YOU don't have to be an outdoors person to enjoy the Lake District - believe me, I know because I'm not and I loved my weekend in the heart of extraordinary Cumbrian countryside.

Taking the bare essentials - toiletries, towels, tent and tinnies - my boyfriend Jo and I set off for the hills, or rather mountains, in search of fresh air and relaxation.

We chose Great Langdale, a campsite at the foot of Scarfell Pike, which was around 10 miles from Ambleside. The weather was beautiful, hence our decision to sleep under canvas, and the place was packed with walkers, hikers, climbers, cyclists and just plain novices, like myself.

Make sure you check the campsite facilities. Langdales' were excellent with hot showers, spotlessly clean toilets, a kitchen area and an on-site shop.

But one word of warning - make sure you take plenty of money. A two-night stay for two adults, a tent and a car parking space cost £16 (the set price for any National Trust campsite).

In the three local pubs - the only ones within a 10-mile radius - a pint of weak lager cost around £2. A bowl of soup and a roll cost an extortionate £3.

Shop around for things like mountain bike hire - the best value I found was £12.50 for a day (10am to 5.30pm). Don't bother with half-day hire because the majority of the charge is for cleaning and maintaining the bikes after use.

If you prefer a more sedate activity, such as fishing or boating, make sure you have the relevant permits. Although many lakes come under the National Trust banner, you still need the paperwork and nothing is completely free.

If you're taking the whole clan, local attractions offer cut-price admission fees so it's worth contacting a tourist information centre for details.

One such attraction, Acorn Bank Gardens in Temple Sowerby, is six miles east of Penrith and is a beautiful riverside oasis of gardens, floral displays and woodland walks.

Ambleside is Beatrix Potter land and two places worth a visit are her Hill Top retreat, near Sawrey, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead.

Admission is free to these, and many other venues, if you are a member of the National Trust. If not, expect to pay around £2 to £4 for adults and £1 to £2 for children.

If you want to make the most of the Lakes it pays to stay a little longer than a weekend and remember to get your hands on copies of the National Trust's events and tours brochures. And, if you're not familiar with the area, a good map and guide book will save you from getting lost on confusing country roads with irregular signposts.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.