Hidden gems in the Lake District, UK: A stunning lake view you can reach in 30 minutes

On my way back to Manchester from Edinburgh, I set aside a day to explore the Lake District in the UK. Compared to the bustling Lake Windermere, Derwentwater is much less crowded. As the third largest lake in the Lake District, it was also a filming location for the movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." · This time, instead of going directly to the lake, we hiked the Latrigg trail, located on the northern hillside of Keswick. Latrigg is only 368m above sea level, making it the lowest fell in the Lake District, but the views are absolutely stunning, making it a great choice for slow-paced travelers. There's no need to rush or push yourself to the limit on this hike. What's even better is that it's not as crowded as other popular hiking trails in the Lake District. Just take a leisurely stroll and you'll be rewarded with the most breathtaking scenery the Lake District has to offer. · You can drive to the parking lot closest to the start of the trail. The mountain road is a bit narrow, so large vehicles can't pass. The parking lot has space for about 10 cars. From here, it's only an 800m hike with a 60m elevation gain to reach the summit viewpoint. The trail is very gentle. I went with my parents this time, and they were able to complete it with ease. · It took us about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the middle of the mountain. Here, the views gradually opened up, and the outline of Derwentwater began to appear. You can also see Bassenthwaite Lake on the other side, but it's a bit far away. The hike passes through rolling pastures filled with real-life "Shaun the Sheep," also known as black-faced sheep. They aren't afraid of people at all and graze leisurely, even curiously looking at you, making them perfect for taking pictures. · From the middle of the mountain to the summit, you'll continue hiking towards Derwentwater, gradually losing sight of Bassenthwaite Lake. Once you reach the summit, you'll be greeted by an open meadow. The view is well worth it—the entire Derwentwater is laid out before you, the lake surface like a piece of emerald green jade, with boats slowly gliding across it. In the distance, the mountains rise and fall, and you can also see the town of Keswick, surrounded by Victorian-style stone houses. · Don't miss the lone bench at the summit, where you can sit and take pictures with the backdrop of the rolling hills and lake, creating a full sense of atmosphere. Remember to bring a jacket, as it can be windy at the summit and a bit cold in the morning and evening.