Cumbria combines Cumberland, Westmorland and part of Lancashire. This mountainous and varied county has the largest National Park in England – the Lake District. At its heart is a collection of true mountains formed by volcanic action reflected in huge lakes – the most popular is Windermere where steamers criss-cross in a voyage from Ambleside to Lakeside eleven miles away. North west from Windermere the fells of Great Gable give tremendous views from the summit: not only of the highest mountains of Scafell and Scafell Pike but across the sea to the distant Mountains of Mourne in Ireland. Closer to hand the steamship Gondola may be seen at Coniston, a classic steam yacht plying that lake. A journey west over Hardknott Pass brings you to Eskdale and its former mineral railway still powered by steam and ready to take you down the valley. There, just short of the Irish Sea is Muncaster Castle, a rugged castle from tumultuous days of conflict in a remote region – now open to visitors. Hallowed memories of Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter are evoked by buildings where they lived , especially at Far Sawrey where Beatrix’s cottage is the very essence of how and where Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywincle came to be here! Outside the National Park - which reaches east over the scenic Lune Valley - are Carlisle Castle and Cathedral; industrial remains at Workington and Whitehaven on the Cumbrian Coast; and the massive shipyards and museum at Barrow in the south where Royal Navy ships are built. Do not forget the view from Grange nearby of wide and mysterious Morcambe Sands stretching vastly  before you – a challenge to cross without the Queen’s Guide !