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.

 

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

 



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

 

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.

 

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.

Snowy Picture

Geltsdale enjoyed a nice layer of snow yesterday.

 

 

Updated Cover Picture

Updated Cover Picture

 

We have updated our cover picture on our facebook page.

 

 

Which do you think is the better picture?

 

 

We would love to hear which photo you prefer and why, let us know?

 

This is a great face! by Bear Nibbles

Family bath time!!

 

Let's see who can come up wtih the best caption?

Competition Winner - 2 Night Stay

Winner Announcement

CONGRATULATIONS Anna Richardson!! You have won a 2 night stay at our Lakeland Cottage in the heart of the beautiful lakes!!!

Well done!!!

Thank you for the support guys..

We will be running more competitions soon..!

 

Keep checking our blog for more details...

 

 

Keswick Film Festival 21st - 24th February 2013

Come and Enjoy the Views - Weekend for all Tastes

The 14th Keswick Film

 

This weekend coming will overload your senses! Choose from an exciting and original mix of around 30 UK and international films, previews and UK premieres and experience the stunning views of the Lake District all in this one weekend. Presented by the Keswick Film Festival.

 

Great films and guests confirmed include the patron John Hurt and Anwen Rees-Myers, Don Boyd, Tony Britten and many more. Come and enjoy a weekend of fantastic views, both inside the cinemas and out!

 

Offering films to tickle the senses, that would be taste, hearing, touch, smell and sight. Also featuring films which take an unusual look at education. There will also be two fantastic films in the IMAX which will look great on the big screen.

 

The Osprey Short Film Awards will be presenting the work of local film-makers both young and old, with the annual Audience Award and the opening party, which will be free to pass holders.

 

Venues

• Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
• The Alhambra Cinema, Keswick
• IMAX Cinema, Rheged, Penrith

 

Which films are showing

 

Kauwboy

Suicide Room

Evil

Rupture

Ashes

Circumstance

The Wave

Good Vibrations

Yossi

About Elly

Men at Lunch

I Wish

Found Memories

A Simple Life

Chasing Ice

Nostalgia for the Light

Tulpan

Everyday

Touch

The Man with the Jazz

Guitar

War Requiem

Habibi

Stealing a Nation

Back to the Square

Junction for having fun

Nightbreed - the Cabal Cut

The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh

La Pirogue

McCullin

Play

Peace and Conflict

and many more films....

 

Bookings and Further Details

Tickets and passes for the festival can be booked via the Theatre by the Lake box office:

Call:  017687 74411
Visit: www.theatrebythelake.co.uk

Further details on the festival including film trailers, guest speakers and the latest programme visit www.keswickfilmfestival.org

 

 Design by Split

 

Self-Assembly Swedish Crime Thriller!! - Presented by Lipservice Theatre

Inspector Norse - Wed 13th & Thu 14th February - 7:30pm

Inspector Norse

or (The Girl With Two Screws Left Over)

Cast off your preconceptions of Nordic Noir as the cast weaves a web of mystery leaving you in stitches! By the way the set is partially knitted.
 

Stage is set in a bitter midwinter, with ex-popstar recluse Freya lookig out of her cabin at the rural winter scene. Smiling, she turns back to her meatballs, but who is the stranger striding across the frozen wastes? carrying a chisel and wearing a fur hat. Days later a man is found dead in a barn nearby with a bizarre message carved on his forehead.

Inspector Sandra Larsson enters in her authentic, rustic knitwear, with her own personal life unravelling before your eyes, it is up to her to follow the pattern of a mystery with many holes.

"A thrilling yarn" sure to give you many laughs and entertainment. Presented on the 13th and 14th February at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, not to be missed!

 

 

 

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

 

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Open Day

Cockermouth Mountain rescue open day

Saturday 23rd February 2013

 

As part of the Mountain Rescue Teams 60th year celebrations the Base in Cockermouth will be opened to the public from 2pm on Saturday the 23 February. Light refreshments, presentations, tour of the Base and a look at equipment and vehicles etc.

For more information or to speak with Chris please call the Hotel and we can put you in touch.

If you have a social media feed please share this.

 

Buttermere Apartments for self catering holidays

 

 

The Parson's Pirates - presented by Opera Della Luna

The Parson's Pirates - Mon 11th & Tue 12th February - 7:30pm

AN EVENING OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN

 

(Including a full performance of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE)

Opera Della Luna will be presenting this play at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. Established in 1994 they have quickly established themselves as a highly original and innovative ensemble of comedians and singers.

You will have a riotous evening of comedy, glittering costumes, exceptional singing and the delightful music from Gilbert & Sullivan.

The Reverend Bender and his intrepid band of thespians take to the road again with the fastest, and frothiest performance of The Pirates of Penzance that you will ever see.

You will not want to miss this comedy play as it is only showing in Keswick for the 2 nights listed above. Make sure you either book your tickets, otherwise arrive very early as they are expecting a sell-out.

 

 

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

 



Sneak Preview New 2013 Brochure Cover

Here is a sneak preview of our new 2013 brochure cover due to be released next week full of exciting new cottages throughout the UK & Ireland!

Did you know we also have cottages throughout England, Scotland & Ireland not just the Lake District?

Cottage Holiday Group's new 2013 brochure is out next week full of exciting new cottages! www.cottageholidaygroup.co.uk

Who wants a Valentine's treat?! - Competition

Who wants a Valentine's treat?!

 

WIN A TWO NIGHT STAY at our beautiful Lakeland Cottage!

All you have to do is Like, enter your email & share!

Follow the link:

http://www.facebook.com/lakescottages/app_217182794970471?ref=ts

Lake District Cottages Valentines Competition

 

Only a few days left till Valentine's day!!! Do you want to make the most of it with your loved one?

Keep entering and sharing our fantastic Valentines Giveaway for your chance to win a romantic stay in a traditional Lakeland cottage in the heart of the beautiful Lakes!
 

 

 

 

The UK's No.1 Folk and Hiphop Dance Extravanganza!

The Lock In - Sun 10th February - 7:30pm

THE LOCK IN

(Formerly known as Time Gentlemen Please!)

Some of the UK’s oldest forms of dance are brought bang up to date as they collide with some of the youngest in an exciting new dance show touring the UK throughout 2012.

 

The show, the brainchild of award-winning folk band The Demon Barbers, sees a group of street dancers arrive at an apparently deserted pub. Local rumour has it that The Fighting Cocks is the place to be ‘after hours’ but as the regulars arrive a clash of cultures turns into a dance floor stand-off.

 

The skill, speed and athleticism of the dancers on both sides soon wins the others over as the old and new are brought together in an exciting and dynamic dance-off. Sword dances are performed with snooker-cues, pub bouncers dance the Morris and B-boys flirt with clog girls. Meanwhile house band

 

The Demon Barbers takes English Folk music on a new journey with friends Hip Hop, House, Funk and Ska and even says hello to Burlesque and Drum & Bass along the way!

 

The Lock In promises to do for English folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish dance and Diversity did for street dance, bringing some lesser known forms of dance into the mainstream. Fast-paced and innovative, the show brings together some of the UK’s top clog, sword and Morris dancers with their counterparts from the worlds of B-boying, popping & krump.

 

 

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Tickets: £16, £14, £10 (discounts £1 off)

Lake District cottages special offers

Discounted

Late Availability

Please see a selection of cottages below or

CLICK HERE

to see the full range

Maple Leaf Cottage, Windermere     Sleeps 4 Saturday 2nd February for 7 nights    Now only £300

The Duke Of Portland Boathouse, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater   Sleeps 2 From 29th January Only £190 per night for a Limited Time Only

Deer How, Patterdale   Sleeps 9 Saturday 2nd February for 7 nights   Now only £550

Brantfell Lodge, Bowness on Windermere   Sleeps 6 Saturday 2nd Feburary for 7 nights    Now only £400

View more fantastic late availability bargains!

    For a limited time only we are offering

£25 OFF

Please quote voucher code CHG001 when placing your booking

February Half Term       Cloud End, Keswick   Sleeps 8 Saturday 9th February for 7 nights Now only £790       Old Bakers, Grasmere   Sleeps 4 Saturday 9th February for 7 nights Now £490         Lakeside Lodge 1, South Lakes Lesiure Village, Carnforth   Sleeps 6 Saturday 9th February for 7 nights   Now only £350     Please CLICK HERE to see our full range of properties perfect for your February family break in the Lake District

Easter Breaks   Planning a family holiday in the Lake District around Easter?     Easter breaks are available from 29th or 30th March for 7 nights              Carleton Mill, Carlisle   Sleeps 4/6 Saturday 30th March for 7 nights   Now only £490

Valentines Day Offers       Why not let us help you find the perfect Valentines gift, whisk your loved one away to the Lake District!     View all our fantastic Valentines Day offers here

Clairgarth, Newlands Valley, Nr Keswick Sleeps 2 Saturday 9th February for 7 nights Only £290         Laurel Place, Windermere   Sleeps 2/4 Friday 8th February for 7 nights Only £350

Recieve an early booking discount of up to £150 off selected cottages     View all participating cottages

2013 Brochure Released!