The Lake District is inspirational at any time of year, as many a poet has found. But you don't have to be Wordsworth or Coleridge to be moved by the views of this magical rural retreat. Glorious lakes, towering fells and winding pathways will tempt you round the next corner, to the next view.

But for Sally Whittaker, there's only one view: Wastwater, England's deepest and possibly most scenic lake. Surrounded by stately mountains such as Great Gable, Red Pike and Scafell Pike (England's highest peak), Wastwater is a climbers' mecca - indeed, the valley and its mountains gave rise to the sport of rock climbing.

The winding lakeshore road to the head of Wasdale Valley gives impressive views of the famous screes dropping dramatically to the water's edge. Tiny St Olaf's church is dwarfed by the natural magnificence of this magnetic setting.

"This landscape has fired up the imaginations of painters, poets and climbers. And it's not lost any of its power to surprise, charm and thrill us today. I have been coming here for near on twenty years now with my family... and it holds dear memories for me."

Sally Whittaker