Windermere is the longest lake, 10.5 miles long. At its most northerly point is Ambleside and Bowness on Windermere is set on the East bank of the lake. Bowness is the longer established of the two and many think of them as one town. Windermere, the town, is relatively new being created by the Victorians. With the introduction of the railway, the area diversified into tourism. Whereas only the well to do could previously afford to holiday in the Lakes, now everybody could enjoy outdoor pursuits and the clean air. Today the lake is still popular thanks to its rail and road links. The Grizdale Forest, on the West side of Windermere, offers sculpture trails, walks through ancient forest land and cycle routes along paths winding between the trees. As you would expect, there is a ferry service which runs the length of the Lake, www.steamboat.co.uk.
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