Independent Publishing Network
The Lake District gets millions of visitors a year. Online, it is covered by generic aggregators, outdated directories, and tourist board content written for nobody in particular. We are building something better.
Explore the Network54.4609° N, 3.0886° W
Our Purpose
Sixteen lakes. Two hundred and fourteen Wainwright fells. Ospreys returned to breed after a 150-year absence. Red deer rut in Martindale. Red squirrels in Grizedale. One of the most-visited national parks in Europe. And online, almost all of it is covered by the same handful of aggregators, tourist board pages, and TripAdvisor results that have not materially changed in a decade.
The Lakes Network exists to change that. Three independent editorial guides, each covering a specific audience, each built with genuine knowledge of the places, the routes, and the wildlife. No tourist board funding. No sponsored editorial. Opinions formed by people who actually walk the fells, watch the birds, and know the difference between a tarn and a mere.
We are independent. Revenue comes from affiliate commissions and featured listings, disclosed clearly. Our editorial independence is not negotiable.
The Network
Each site covers a distinct audience. Together they cover the Lake District properly.
thelakesguide.co.uk
The visitor guide to the Lake District. Villages, restaurants, accommodation, walks, and everything needed to plan a trip. Built for UK day trippers and short-break visitors who want to know what is actually worth their time.
thelakesguide.co.ukthelakeswildlife.co.uk
Species database and nature guides for the Lake District. Birds, mammals, plants, insects. Where to see ospreys at Haweswater, red deer in Martindale, red squirrels in Grizedale, and the upland butterflies of the fells. Practical field knowledge, not brochure copy.
thelakeswildlife.co.ukhikethelakes.com
The Wainwright fells. All 214. Route guides, conditions, practical advice, and what to expect on each summit. Built for the international walking audience that travels specifically to complete the Wainwrights — available in 20 languages including Japanese, German, and Scandinavian.
hikethelakes.comWhat We Stand For
01
No tourist board funding. No council budget. No sponsored editorial. Revenue comes from affiliate commissions and featured listings, disclosed clearly on every page. Our opinions belong to us.
02
Written by someone who walks the fells, watches the ospreys, and knows which pub lets you in with wet boots. Not content farms. Not AI-generated listicles. Knowledge formed by actually being there.
03
Built for the visitor making a decision — which route, where to stay, when the deer rut is on, how to get to Haweswater without a car. Practical first. Atmospheric second.
04
The Lake District is genuinely world-class. Wainwright completionists from Japan and Germany travel thousands of miles specifically to walk these fells. We are building guides worthy of what is here.
Work With the Network
We work with local businesses, conservation groups, tourism organisations, and partners who share our commitment to the Lake District. Featured listings, partnership opportunities, press enquiries, and advertising, all considered.
Or just get in touch directly:
hello@thelakes.network