Hi. We've seen many dogs swimming freely in the Lake. If you walk around the whole Lake, you'll need to keep the dog on a lead in parts (sheep & roads) but you'll have freedom for a whole section along the west bank (parking limited towards Catbells). I THINK I've seen dogs on the boats. Give Keswick Launches a ring on 017687 72263.

It is free to visit the lake, but keep in mind that lots of places around the area will charge for parking. Most of the parking areas belong to the National Trust, so if you're a member, not a problem. Otherwise it will cost £7.50 for all day or £4 for 2hours.

Yes our dogs love it please keep on a lead around sheep. Blue Green algae on the lake the week before last

Took us about 3 1/2 hours at moderate pace.We didn't go up Catbells the last time. There's a great walk up Wally Crag but it's quite a climb in parts.

It will be easy to book a B&B in the major towns of the Lake District. The best towns for hill-walking holidays are Ambleside and Keswick. There are dozens of guidebooks about hill-walking in the Lake District - visit your local library. The most popular guidebooks are the series of six written by Alfred Wainwright titled 'Pictorial Guide To the Lakeland Fells' which you can look up on Google. If you are venturing on to the high mountains (called Fells in the Lake District) please learn the basics of map-reading and hill navigation. Also Google for mountain safety information and advice. Enjoy your trip.

The route I suggested would be impossible with a buggy as you scramble up some rocks on the ascent. You could go up the steps where we descended and come back the same way however I think it would be tough going! You might be better with a child back pack if this is feasible. Denise

We took Jeans, t shirts and waterproofs but could have got away with shorts and t shirts as even with the odd light rain shower it was very warm and as we are walkers, were out all day. Most people wear shorts but you still need to take a raincoat just in case as the weather can change from one area to the other.

There is plenty of good cycling around, but the actual lakeside route is mostly footpath not bridle way so strictly not for cyclists, how keen are you? There is a better route around Thirlemere which is partly minor road and partly off road (although latter appears a a track on OS map not as. Right of way on east side but is perfectly accessible and we have been cycling it for years). I would say if you are keen cyclists, bring bikes. The bike shops on town will advise on routes.