Explore a timeless and mystical landscape that some say has been 370 million years in the making. The chain of mountains that forms the tier has more than 3000 lakes and tarns and its alpine environment is so rare that it is protected as a World Heritage Area. In this ancient landscape, limestone caves are a world away below the surface and hidden valleys shelter farming villages first settled in the early 1800s. The area is popular for its walks, waterfalls, historic homes, gardens, artists and craftspeople.