The English Lake District is a relatively small area - 60km by 40km - but has an extensive variety of landscape. It is located in the north, west of England, close to the Scottish border. The many lakes scattered around the area are located in a series of valleys which radiate from the central massif.

The mountains, known as fells, reach to a height of 3210ft (978m) with Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. The many other fells throughout the area throw out a challenge for walkers. The recent "Lakeland Fells" guide is the authoritative walking guide to the area produced by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club.

A vast number of crags adorn the fells and valleys. The main rock type is the igneous rock of the Borrowdale Volcanic Series; however there are crags of slate and granite, as well as Limestone and Sandstone. Both traditional (nut protected) and bolt protected routes co-exist in the area - though there is a strict policy as to where bolts should be placed. Many excellent rock climbs of all grades can be found through out the area. Details of these climbs are available in the definitive guides and forthcoming selective guide which are produced by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club.