‘It’s fantastic to see’: Lake District warms to its new ‘trendy’ status

People from younger and more diverse demographics are exploring area amid boom in nature trips

There are still plenty of lean, grizzled oldies in well-worn gear zipping effortlessly up Lakeland hills like it's a walk to the corner shop. But there are also younger and more diverse communities exploring the area as hiking, climbing and enjoying nature become fashionable and trendy" again.

It is absolutely fantastic," said Richard Leafe, the chief executive of the Lake District national park. This is what it is all about."