The Lake District is the wettest place in England. Covering 885 square miles, it is also the most mountainous with 100 peaks over 2,000 feet and 16 lakes including the longest and deepest in the country.

Five hundred million years ago the Lakes stood on the edge of the so-called "ring of fire".

This was an area of intensive volcanic activity with lava and basalt being thrown up resulting in the creation of some of the area's craggy peaks.

Twelve thousand years ago the area was covered by ice which sculpted the landscape.

The Lake District countryside may seem wild, but man has had a huge impact on the landscape through agriculture, mining and settlement. The area's many stone walls are testament to man's influence.

In 1951, the Lake District was designated as a National Park to protect it for future generations.