Gaynors

Gaynors is a family run and owned business in Ambleside, right in the heart of the Lake District, and it's built its reputation on genuinely knowing outdoor kit. The shop spreads across three floors, with walking shoes and boots getting serious space (around 700 pairs of shoes and 1,400 pairs of boots on display alone), plus dedicated departments for base layers, waterproofs, insulation, ski wear, camping and multi-sport gear.

The edit leans heritage and technical outdoor, with a fair bit of gorpcore appeal for anyone who likes their kit functional but good looking. Expect names like Karrimor, Craghoppers, Sprayway and Regatta alongside specialist footwear brands such as Altberg, Asolo, Dolomite and Zamberlan, with Bridgedale, Darn Tough and CamelBak covering the details. Staff know the fells and the fabrics equally well.