New cycling initiative launched in the Lake District

TV presenter Helen Skelton, of Blue Peter fame, has become one of the first people to experience an innovative new cycling initiative in the the Lake District.

 

The initiative aims to encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way



The event was the first in a series of 30 free guided group bike rides led by British Cycling trained Ride Leaders planned for the Lake District this summer.

 

Aimed at all age groups and experience levels, the Sky Ride Local rides encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way.

It is the first time Sky Ride Local has come to a National Park, and the GoLakes Travel programme has teamed up with British Cycling to bring the initiative to the region.

Between now and the end of September, Sky Ride Local rides will also take place around scenic spots such as Hawkshead, Coniston Bowness, Elterwater and Ambleside.

Starting points for the routes will also make the most of traffic-free cycle routes being enhanced through the GoLakes Travel programme, with many getting underway close to bike hire points. For some routes, there is even the option of hiring an electric bike.

Helen Skelton said: “I’m delighted to be one of the first to experience this new cycling initiative in what is probably one of the most perfect locations in the country to cycle. I love to leave the car at home and get out on my bike. Cycling is such an important sport for all ages to get involved in and this ride will bring cycling fans together from all different backgrounds and abilities to enjoy riding in such a stunning landscape”.

Claire Maclaine, GoLakes Travel Programme Manager added: “Sky Ride Local rides are a really exciting, way for people of all ages and abilities to explore experience and enjoy cycling in a unique natural setting. Go Lakes Travel is proud to be part of a fantastic year for cycling in Cumbria, with the county hosting the longest leg of the Tour of Britain in September. As part of this, we want to show that cycling is for everyone and what’s great about Sky Ride Local is that it’s free, accessible and genuinely aimed at building people’s confidence whether they’re a regular cyclist or not.”

To see the full list of Sky Ride Local rides in the Lake District, or to book a free place, visit: www.goskyride.com/lakes

 

TV star votes Penrith high street best in Britain

By Victoria Brenan

        

Penrith has been praised as having the best high street by Great British Bake-Off host Mel Giedroyc.

 

Mel Giedroyc



She said she had been visiting the town “since the year dot” after her mum grew up in the northern Lake District.

 

As part of a campaign launched by the Daily Telegraph – Reinventing the High Street – Mel sung the praises of Penrith and said it had her favourite high street.

 

“My attachment to Penrith’s high street is part nostalgia,” she said. “My mum grew up in the northern Lakes and so I’ve been going to Penrith every summer since the year dot.

 

“Now, when I go back with my own children, I love the fact that Arnisons, the department store with more than a hint of Grace Brothers, is still there on Middlegate, and Grahams, the deli in Market Square, continues to serve you everything over the counter. But my reasons are not all sepia-tinted.”

 

She said Penrith had a tourist trade because of its proximity to the Lake District but was no “chocolate-boxey high street.”

 

“The red stone suggests something more practical and it retains a strong sense of its own identity that enables it to mix the old with the new and still stay real,” she added.

 

“There are chains and a Morrisons. Plus, it is a community place, with a real sense of local people getting on with things as the minutes slip by on the clock tower. It is resolutely normal, but it manages to make normal shopping feel as if it isn’t a chore.”

 

 

Lake District in Cumbria ranks as third most popular UK 'staycation' hotspot

The Lake District is the third most popular domestic holiday hotspot for UK residents, new figures have shown.

 

Despite the dismal weather and tight household budgets, 2013 is going to be a record year for the ‘staycation’ trend as 65 per cent of Britons opt to take their summer holiday at home this year.

 

The holiday report reveals that the Lake District, which came second last year, ranked third behind London and Edinburgh.

 

For the first time in five years, Cornwall has lost its crown as the nation’s top 'staycation' destination and dropped to fourth.

 

The figures show a significant increase on the past two years, when 41 per cent and 35 per cent of Britons respectively took a domestic break.

 

With the average trip costing Britons £399.28 this year - a £34.19 reduction from last year - it is estimated this investment will boost the UK tourism industry by £12bn - up £3.3bn from last year.

 

The findings have been revealed in a new holiday index by Travelodge.

 

The hotel chain’s fifth annual holiday report surveyed 3,000 British adults to investigate their summer holiday intentions.

 

It revealed that 42 per cent of these people are taking a week’s holiday in the UK this summer, 15 per cent are indulging in a two-week break on British shores, and a third are splitting their holidays over three short domestic breaks so they can visit a series of locations.

 

Grant Hearn, Travelodge CEO said: “The 'staycation' trend accelerating to record levels and boosting our economy by £12bn this year is a very welcome sign, and hopefully this is the start of our 2012 Olympics legacy gain.

 

“During 2012, our capital city was showcased in its true glory to all corners of the UK and the world, and it’s a great result that London has been crowned as the top 'staycation' destination for 2013.

 

“However we cannot rest on our laurels, as one of Britain’s biggest business sectors, the opportunity to grow is still great.

 

“We are not yet near to unlocking the true potential of our industry.”

Competition Time - Win 2 Free Nights

Competition Time - 2 Free Nights to be won

 

On a positive note we announce our latest #GIVEAWAY:

We are giving away a 2 NIGHT STAY IN OUR LUXURY 5 STAR DUKE OF PORTLAND HOUSE!

Our aim is to reach 8,000 likes on our facebook page, with your help! A lucky person will #WIN this #luxury stay once we hit our target!
... 

 All you have to do is LIKE, ENTER & SHARE:

http://www.facebook.com/lakescottages/app_107061516149542

If you are accessing through a mobile device please follow:

http://l.inkto.it/508j
 

Duke of Portland Boathouse - Ullswater

 

New Lake District ‘Bike Bus’ service launched

The Lake District is a popular destination for mountain biking, family cycling outings and road riding alike (Seb Rogers/Future Publishing)

Saturday 4 May saw the launch of a new ‘Bike Bus’ service in the Lake District. The Stagecoach 800 runs the full length of England’s largest lake, Windermere, and has been specially converted to carry up to 12 bikes.

 

The new route includes the following popular stops around Windermere and links in with the ‘Bike Boat’ ferry shuttle from Brockhole to Wray:

• Ambleside (Kelsick Road)
• Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre
• Windermere train station
• Bowness-on-Windermere Pier
• Fell Foot Park
• Newby Bridge
• Lakeland Motor Museum
• Lakeside& Havethwaite Railway

For 2013, the Bike Bus will run on the following dates:

• 4 May – 14 July (Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays)
• 20 July – 1 September (daily)
• 7 Sept – 28 Sept (weekends only)

Claire Maclaine, programme manager for the GoLakes, supporter of the Bike Bus service, said: “The Bike Bus is another great way to help people to explore and enjoy our stunning landscape without the hassle of loading up car bike racks and fighting for parking spaces at the other end. This regular service is geared up specifically for the needs of cyclists and is ideal for families to hop on and off at a range of locations running the full length of Windermere.”

 

Two new leaflets are being produced to complement the service, ‘Rides from the Bike Bus’ and ‘Days out from the Bike Bus’. Printed on waterproof paper, they will both be available from late May. Alternatively, a full timetable can be viewed online.

 

Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route 6 runs east from Windermere, linking riders with Kendal and going on through the Howgills and Yorkshire Dales. There’s also a short family friendly bridleway ride on the west side of Windermere, through National Trust land, that can be accessed via the ferry that runs from Bowness-on-Windermere.

 

It’s about 20km to cycle the length of the lake one way, and there are mainly minor roads and bridleways on the west side and main roads on the east.

 

Violinist hits Lake District fells to help rescue team

A 20-MILE run over the Lake District’s highest peaks isn’t the usual way for a musician to prepare for a gig.

 

But that is exactly what accomplished violinist Tim Kliphuis has planned on not one but three days next week.

 

Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Dutchman is holding concerts at Hawkshead, Staveley and Keswick respectively with his band the Tim Kliphuis Trio.

 

Prior to each performance, he will scale a corresponding fell to raise money for the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.

 

Mr Kliphuis, who is already more than halfway towards his fundraising target of £500, said he was undertaking the unique challenge to show his appreciation for the “incredible work” carried out by the region’s rescue teams.

 

The first mountain to be conquered is Coniston Old Man on May 16, with the concert to follow at 7.30pm at Hawkshead Church.

 

He will then tackle the Kentmere Horseshoe the next day before performing at the Staveley Roadhouse from 7.30pm.

 

The final test comes on May 18 when he runs the Blencathra and Skiddaw mountains in the lead up to playing at the Keswick Mountain Festival.

 

Log on to www.justgiving.com/fiddlingonthefells for more information about the concerts, or to make a donation.

 

via North West Evening Mail | News | Violinist hits Lake District fells to help rescue team.

Lambing Season Continues in the Lake District

Newborn Lamb resting after delivery

Saw this sight on the way to work - a newborn lamb still struggling to find its feet.

 

The lambs this year have been very staggered with some having grown quite big already, yet more are still being born. A nice sight especially when the birthing happens so near to the walkway.

 

 

Newborn Lamb

 



Catamaran aids Windermere ranger work

A catamaran will be used by rangers to patrol England's longest lake, to reflect a shift in leisure activities.

 

Lake Windermere Launch Area

 

The Lake District National Park Authority said it would provide a more stable platform for their work on Windermere than the inflatable and motorboat currently used.

The Cheetah catamaran is similar to vessels used by police and the Environment Agency.

Rangers enforce by-laws, offer safety advice and carry out conservation work.

Park management ranger Sara Spicer said: "We are encouraging a shift from fast watersports towards sailing, paddle craft and open water swimming.

"As the emphasis alters, so does our role.

"These days an important part of our work is watching out for the ever-growing number of swimmers, advising them to be visible and boat users to be on the look-out for them."

Introducing The Lake District Dairy Co. Quark – a new, naturally fat free dairy ingredient

Introducing The Lake District Dairy Co. Quark 

A naturally fat free dairy ingredient, that’s set to add a new range of culinary options for health conscious consumers nationwide. Launching nationally this week in a variety of flavours; Original, Lemon, and Vanilla - The Lake District Dairy Co. British Quark offers itself as a truly versatile dairy ingredient that is great for cooking, mixing and baking.

For more information:  http://clarion.pressdoc.com/45082-introducing-the-lake-district-dairy-co-quark-dairy-s-new-guilt-free-everyday-cooking-ingredient

Carlisle Cottages Landing Page

Try our Carlisle Cottages Landing Page

 

Why not try our Carlisle landing page to find a cottage this weekend for the Pirelli Rally, being hosted in Carlisle.

 

As this area is steeped in history, offering many activities for couples, families and larger groups. There are also many cycling, shopping, and walking opportunities available in this area, as well as this being an extremely scenic and informative part of Cumbria. So if you need to find accommodation to holiday in this area or because you want to attend an event such as the Pirelli Rally then this page will help you find what you want much quicker.

 

The format and layout is similar to all our other landing pages, keeping it nicely conformed and easier for you to navigate through these pages to find exactly what you require in less time, giving you more time to dream of your holiday, rather than fretting over whether you can find something.

 

You can find our Carlisle Cottages landing page by clicking on the highlighted text. Pass the webpage onto your friends and family as you never know when it may come in handy. +1 this post at the bottom of the screen or alternatively like us on our facebook page or tweet us. Our aim is to help you find the right cottage at the right price in the right area.

 

Using this page will help you to find and book your holiday cottage much quicker and easier, just try it....

 

Talkin Tarn Picture

Talkin Tarn near Brampton, Carlisle

Talkin Tarn is a 65-acre lake amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland, making it the ideal place for active recreation or a quiet stroll.

Other Benefits
• Enjoy the sylvan setting of Talkin Tarn
• Walk the 1.3 mile circuit, feed the ducks, browse artworks
• Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
• Children's play area next to tearoom

Book a cottage this weekend for a short break http://tinyurl.com/c4lc2ue

 

Talkin Tarn

 

Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally 4/5th May

Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally - Carlisle

 

The Pirelli Richard Burns Foundation Rally will take place over the weekend of 4th/ 5th May and will be based in Carlisle with a ceremonial civic start in the city centre while rally headquarters, the Pirelli Rally Show and the central service area will all be located at Carlisle Racecourse.

Weekend not to be missed, we have cottages available for this weekend with the weather set to be dry and sunny http://tinyurl.com/csxzck5

 

 

Cornwall Cottages - Save 15% off week bookings in May

Cornwall Cottages - Save 15% off

 

These three cottages in Cornwall are offering 15% off 7 night bookings throughout May.

The Old Barn sleeps 2 and is ideal for couples or a romantic getaway.
Sarahs Cottage sleeps 4 with a four poster bed and wood burning stove.
Primrose Cottage sleeps 4 close top the beach and is an ideal hideaway retreat.

All three cottages enjoy views over the garden and many activities are nearby such as walking, cycling, fishing, golf and pony trekking.

To book one of these cottages for May http://tinyurl.com/boky3fl

 

Sarahs Cottage

Primrose Cottage

The Old Barn

 

Festival News - Whitehaven June 2013

Whitehaven Festival Friday 21st - 23rd June - Not to be missed!!

 The Whitehaven Festival a mix of Live Music, Street Theatre, visiting ships, Air Shows and markets that takes place in and around the beautiful Harbour area of Whitehaven.

Friday 21st June - McFly
Saturay 22nd June - Spectacular 70's Concert featuring Slade, The Sweet and Bruce Foxton's from The Jam performing hit songs from their collective 11 number 1's
Sunday 23rd June - Decades of Music, Afternoon Charity Concert and Bay City Rollers and more.

Let us help you find a cottage for this weekend http://tinyurl.com/catttyy


There is also the ever popular and growing Celebrity Chef area hosted by Jean Christophe Novelli and guests. This is fast becoming the most popular element of this weekend.

 

For more details http://www.richardsonsofwhitehaven.co.uk/whitehaven-festival

 

See more

 

Do you want to buy into an Investment opportunity

Investment Opportunities

New!!!

Come into our Windermere office or our Keswick office to view our holiday cottages that are available to buy, advice given to anyone thinking of purchasing in the north or south lakes area. We look forward to meeting you!

 

We can offer you many styles to suit your needs, such as Lodges, Cottages or Apartments many of which already have an excellent holiday letting record, and sold with future bookings.

 

Bassenthwaite Lodge for Sale

Rowan Cottage in Grasmere for Sale

                        

The Beeches, Fieldside Grange, Keswick for Sale

                                           
 For more opportunities http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/lodges-for-sale

                                       http://www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk/lake-district-holiday-cottages-for-sale

 

We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions!

 

Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite

Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite

 

The birds have been identified as a new pair

A pair of Ospreys has set up home in the Lake District, with experts hoping for a 13th breeding season.

The birds are thought to be different to ones which have nested at the site in previous years.

 

A total of 24 chicks have been raised near Bassenthwaite since 2001, when ospreys returned to the area after an absence of more than 150 years.

 

The Lake District Osprey Project (LDOP) said it would be "fantastic" if more arrived.

 

Distinctive markings

Nathan Fox, of the LDOP, said: "We are really excited to have these two birds at the nest site.

 

"It's interesting they are different birds to previous years.

 

"The female is unringed and we believe she is a different bird, but the male, who is also unringed, is definitely a new visitor here as he has distinctive markings."

 

The Lake District Osprey Project is managed by a partnership of the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority and the RSPB.

 

Volunteers provide 24-hour nest protection, and staff the viewpoint at Dodd Wood and the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, where there are plans to screen live "nest-cam" pictures.

 

via BBC News - Lake District ospreys: new pair at Bassenthwaite.

 

Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust

Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust

John McHale, Reporter

 

A charity that owns and manages large swathes of the Lake District will benefit from a mountain festival in the area.

 

Keswick Mountain Festival announced the National Trust as its official charity partner for the 2013 event.

 

Organisers of the May festival said during the lead up to the festival and throughout the event, visitors will be encouraged to make donations to the trust.

 

The site of the festival village is on National Trust land in Crow Park and the trust will have a strong presence there during the event, offering information about its work and sites, and fundraising.

 

In addition, a percentage of sales from the KMF Buff, designed by local schoolgirl Rosie Walker, will be donated to the National Trust.

 

Lucy Scrase, festival director, said: “Keswick Mountain Festival is a celebration of the outdoors, here in the Lake District and throughout the UK.

 

“Many of the most popular destinations in our country are on National Trust land and we are keen to support the trust’s efforts to take care of that land and continue to enable the public to visit and enjoy the amazing landscapes we have in the UK.

 

“By teaming with the trust, we hope to be able to highlight the great work that the organisation does and raise some money to help sustain that.”

 

Mike Innerdale, the trust’s assistant director for Cumbria and Lake District, said: “Keswick Mountain Festival shares many of the National Trust’s values: we both want to see families enjoying their time in the outdoors.

 

“Keswick Mountain Festival offers a unique introduction to this amazing landscape and it’s a great place to start building a love of the Lakes.”

 

Now in its seventh year, Keswick Mountain Festival will run from 15 to 19 May.

 

via grough — Keswick Mountain Festival teams up to help National Trust.

 

£100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere (From The Westmorland Gazette)

£100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere

By Hannah Upton

 

NATIONAL Trust workers at a former Lake District home of William Wordsworth were left open-mouthed when a surprise benefactor turned up with a cheque for £100,000.

 

Allan Bank in Grasmere, which was later home to one of the trust's founders, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, was opened to the public for the first time last year after it was devastated by fire in 2011.

 

Staff had no idea that when they showed visitor Antony Elliot around the Georgian villa that he would present them with the donation on behalf of his cousin Brenda Donoghue.

 

The former nurse left the bequest to the National Trust in the Lake District when she died last April, aged 83.

 

After visiting the house, Mr Elliot declared she would have approved of restoration work there as she loved gardens and literature.

 

He said: "My cousin loved books and beautiful colourful gardens and, though she had no children of her own, she delighted in seeing children play.

 

"Restoring the house and garden at Allan Bank for future generations is a wonderful and fitting memorial to her and I look forward to seeing her legacy come to life."

 

Manager Dave Almond said: "This will allow us to continue some of the vital work needed to restore and conserve Allan Bank.

 

"This is the first step in a very exciting project that will allow us to recreate the original views and restore the kitchen garden, as well as creating more spaces for books and reading.

 

"Mrs Donoghue's gift will ensure that we can continue to bring Allan Bank back to life."

 

Visitor services supervisor Elaine Taylor said Mr Elliot, who visited the house with his wife and son, had already pledged to return to Allan Bank in the summer.

 

She said a lot of the work done at the home, which has mostly bare walls and basic furniture, has been to keep a relaxed, interactive feel where visitors could enjoy a 'home from home'.

 

"Children and adults can play freely here, inside and out, they can create paintings of the views from the house, spot red squirrels in the grounds, take part in crafting, or just sit and read quietly.

 

"When we first opened we asked visitors to suggest what we should do with the house, and they said leave it as it is."

 

Wordsworth leased the property, which he previously said marred his views from Dove Cottage, for three years from 1808.

 

The house is open seven days a week and staff said they were always on the lookout for volunteers to welcome visitors.

 

via £100,000 bequest puts new life into William Wordsworth's former home at Grasmere (From The Westmorland Gazette).

How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back | Airport Lost and Found - Worldwide Lost and Found Database

How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back

Posted by Airport Lost and Found Staff

 

The Woes Of Airport Lost And Found

 

Millions of bags are lost or mishandled every year. Because of the headache it causes, many frequent flyers try to fit all of their belongings into their carry-ons whenever possible. Even the most well-known and trusted airport, such as DFW and JFK, lose hundreds of bags a year.

 

Bags are lost for a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes are bag-tag mix-up and mistake identity. Over half of misplaced bags happen to passengers with connecting flight, especially in cases where there are short layovers. Passengers are encouraged to be part of the solution by making sure proper contact information is on their luggage. Some even suggest tying a brightly colored bow or ribbon to luggage to make it stand out. This can make finding it at the baggage claim much easier and reduces the chance someone else will take the wrong bag accidentally.

 

In addition to lost checked-baggage, there are many individuals items people loose at the airport. Some items are lost throughout the airport others are left behind on plane seats. When returned to terminal employees, they are stored in airport lost and found areas, often right with unclaimed and lost bags.

 

In the case of missing items, it is best to take immediate action. Find an employee and report your problem, providing as much detail as possible on the missing items. Additionally, here at AirportLostAndFound.com, we can help you locate your missing articles. On our site you can file a lost property claim or search our listing of found items. Individuals can also post items they have found. We work with a large number of airports to get your items back to you in a timely manner. Most large American airports are included in our database including Atlanta, Newark, Denver, San Francisco, Miami, Minneapolis, Ronald Reagan National Washington, Detroit and Chicago.

 

Check out our infographic for some helpful information on lost baggage and then feel free to explore the rest of our website.

 

unclaimed baggage

 

via How to Get Your Lost Luggage and Unclaimed Baggage Back | Airport Lost and Found - Worldwide Lost and Found Database.

Cartmel Races how to find a cottage quickly and easy for this area

Launch of our Cartmel Cottages Landing Page

We have designed another landing page specifically for the Cartmel area in the Lake District. This page was designed and launched to help you find some interesting historical cottages in this area of the Lakes. As this area is steeped in history and has the added bonus of the Cartmel Races which everyone loves to go to. There are also many cycling, shopping, and walking opportunities available in this area, as well as this being an extremely picturesque part of the Lake District. So if you need to find accommodation to holiday in this area or because you want to attend an event such as the races then this page will help you find what you want much quicker.

A diverse area that would appeal to all, you will find that your holiday may be too short due to all the possibilities. The format and layout is similar to all our other landing pages, keeping it nicely conformed and easier for you to navigate through these pages to find exactly what you require in less time, giving you more time to dream of your holiday, rather than fretting over whether you can find something.

You can find our Cartmel Cottages landing page by clicking on the highlighted text. Pass the webpage onto your friends and family as you never know when it may come in handy. +1 this post at the bottom of the screen or alternatively like us on our facebook page or tweet us. Our aim is to help you find the right cottage at the right price in the right area.

 

Using this page will help you to find and book your holiday cottage much quicker and easier, just try it....