Sports and the Outdoors

Grizedale Forest Park. Stretching southwest from Hawkshead and blanketing the hills between Coniston and Windermere, Grizedale Forest Park has a thick mix of oak, pine, and larch woods crisscrossed with biking and walking paths. Forty permanent outdoor sculptures are scattered beside the trails and more are planned. The visitor center has information, maps, a café, and an adventure playground. Off B5286, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 OQJ. 0300/067--4495; www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale.

Grizedale Mountain Bikes. If you have the urge to explore the trails of the national park, Grizedale Mountain Bikes rents all the right equipment, with bicycles from £35 per day. They also have a workshop staffed by mechanics if you need to service or repair your own bike. Grizedale Forest Park Visitor Centre, off B5286, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 OQJ. 01229/860335; www.grizedalemountainbikes.co.uk.