About lake district national park

I first saw the Lake District many years ago, when for eight out of my eleven day sojourn, it rained, and rained! None-the-less, we left the comfort of our hotel, purchased stout walking shoes and weatherproofs, took to the hills and the water, and thus began a love affair that has never ended. For me, the mountains and lakes of this magical region have a splendour quite beyond compare. In glorious sunshine, mountain streams and lively waterfalls glisten like precious jewels in a golden crown. Towering peaks reflect in shimmering waters, dominating a landscape that for centuries has attracted artists and poets from Europe and beyond. The charm and sheer magnificence of the lakes has long been immortalised by the words of William Wordsworth, and the poet Gray who described The Lake District as this ‘little, unsuspected paradise^’, and those who are prepared, no matter what the weather, to walk and explore, are rewarded with magnificent vista’s of gushing, moss clad water falls, seemingly endless cliff surrounded lakes and tranquil green valley’s hemmed in by broad sweeping fells.

Nature, landscape and the environment

The park’s entire coastline is a Special Area of Conservation, which runs from the Llŷn Peninsula down the Mid Wales coast, the latter containing valuable sand dune systems.

The park’s natural forests are of the mixed deciduous type, the commonest tree being the oak. Birch, ash, mountain-ash and hazel are also common. The park also contains some large (planted) coniferous forested areas such as Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed, although some areas, once harvested, are now increasingly being allowed to regrow naturally.

Northern Snowdonia is the only place in Britain where the Snowdon Lily, an arctic-alpine plant, and the rainbow-coloured Snowdon beetle are found, and the only place in the world where the Snowdonia hawkweed grows.

Welcome to the West Country you’ve imagined! Somerset is where you’ll find the green and pleasant aspect, the rolling landscape and the different way of life that is the true West Country of England. All the popular things are here as well. Somerset’s coastline has something for everyone. There is cider and cheese and you’ll discover many other Somerset delicacies. Thatched cottages, country churches, a huge variety of countryside and lots of things to see and do for all the family. Plenty of opportunities for an active time whether you want walking, riding, water sports, caving, golf and a host of others, or just relaxing if you feel like it.

Enjoy the rich heritage of buildings, castles, monuments and ruins, or the living traditions of crafts and customs. Come and search, with us, for the real King Arthur. The legends and folklore, the myths and mystery may disguise a real Dark Ages warrior whose deeds in Somerset have given rise to centuries of romantic speculation. There’s a lot to Somerset – do you know what you’re missing?

9.15. The following adjectives (A) are taken from the texts above. Match them with the nouns (B) to form collocations.

A) 1) magical / 2) glorious / 3) lively / 4) precious / 5) golden / 6) magnificent / 7) endless / 8) tranquil / 9) pleasant

B) a) landscape / b) coastline / c) countryside / d) area / e) valley / f) lake / g) paradise / h) atmosphere / i) jubilee / j) interest / k) age / l) weather / m) imagination / n) possibilities

9.16. Read the text below and match these topics with the paragraphs.

● Backpack problems ● How much to take

● Tops and trousers ● When it’s cold or wet

● Introduction ● Not a suitcase, not a rucksack