It’s not uncommon to spot a Mountain Goat vehicle driving around the Lake District, ferrying visitors to some of the most interesting sights and attractions.
And, as you'll discover if you try one, these tours are great for locals too!
There are several to choose from, offering a fresh insight to our local area.
You can opt for the Ten Lakes Spectacular: a full day tour which takes in some of Cumbria’s largest, deepest, and most beautiful lakes – including Windermere, Crummock Water, and Derwentwater to name a few.
Beginning in Windermere, you first learn about how White Cross Bay, now a holiday park, was once an aeroplane factory and many years ago seaplanes regularly took off from Windermere. Today, the lake is popular for everything from sailing and paddleboarding to swimming and boat trips with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Honister Slate Mine, one of the highest stopping points on the tour, has quarried slate for over 350 years. Still a working slate mine, it’s also a multi-purpose venue featuring activities like Via Ferrata climbing, mine tours and more.
The Mountain Goat tour only pauses here briefly but it’s enough to inspire ideas for a future day out.
As well as Honister Pass, the tour also travels over Kirkstone Pass: the highest in the Lakes, peaking at 1,500 feet.
In addition to Cumbria’s culture, history and geography, your tour guide for the day offers an insight into the lives of some of the area’s most famous residents.
Both Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth found inspiration across our landscapes, with the latter living in Grasmere at Allan Bank and Dove Cottage – both of which are now open to visitors.
Wordsworth’s gravestone, along with those of his sister Dorothy and wife Mary, can be found in the village; just a few steps away, you’ll find the Grasmere Gingerbread shop.
The tour also plays homage to Donald Campbell, who broke his first water speed record on Ullswater in 1955 and tragically died on Coniston water in 1967.
Today, visitors can learn more about him at The Ruskin Museum, where the Bluebird K7 hydroplane is displayed.
The Ten Lakes Spectacular is a great introduction to the central Lake District, offering both visitors and locals a chance to discover new places and learn more about those you already know.
For bookings and more information visit www.mountain-goat.com/Lake-District/Windermere
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