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Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the Lake District. As the natural world reawakens after the winter, the Lake District comes alive with a host of activities that the whole family can enjoy. The range of events is vast so we thought we’d refine it to our pick of the top ten, must see attractions for anyone planning a trip to Cumbria in the coming months. For more information on any of these fantastic spring attractions, visit the Cumbria Tourism website at www.golakes.co.uk

Springtime is synonymous with lambs and this is evident all over Cumbria. One of the first things you should do on a visit to the area is walk through the beautiful green countryside and watch the cute little lambs, joyfully playing together in the spring sunshine. You’ll soon see that Cumbria is essentially one huge springtime nursery for lambs and calves. Herdwick, the distinctive Lakeland breed of sheep, have black lambs that then fade to chocolate brown and eventually to grey as they age. They’re usually over a year old before they are mature enough to eat but their mixed diet and long natural lifestyle produces a meat so rich and tender that it has become a national delicacy.

For something a little more sedate, the Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal will be providing free admittance to under 18s and to people up to 25 who are in full time education. The beautiful setting, on the banks of the River Kent, makes it the ideal place to take some time for quiet reflection but there is also the option of taking full advantage of their inspiring programme of activities, lectures and events. Some of the illustrious and celebrated artists that the gallery has been lucky enough to exhibit in recent years include Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Euan Uglow and Walter Richard Sickert. The offer of free admission includes access to any temporary or permanent events and exhibitions. www.abbothall.org.uk

The Lake District’s Coniston Water provided a huge amount of inspiration for Ransome’s classic adventure story, Swallows and Amazons. Now, to celebrate this seminal piece of literature and the upcoming re-imagining of this fabulous book for the big screen, Coniston Launch is offering a special cruise around many of the locations Ransome used as the basis for his magical tale. Take this fabulous opportunity to explore Beckfoot, Holly Howe, Kanchenjunga, Wild Cat Island and the Amazons’ boathouse. www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

For the February mid-term, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle will be running a series of workshops that aim to teach children about recycling by making toys from materials that would usually end up in the bin. How about making a model rocket and launcher out of a lemonade bottle? Or turning an old drinks can, a couple of CDs and a pin into a balloon-bursting chariot? Or even creating a dragon fly that can balance on your finger tip out of an old fashioned clothes peg? Chris Robson, retired head of Science from St Bees, runs these ever-popular and exceedingly innovative workshops right across the region. www.tulliehouse.co.uk

The Carlisle and Borders Spring Show at Bitts Park is a horticultural and flower show with over 50 exhibitors and traders selling a variety of flowers, plants, shrubs and garden accessories. In addition to this, there is a countryside section, a floral art marquee, Made in Cumbria crafts and a catering that serves the finest local produce. There is a selection of activities which are especially for young ones too, like the children’s arts and crafts marquee, plus entertainment and refreshments.

The World of Beatrix Potter is holding a Cumbria-wide Easter egg hunt which will start on 31 March and run until all of the 100, extra special Easter eggs are found. Every egg entitles its finder to an impressive prize but it’s worth remembering that the eggs could be anywhere, right across the Cumbrian countryside, in gardens and on lakes. So, get the whole family in on the hunt and keep your eyes peeled! www.hop-skip-jump.com

For a couple of days of unbridled fun that’s sure to enchant the whole family, look no further than Tom Fools Day at Muncaster Castle. Join in the mayhem on 1 April and enjoy performances by 2009’s Fool of Muncaster, Will Tease! There’s also going to be Foolish Football with Muncaster mascot Max MeadowVole. If you can score a goal, you’ll win a prize. Another opportunity not to be missed is the chance to Pelt a Pennington! The family who live at Muncaster have gamely volunteered to be pelted with wet sponges, eggs and flour bombs, all in aid of a local charity. www.muncaster.co.uk

If you’re looking for a unique way to stay in the Lake District, the Camping and Caravanning Club at Eskdale may have the answer. They now boast a quirky new addition to their camp site – Camping Pods.  The pods themselves look like little half acorns and are secure, heated wooden shelters that each sleep up to four people and only cost £40 per night.  They’re constructed of locally sourced timber, insulated with Lakeland sheep’s wool and carefully designed to sit well in the glorious Eskdale countryside. http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/eskdale-camping-pods

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is an award-winning Lake District attraction celebrating over 150 years sailing on England’s most beautiful lake. This is an ideal opportunity to spend the day with the RSPB, identifying the rich variety of bird species that can be found on and around Ullswater. Your day will also include an escorted walk through your choice of two different habitats, depending on whether you’re more of a river ramble or woodland wander type of person. Cruises will be taking place on 15 and 16 May and depart from Glenridding Pier at 10.30, arriving back at approx 16.00. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

The Keswick Mountain Festival is a must for any climbing enthusiasts intending to visit the Lake District in springtime. Enthralling stories from this year’s line-up of speakers will inspire seasoned adventurers and arm-chair explorers alike. Lakes-based climber Leo Houlding talks about the film (shot by Alistair Lee) of his ambitious expedition to make the first free ascent of the daunting north face of Mount Asgard on Canada’s Baffin Island. Miner-turned-climber Andy Cave, author of Learning to Breathe, will also tell of his assault (and a colleague’s tragic accident) on the north face of Changabang, one of the hardest routes in the Himalayas. www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/

There really is something for everyone who wants to walk in the Lake District, regardless of your experience or the duration of your visit. The walks outlined below are intended to show you the range that the Lake District has to offer. So, here are quite easy walks, suitable for the whole family and there are more challenging walks, recommended for more experienced walkers. Do bear in mind that, just because you only have time for a short walk, doesn’t mean it has to be too easy. Likewise, if you want to spend a full day out walking, you needn’t feel obliged to tackle something more difficult than you are comfortable with.

1.    Scout Scar
The concept of a “walking” holiday may be quite intimidating to some people but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you are looking for breathtaking panoramic views, the variety of routes in the Lake District ensures that this is possible while enjoying a gentle stroll. Scout Scar is a long limestone escarpment and, in parts, the path can rise quite steeply but there are two resting places on the way up. The path, which is even suitable for robust pushchairs, winds up to a charming wooden bench and a truly stunning view. More gung-ho families can carry on to The Mushroom, a shelter with a view of the surrounding fells, and even Blackpool Tower on a clear day.

2.    Windermere’s Western Shore
Cross majestic Lake Windermere to Ferry House and follow the road around the bank. The first kilometre is flat tarmac and weaves through open meadow, overlooking the beautiful Bowness and Troutbeck hills. There are lots of spots to rest and picnic on the grass, by the scenic wooded shoreline and on the charming pebble beach. The tarmac turns into level, stone track as you go into Heald Wood. The continuing route to to Red Nab has two relatively steep sections and the path can be quite rough and rocky.

3.    Brothers’ Water
Once known as Broad Water, legend has it that the name was changed in the 19th Century when two brothers drowned in the lake. It is shallow and fringed with reed beds that are home to moorhens, coots and swans. The surrounding oaks of Low Wood are also rich in wildlife and the autumnal colours are awe-inspiring. The path around Brothers’ Water takes you on to historic Hartsop Hall, a 16th century Grade I listed building which is owned by the National Trust. The Hall overlooks Dovedale valley and at its head you’ll see one of the steepest cliffs in the Lake District, Dove Crag.

4.    Braithwaite to Force Crag Mine
The track is well-drained and smooth, making a steady ascent to Coledale, from where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. The higher you go, the more dramatic the mountain views and Outerside, Eel Crag and Grisedale Pike begin to truly dominate the skyline. National Trust information panels outline the area’s history, particularly the zinc, copper, lead and barite mining that dates back to the 1500s. Force Crag was the last working mine in the Lake District and closed in 1991.

5.    The Jenkill Hill Path to Skiddaw
Skiddaw is the type of mountain that you draw as a child; steep slopes and a jagged summit. It towers above Keswick and the Jenkin Hill Path, the most popular route to the summit, is well worth the climb. If this is to be your first ascent of a 3000 foot mountain, the route established as a pony trek for Victorian tourists is ideal. It winds its way up the moderate slopes of Jenkin Hill and forges on to the summit using the rounded southeast ridge. This is not mountaineering, unless you want it to be.

6.    The Fairfield Horseshoe
The Fairfield Horseshoe takes in all of the peaks that surround Rydal and is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District walks. The level of walking is quite high but after the initial climb to Fairfeld, from the summit plateau of which you will get the best views, the ups and downs are not too severe. The challenge really begins when trying to pick the correct line of descent, for which clear conditions are a must for the novice. The ascent over the eastern ridge crosses Low Pike, High Pike, Dove Crag and Hart Crag, with the western descent taking in Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Nab Scar, returning weary walkers to Ambleside by way of Rydal Hall.

If you’re one of the many who have started the new decade with the target of leading a healthier, more active life, well done! Now, to help you to stick to your noble intentions, it’s important to set yourself goals along the way.  For those that have got themselves a bike, perhaps even tax free on the Governments Cycle to Work Scheme, you have an ideal opportunity to do your bit for the environment while getting yourself fit. However, after a few wet and windy winter mornings, you may not have the same zeal for your new active life that you started with. That’s why it’s important to set manageable milestones that can keep you on the right track. With this in mind, why not set yourself a challenge that you can really look forward to?

A springtime cycling holiday could be just the inspiration that you need. As one of the most picturesque and rural counties in England, Cumbria is the ideal destination for cyclists of all levels of ability. It is home to the Lake District National Park, the majestic rolling hills of the Eden Valley and miles of quiet coastline, not to mention the charming pubs and picturesque villages that seamlessly punctuate your journey. The Eden Valley cuts right through Cumbria, from Brampton in the North through to Kirkby Stephen in the south, separating the ridge of the Pennines from the peaks of the Lake District. The valley is home to quiet country lanes, which cut between villages and hamlets, connecting a wide variety of routes.

The Lake District is the ideal playground for the slightly more advanced cyclist. The stunning peaks ensure a scenic day out for your cycle but you will encounter some hills, from small climbs to relatively major passes that are sure to test even the most hardened legs. For something a bit quieter, the Solway Coast is tucked away to the north west of the county and offers some beautiful views and remote cycling, along with access to idyllic beaches and coastal villages. As you travel south around the Cumbrian coastline there are many other places worth cycling to, many now linked by National Cycle Network routes.

For the even more accomplished, the Fred Whitton Challenge is a must on the British cycling calendar. Not for the faint hearted, this gruelling event takes place on Sunday May 9th 2010 and will see 1,250 riders take part. Covering a 112 mile circuit, the Fred Whitton Challenge takes place in and around the Lake District, encompasses six of the most difficult passes in the UK and climbs over 3,800 metres. Run in the memory of Fred Whitton, all proceeds from the event are donated to charities including MacMillan Cancer Care and the Dave Rayner Fund. Until his untimely death in 1998, aged just 50, Fred Whitton was an extremely popular member of the Lakes Road Club. As club secretary, he was the organiser of the Lakes Road Club Easter 3-day each year, which attracted a great many of the UKs top riders.

Without taking part in the Challenge itself, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour follows the annual route but can be completed at your own pace, at any time of year that suits you. So if you want to set yourself a challenge for later in the year, this outstanding route provides a great opportunity for individuals and groups to complete one of the most famous and challenging cycling routes in the country. Why not make a break of it and stop over in a range of inviting accommodation en route? You can even have your official finish time posted on the Fred Whitton website.

Visit www.golakes.co.uk for more information on the stunning routes that have made Cumbria home to some of the very best cycling in the British Isles.