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.

What a day - Will it last

Now the weather is so good you will want to maximise on your opprtunities and enjoy a break in the Lake District and soak in the views as shown in the picture.

We have many great offers and discounted properties to help reduce your costs, so book now and enjoy the sunny Lakes.

http://tinyurl.com/bpwbzew

Daffodils appreciating the view



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

Save 30% off 7 night bookings in June and July in these luxurious and spacious properties in Perthshire, Scotland

Perthshire, Scotland properties offering 30% discounts off week bookings in June and July

Tay Views - sleeps 4

Tay Views, Perthshire, Scotland - Lounge

Tay Views, Perthshire, Scotland - Bedroom

A delightful centrally located first floor apartment with stunning views over the River Tay. In a B-listed building this apartment offers modern conveniences, furnished to a high standard with double glazed sash windows and high ceilings and wifi provided. Book it now http://tinyurl.com/d2gctpu
 

Locherlour Mill Cottage - sleeps 2/4 

Locherlour Mill Cottage, Perthshire, Scotland - Property

Locherlour Mill Cottage, Perthshire, Scotland - Lounge

 

This cottage has character, charm and warmth and has been decorated to a very high standard. A single floor luxurious and spacious annex. The cottage gives guests privacy, peace and quiet with your own entrance, parking area and courtyard with stunning south facing panoramic views. To book now http://tinyurl.com/bs2jjb5