Durban North resident takes on scenic cycle through UK’s Lake District

THE Lake District in the UK is famed for its picturesque lakes, forests and fells and is often touted as one of the best places to holiday in England.

The landscape has also served as an inspiration for many poets, including William Wordsworth, who found inspiration from the natural beauty.

One of the best ways to experience that beauty is to cycle through the Lake District, which offers a range of cycle routes with fantastic views along the way.

This was what inspired Durban North resident Jessica Hayes-Hill to spend her holiday cycling through the district, covering more than 260km in four days.

Jessica cycled with her brother, Jarred, who lives in the UK and who had done the trip before.

“The best thing about the cycle was we could choose the route we wanted to cycle, how far we wanted to go and where we wanted to go. It was just so liberating getting on my bicycle and riding from one destination to the next. Jarred pre-booked Airbnbs along the way, which was amazing. We knew where we needed to go, but we’d only planned the route the night before. We started in Penrith in Cumbria and ended four days later in Leeds.

“We’d just go onto Google Maps, plot a route, preferably on country roads, and take off. The four days cycling through the countryside were so beautiful and such an amazing experience. I found myself constantly wanting to stop to take photos because there is so much to see. The great thing was there was no time pressure, so we cycled at a relaxed pace and took in the surroundings,” she said.

While she was greeted by sunny weather for most of her trip, the cycle on Day 3 proved to be the most challenging.

“I was warned about the hills before setting off. People would say ‘beware of the hills’, and it hit me on Day 3,” she explained. “It was just really challenging, both mentally and physically. We cycled 75 kilometres in total that day, but the cold and misty conditions, along with so many hills, made it really tough.”

Jessica also got the chance to experience the Seven Sisters hike of 21.5km from Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex.

However, the crowning glory was the cycle through the Lake District.

“I would highly recommend that any traveller or adventurer who is looking for natural beauty, and an escape from the hustle and bustle, to cycle through the Lake District. I also got to spend invaluable time with my brother and experience something that was life-changing. It has completely changed my view on how to have a holiday. I now envision flying to countries, renting a bicycle and cycling from place to place,” she said.