Hawkshead/Coniston area.

[@anthonybrown4874]

They kind of ruined Cockermouth for me used to be great for a few pints of Jennings but evil empire Marstons shut the brewery haven't been able to find bitter or sneck lifter last few times I visited.

[@Seb512]

Next up, Lancashire. Right below the Lake District and plenty of great and not so great towns and cities

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

Barrow is in Lancashire. Cumbria is fake

[@danielfinley47]

Thanks for the information,I’ve visited the Lake District a number of times and yes never thought of the western side,but will definitely give it a go.

[@daz6637]

Thanks for the heads up, I hate busy clogged tourist spots and like the idea of these places. Cheers mate!👍🏻🇬🇧

[@michaelwain3198]

Please do Turd Towns in Northumberland. Top choices have got to be Ashington, Blyth, Cramlington, Bedlington, which are all handily close together.

[@Turdtowns]

Hello mate if you live up there is there anyway you could email me?

[@michaelwain3198]

@@Turdtowns I do live in Northumberland , do you want any help with things up this way?

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

Yes do Northumbria as well as "Cumbria"@@Turdtowns

[@susanofhullhumberside4753]

He's done Northumbria straight after "Cumbria"@@michaelwain3198

[@jakel3138]

Was in wasdale last week and I was surprised how busy it actually was around there compared to previous visits I've had. That said it was exceptionally good weather for this time of year. Buttermere also well worth a visit if you like your peace and tranquility.

[@laalratty]

Yeah, I wouldn't describe Wasdale as quiet. Especially around Wasdale Head.

[@georgelowles5077]

My late wife and I honeymooned in the western lakes in the early seventies. We loved it and continued to visit a few times every year till her recent passing .

[@baejiaoflying9434]

Spent a good deal of time on holiday around Borrowdale, Buttermere and Crumock water as a kid. Loved it. We would go to Wastewater and Ennerdale regularly too. Am eternally grateful to our parents for choosing these destinations. Great memories.

[@philipewan3121]

Most of my favourite places in the Lakes are in the west, and, come to that, a lot of the places most worth seeing in the UK involve travel on single track road. There is a fair range of accommodation in Eskdale, Wasdale and the Buttermere valley, not just hostel-type. What is (fortunately?) completely missing is any provision for coach parties, who seem to account for a fair proportion of visitors to the towns in the Lakes. The first time I saw sublime Wastwater (over 50 years ago) I was actually slightly disappointed by the number of picnickers (as people did in those days) but they may even have been West Cumbrian locals taking advantage of a sunny day. One more thought - I hope no one is put off the western Lakes by the nearness of Sellafield.

[@Sofasurfa]

As a local I am grateful for the work opportunities Sellafield supplies. It means my daughter is still here and can buy a home and raise a family 😊

[@brendanoprey762]

Maybe our real friends were the turds we made along the way

[@davey1602]

No good going to that there London then. Poor guys are dumped all over the street :D

[@JohnThomas-ci9ml]

Good memories of Wast Water and all that scree & stuff! One has to deliberately head for such a place as it ain't anywhere near the easy to find tourist traps!

[@paulhanson5164]

Not been up there for 15 years, it's got even busier by the look of it. I did head out to the western lakes, went to hike up Scafell, still remember the woman running our guest house asking if I was a competent driver, an hour later going up Wrynose and Hardknot pass I was a worried driver, never heard noises like that coming out of brakes. You need to be competent and have a good car, the ups are so steep and the bends so sharp you are guessing where the road is, at several points the road was so steep I felt like I was about to be launched into space when going up hill. But it was worth it.

[@timbounds7190]

As a kid in the 1970s, we went on a holiday to Ennerdale. Took forever to get there from Essex in those days! It rained almost continuously for the first week....in the odd gaps in the rain during the 2nd week, its clearly beautiful, but it really is hard to get around.

[@Turdtowns]

Can’t imagine how long that journey took in the 70s

[@oneoflokis]

​@@TurdtownsTook almost 5 hours to drive from Cornwall to Bristol back then! 🙂 Same in the earlyish 1980s.

[@timbounds7190]

@@Turdtowns A long time! No M25 in those days, only the North Circular, and there was a gap between the end of the M1 and the beginning of the M6. And it rained the whole way....

[@johnking5730]

Just returned from Lakes, and only short cut to western lakes is via Hardknot Pass which is not for faint hearted. And your right no shops or places to stay unless it's a tent as you will not have enjoyable experience with a campervan bigger than a VW, but that's the appeal, great views and no people apart from those hardy souls who should be. 😊

[@seeker1432]

Used to cover riding my Motor Bike. Miles of road to a dead end along a lake, But the views and peace was great. No shops, narrow roads.was nice.

[@chrisgosling5408]

A great video and some even better camera work, thanks for posting, as always, an education.

[@davidharrison512]

I live in Workington (a shithole I know) but it's ideal for me to visit the Western side of the lakes (I'm a fellwalker) WEST REALLY IS THE BEST!

[@harrisonofthenorth]

Workington is actually a nice place, you wont get the tourists coming if you keep saying that!

[@chrisredding6673]

Yes, it used to be a steel and coal town. It's still a port, but the docks are out of town. Its atmosphere is more like a busy Market Town now.

[@harrisonofthenorth]

@@chrisredding6673I like it very much, despite it being full of Jam Eaters (hehe, you can guess where I'm from!)

[@cumbriabornbred3690]

I live here on the West Coast, trust me, it's a lot busier than it used to be. Granted, nowhere near as busy as Windermere and Ambleside. Slowly filling up with VW Transporters and campervans tho' which do not fit well on these roads, nuisance tbh

[@Turdtowns]

I saw signs saying roads only suitable for cars which were being ignored by a few motor homes. Certainly made the roads even more challenging!

[@ancipital]

Looks absolutely stunning and away from all the tourists and louts - would certainly visit to just admire the scenery.

[@matthill514]

You’ve given away my biggest secret. Spent a lot of time in the western lakes. I would say Buttermere is getting busier but that’s over a 40 year baseline

[@dannydee2668]

Better on a motorcycle and with a tent.

[@Hasdac]

Visit the small towns of Salop..

[@benpugh1986]

Wem and Market Drayton especially are "characterful"

[@mjkoehler73]

Was in Lakeland this spring and avoided the Windemere area. Keswick was great and I didn't find it too busy (I'm used to stupid large crowds though). We did a huge hike in the Western fells, it's an incredible part of the area. I like that it is more remote and wild with limited roadage. I do wish for some of the lesser traveled areas or area with less roads, the Stagecoach service would use a van to get people to and fro vs the big buses. We used them our entire trip and they were great, but lordy that ride to Buttermere was scary AF as there were too many not confident drivera. A van would be an eaaier to get around option. But again, I like tye remoteness of that part somaybe don't change anything.

[@billmmckelvie5188]

This is a great positive video, you need to film more of them, please! I don't know if I would go to the Western Lakes, but now you mention it. I do like a bit of quiet so maybe I'll brush the dust off the walking boots and get out there! Maybe its the schools who don't encourage children enough explore the _whole_ of the UK. At my High School the teachers took us hostelling for a week, one year it was Scotland, the next Yorkshire, then East Anglia etc. So from an early age I had an attitude of visiting different parts of the UK, with over 900 islands I wonder how many people have visited them. There are great remote gems in the UK hidden away a Caribbean beach, where there are no crowds and you have it almost to yourself.

[@ChicaLocaGB]

The latest I've heard is a lake Windemere is a literal turdtown in itself because of how much raw sewage has been pumped into it in recent years.

[@robertmaitland09]

Less tourists the better.

[@tonyjoe5707]

Stayed in Esdale Green a few times and it was superbly quiet. We had weeks of quiet hiking. Roads getting there make it hard going at times though. But as you say perhaps it's best left as is.

[@ak47wd40]

Stunning!

[@euanstokes2828]

Im Scottish, the lake district is basically for tourists who cant be arsed to drive to the Highlands

[@Edge-of-Reason]

I live in Scotland and the Highlands are amazingly beautiful in a rugged, magical, wilderness way but I presume you have never been to the lakes as you are missing the point. They are softer, Greener and more intimate. Very different areas

[@annescott3641]

Long may it continue

[@bigglestornado3882]

It looks lovely. You really need to visit the middle of Wales too, like the 'Devils Staircase', Lynne Briane and around Tregaron. It is chalk and cheese from the dumps of south Wales. Keep up the good work. LOVE IT. 🙂

[@Bcc0rg]

Upper Wye Valley down to Tregaron is hidden gem!

[@ValerieAnnHorn-Ross-mx4cv]

🇬🇧 My best friend lives in a place called Watermillock a tiny hamlet of less than 10 houses but as this place is situated in an elevated area The views of Lake Ullswater are beautiful & is just over half a mile Downhill The far shore is surrounded by commanding peaks It's about 18 miles long but fairly narrow However the shore nearest my friends house isn't really a shore Theres a rickety little fence & about 4 to 5ft past this fence, is the Lake & it's a sheer drop into the very deep water. It's not a plunge, just beyond the grass verge is a 2 to 3ft drop straight into the Lake. So you can't sit by it or go for a paddle, it does have some pebbley Very small shore side but not many Although a beautiful lake it's for sailing or water sports & some people do swim there it's not for the feint hearted, it freezing cold even in summer because it's so deep. It's in a nice area though as the town of Penrith isn't far away There are some lovely Hotels & restaurants along the perimeter of the lake but it's really not touristy in any way. If you want to get away from the crowds & rent a cottage near these bigger lakes you're guaranteed to Get total relaxation. I personally love the Lake District & the climbing & beautiful walks Penrith is a nice little town, also Keswick & Borrowdale. There aren't that many tourists though I live in the next county across from Cumbria + to the east which is Northumberland. We have a wonderful coastline with unspoilt gorgeous beaches & amazing countryside steeped in history from 700ad to the Viking Raiders all along our coast. The far north of Britain in Cumbria & Northumbria are the best for natural beauty, wonderful beaches & history & not that many tourists either Thanks for the video Peace 🇬🇧🙆