The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking views on the globe and the race is on to give viewers that up-close-and-personal experience using the Internet.

The latest to offer up a buffet of Lake District images is Cumbria County Council which is serving up its archives, being made available for the first time to anyone browsing the Internet. But, waitthere are more sites to whet your viewing appetite.

The CCC web site, called English Lake District: A Living Landscape, is located at http://www.cumbrialakes.org and has just been officially launched. The site not only brings the history of the Lakes in pictures alive, but is preserving the past for future generations in one of the most environmentally friendly mediums available the Internet. This is in addition to the recently launched 3D online tour of the Lakes at http://www.virtualcumbria.net

One can't talk about the Lakes, without talking about water. For a soothing site visit the water that works' site at http://www.lakelandwillowwater.com Lakeland Willow says its water contains the natural compound Salicin which is nature's version of aspirin. Find out more about this Flookborough company and its offerings.

The Lakes offer a variety of water transport options from canals, to canoes, to extreme sports. Start by whetting your appetite with a visit to http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to check out some fantastic cruising and views. If you want a chance to work in the Lakes, check out their jobs for this summer. For a cruise on Windermere visit http://www.steamboat.co.uk a site with enticing views. Coniston's http://www.conistonlaunch.co.uk offers lake cruises as well as walks information. For the more adventurous, extreme sport options are available at http://www.canyoucanoe.co.uk They offer a photo gallery so you can see for yourself what extreme sports are also available.

Of course, these waters also beckon fishermen. Fishing for web sites of this nature proved challenging and catching the big one proved illusive. However, a number of interesting sites did come up in the search. You can weigh them up for the best option. An outdated, but very informative site, is http://www.where-to-fish.com which has a built-in search function which was well populated with descriptions of various areas. You would have to check with the Lake District National Park Authority at http://www.lake-district.gov.uk for current fishing guidelines in the park. Other sites by Lakes fishing enthusiasts include http://www.lakedistrictfishing.net http://www.lakesnw.co.uk/fishing/fishing.htm and http://www.lakedistrictletsgo.co.uk/fishing/fishing_main.html. However, a word of caution - not all of these sites are fresh'. Before you make your first cast, ensure your information on locations and what is allowed is the latest version.

Visit our Lakes Guide section for links to more interesting Places to Go and Things to Do in the Lake District. Happy surfing.

Site of the week: Check out our Lakes Quiz and Photo Year of Freshwater competitions in our Competitions section online. Water is the theme running through these two great opportunitites.

April 10, 2003 11:30