Ullswater was apparently voted the most beautiful spot in the Lake District in a recent poll of residents - and who are we to disagree?

While nearby Wastwater may have beaten this idyllic area to the title of "Britain's Favourite View", those in the know champion Cumbria's second largest lake.

With glorious rolling hills and stunning views of distant snow-topped mountains, scenery doesn't get much better than this.

The Lake District is walking country and Ullswater boasts some pretty spectacular options. There are literally hundreds of footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes to suit all levels of enthusiasm and ability.

Ullswater hosts its own walking festival, from May 10 until May 18, which offers three fully guided walks every day plus evening entertainment, equipment demonstrations and leaflets for walks without guides.

A convenient way to explore the lake is to leave your car at Glenridding, take an Ullswater Steamer up to Howtown and walk back along the lakeside paths.The seven mile walk from Howtown Pier to Glenridding Pier House takes three to four hours and takes in secluded bays, wooded shorelines and waterfalls.