THE LAKE DISTRICT - Photos, Stories and Memories of one of our regions most beautiful areas

[denm]

This is also posted on the --Cumbria in the Media thread,--

This from the Westmorland Gazette,---

Helvellyn tops poll of Britain's 100 favourite walks



WALKERS placed Helvellyn at the peak of popularity in a poll of Britain's 100 favourite walks.

England's third highest mountain was the overall winner in this week's ITV show presented by keen fellwalker Julia Bradbury and sports journalist Ore Oduba.

Around 8,000 people cast their votes and the result has been greeted on social media site Twitter by the Lake District National Park Authority and footpath repair team Fix the Fells, which looks after seven of the 100 routes - Helvellyn, Catbells (4th), Scafell Pike (5th), Buttermere (7th), Old Man of Coniston (8th), Coffin Route, Ambleside (27th) and Wainwright's Coast to Coast (54th).

Julia Bradbury posted a rain-soaked picture of herself on Twitter, approaching Helvellyn's 950-metre (3114 feet) summit via Striding Edge. She tweeted: "The rain & mist was so intense I got wet through. And look at the visibility..well, you can't. Careful up there peeps if you've been inspired by @ITV100Walks @ITV. But enjoy - it's epic."

Describing Helvellyn as "doable and accessible", she said that as with any walk people needed to take "the right kit" and be prepared. She added: "Try not to get those lovely volunteers @mountrescueuk get you off the mountain.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co....vourite_walks/

[denm]

This is also posted on the --Cumbria in the Media thread,---


This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Helvellyn tops poll of Britain's 100 favourite walks



WALKERS placed Helvellyn at the peak of popularity in a poll of Britain's 100 favourite walks.

England's third highest mountain was the overall winner in this week's ITV show presented by keen fellwalker Julia Bradbury and sports journalist Ore Oduba.

Around 8,000 people cast their votes and the result has been greeted on social media site Twitter by the Lake District National Park Authority and footpath repair team Fix the Fells, which looks after seven of the 100 routes - Helvellyn, Catbells (4th), Scafell Pike (5th), Buttermere (7th), Old Man of Coniston (8th), Coffin Route, Ambleside (27th) and Wainwright's Coast to Coast (54th).

Julia Bradbury posted a rain-soaked picture of herself on Twitter, approaching Helvellyn's 950-metre (3114 feet) summit via Striding Edge. She tweeted: "The rain & mist was so intense I got wet through. And look at the visibility..well, you can't. Careful up there peeps if you've been inspired by @ITV100Walks @ITV. But enjoy - it's epic."

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co....vourite_walks/

[madannie]

Some excellent news for Eskdale, although the nearly £1 million is actually £842,000 and there is more money needing to be found.

From the Whitehaven News:

"£1M cash boost for historic Eskdale Mill

Eskdale Corn Mill has been saved thanks to a cash boost of nearly £1 million.

The listed building had milled corn in Boot for 1,000 years and will now be restored after a £842,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a donation from Copeland Community Fund.

A further £29,000 now needs to be found to complete the mill's make-over which includes weather-proofing buildings, restoring machinery, and partial re-roofing the mill and miller's cottage.

The project has been organised by the Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust."

Full story and image at http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news...67cef8012f4-ds

[madannie]

I am very fond of art in the landscape, so news of this project is good news to me. All I need to do now is get out there and see them.

Thanks to an item in Cumbria Crack about the Ordnance Pavilion in Langdale I now know about Lakes Ignite 2018

Lakes Ignite 2018 presents six specially commissioned contemporary artworks to celebrate the Lake District’s designation as a World Heritage site. From January to July 2018, six artists are bringing their creative vision to the Lakes with a unique collection of artworks that are free to visit and explore.

Four of the artworks are already in situ, the other two are not being unveiled until May. Lots more detail and images at the Lakes Ignite website

[denm]

This from the Westmorland Gazette,---

'Superb' picture of Blea Tarn scoops top prize in The Wainwright Society's 2017 photographic competition



A 'SUPERB' picture of Blea Tarn at Great Langdale has been chosen as the winner of The Wainwright Society's 2017 photographic competition.

The 81 entries in the open class competition were judged by photographer and film maker Terry Abraham who selected David Felton's image as the overall winner.

"Blea Tarn near Great Langdale has likely been captured on camera more times than there are stars in the night sky but there's no doubting it's an iconic view," said Mr Abraham. "Surprisingly, it's quite a difficult place to convey through photography given where one's eye wishes to gaze.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co....c_competition/

[denm]

This from the News & Star,--


Why the Lake District National Park should become a Smart Park
World heritage site could become so savvy that you could be sent directions to the nearest pub when you're tired - and battle climate change



The Lake District National Park should become a "smart park" - where your phone can sense you're tiring and point you towards the nearest pub.

That's the recommendation of a report released today which suggests the world heritage site could embrace the latest technology to help forge its future.

And its use would be varied - from allowing people to view menus and make reservations while on the move in the remotest of places, to sending updates to park rangers about the state of footpaths.

Checks could also be put in place to monitor climate change - and bins fitted with sensors that issue alerts when they become full, reducing carbon emissions from unnecessary collections.
This collaboration creates an opportunity for us to explore innovative technology

It’s a step-change the the academics behind it believe will make the Lakes a better place to visit - and more cost-effective to look after.

Smart Parks: Bringing smart technologies to National Parks has been drawn up by leading experts at Lancaster University Management School.

The report, commissioned by the Lake District National Park Authority, has studied technologies in use worldwide which are changing the face of open spaces and cities.

It suggests the Internet of Things - described as an “information exchange ecosystem”, in this context an array of sensing devices that cause things to happen, using the internet - would be key to protecting the landscape while also boosting business.

Professor Edward Truch, the management school’s connected communities research lab, is one of the report’s authors.

He said: “A Smart Park could open up opportunities for new types of visitor attractions, which protect rather than spoil some of the world’s most treasured landscapes.”

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/Wh...096f884a69d-ds

[denm]

This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Windermere Lake Cruises scoops award


WINDERMERE Lake Cruises has brought a top award back to Cumbria after scooping the accolade at UKinbound’s annual Awards for Excellence.

UKinbound is a leading national trade association and the award for its ‘Regional Member of the Year’ applauds Windermere Lake Cruises’ contribution to growing the number of international visitors heading to the UK over the past 12 months.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...._scoops_award/

[denm]

This from the News & Star,--



Filmmaker wows with stunning drone's eye view of the Lake District
Watch the stunning footage and take an aerial tour of the Lakes


A filmmaker has created his very own love letter to the Lake District, with stunning aerial footage of Cumbria.

Michael Lazenby's cinematic tribute to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, aptly titled The Lake District, has been viewed almost 450,000 times on Facebook, with nearly 3,000 more watchers on YouTube.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/Fi...29b03e41d3d-ds

[denm]

This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Opinion divided over new Lake District pound


The Lake District launches its own currency next month as part of an innovative initiative to boost local, independent businesses and generate funds for two vital Cumbrian charities. Reporter Lloyd Bent has been speaking to business people who are embracing the new Lake District Pound - and to others who are sceptical and are not convinced it will be a success.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co....istrict_pound/

[madannie]

Originally Posted by madannie

This one could be controversial.

From the Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette:

"Plans for Thirlmere zip wire revealed

A PLANNING application has been submitted for eight zip wires at Thirlmere and a major series of cycleway improvements.

The proposal seeks to allow an estimated 66,000 visitors a year to fly over the reservoir on zip wires measuring 3,280ft (1,000m) long, and 3,937ft (1,200m) long.

Participants would take off 280m up on the eastern side and travel to the western shore. They would then be transported 357 metres up the western side below Fisher Crag, and return by zip wires to the eastern side above the A591.

The application has been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority by agents representing Mike Turner, managing director of Tree Top Trek, Brockhole.

The business would be based at Swirls car park. It would require a small extension to the toilets to create a reception area and changing facility, along with 65 additional car parking spaces."

Full story at http://www.cwherald.com/a/stories/pl...ed.479533.html

The application has been withdrawn, apparently due to the Miniistry of Defence not supporting it.

Full story in the News & Star

[madannie]

As there doesn't seem to be a thread for Arts in Cumbria and the Theatre by the Lake is in Keswick I shall put this story in here.

I went to the Percy Kelly exhibition in Carlisle and was bowled over by the amount and diversity of his art. This exhibition at The Theatre by the Lake appears to be focussing on his etchings, lithographs & screenprints which were but a small part of his output. Still well worth seeing, though.

From Cumbria Crack:

Percy Kelly exhibition comes to Theatre by the Lake

Theatre by the Lake is to host a rare exhibition of Percy Kelly’s collection of etchings, screen prints and lithographs following the widely acclaimed retrospective, Line of Beauty at Tullie House earlier in the year. The exhibition of purchasable work will run between Fri 2 – Mon 26 March in the Friends’ and Circle Galleries and is accompanied by an illustrated talk on the reclusive genius by his champion and biographer, Chris Wadsworth, on Wed 14 March in the Studio as part of the Words by the Water Festival.

Much more about the exhibition and the artist at https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2018/02...-theatre-lake/

[madannie]

Ignore - duplicate of the post below

[madannie]

Originally Posted by madannie

The application has been withdrawn, apparently due to the Miniistry of Defence not supporting it.

Full story in the News & Star

And more on the zipwire from the News and Star which reports that the plans were set to be refused by the planning authority anyway, and the draft committee report which would have been presented at a planning meeting in March has been published by the authority.

The report, with an explanatory introduction, can be seen at http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/swift...65-1.02.18.pdf

The authority had received received 3,676 emails and letters objecting or expressing concerns and 164 emails and letters supporting, as well as a petition with over 14000 signatures opposing the scheme.

[Steve Ellwood]

A couple enjoying a view over Derwentwater at Keswick - 10th May 20105.


© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/

[madannie]

Originally Posted by madannie

And more on the zipwire from the News and Star which reports that the plans were set to be refused by the planning authority anyway, and the draft committee report which would have been presented at a planning meeting in March has been published by the authority.

The report, with an explanatory introduction, can be seen at http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/swift...65-1.02.18.pdf

The authority had received received 3,676 emails and letters objecting or expressing concerns and 164 emails and letters supporting, as well as a petition with over 14000 signatures opposing the scheme.

And more on the Thirlmere Zip-Wire (not) from In-Cumbria, which hopefully puts this one to bed for ever

"United Utilities rules out any further Thirlmere zip wire application

Future plans for zip wires at Thirlmere have been ruled out by the landowner.

United Utilities said following the publication of the Lake District National Park Authority’s draft report on Treetop Trek's plans it has withdrawn its support for the zip wire proposals at Thirlmere.

Treetop Trek withdrew its application because it said, it had lost support from the Ministry of Defence.

The report revealed that planners were recommended to refuse the application."

Full story at http://www.in-cumbria.com/news/Unite...b2eb5fb573a-ds

[denm]

This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Passion for the Lakes needed to give visitors a warm welcome


VOLUNTEERS with a passion for the Lake District are needed to spearhead a new ambassador programme aimed at welcoming visitors to the national park.

The Lake District National Park is asking anybody interested to come forward to contribute their time and expertise of their area to enhancing the experiences of experienced and new visitors alike.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...._warm_welcome/

[denm]

This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


World Heritage Site set for a royal stamp of approval


HIS Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has been confirmed as the guest of honour at a special community event to mark the Lake District as a World Heritage Site on March 26.

The Prince of Wales will attend the event at Crow Park, Keswick, and unveil the official UNESCO plaque to mark the designation.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co....p_of_approval/

[madannie]

An improvement in transport across Windermere to the western shore for this summer is reported by Cumbria Crack:

"New jetty unveiled for Wray Castle

A brand-new jetty has been unveiled at Wray Castle in the Lake District, with scheduled sailings due to get underway this Easter for the official start of the summer holiday season.

Since Wray Castle was opened by The National Trust as a visitor attraction in 2011, the growth in numbers has been significant with nearly 100,000 visitors in 2017. The fantastic location on the western shore of Windermere means that visitors can access the sites in a number of ways including arrival by boat.

Windermere Lake Cruises will be running up to 14 daily services to The National Trust’s Gothic revival castle on the shores of England’s largest lake from Saturday 24 March and throughout the summer. The new, improved jetty is higher and longer than the original pier, meaning there is now potential to sail larger vessels to Wray than ever before and expand the number of boat services which can travel to Windermere’s tranquil west shore."

Full story at https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2018/03...d-wray-castle/

[madannie]

I've not been out walking in the Lake District recently and so have got out of touch with developments such as this one, the Ullswater Way. The trouble I have is that despite being in no way fit enough to tackle even moderate walking at the moment I get carried away whenever I see news like this.

From Cumbria Crack:

"Publication of ‘The Ullswater Way’: Official guide to Lakeland’s newest long distance trail

Established in the wake of 2015’s Storm Desmond, the 20-mile Ullswater Way is Lakeland’s newest long distance trail. It was officially opened in April 2016, the successful culmination of several years work improving existing rights of way, developing new access and installing new signage. During its first year after opening, an estimated 60,000 walkers used the path.

The Guide includes five walks, ranging from three to seven miles. The walks can be combined, or done separately using the Ullswater Steamers. Follow Wainwright’s ‘finest walk in Lakeland’, seek out Wordsworth’s daffodils, visit Aira Force waterfall and summit Gowbarrow Fell to see why this cultural landscape has been awarded the status of World Heritage Site."

Full story at https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2018/03...istance-trail/

More details about the Ullswater Way at http://www.ullswaterway.co.uk/index.html

[denm]

Originally Posted by madannie

I've not been out walking in the Lake District recently and so have got out of touch with developments such as this one, the Ullswater Way. The trouble I have is that despite being in no way fit enough to tackle even moderate walking at the moment I get carried away whenever I see news like this.

From Cumbria Crack:

"Publication of ‘The Ullswater Way’: Official guide to Lakeland’s newest long distance trail

Established in the wake of 2015’s Storm Desmond, the 20-mile Ullswater Way is Lakeland’s newest long distance trail. It was officially opened in April 2016, the successful culmination of several years work improving existing rights of way, developing new access and installing new signage. During its first year after opening, an estimated 60,000 walkers used the path.

The Guide includes five walks, ranging from three to seven miles. The walks can be combined, or done separately using the Ullswater Steamers. Follow Wainwright’s ‘finest walk in Lakeland’, seek out Wordsworth’s daffodils, visit Aira Force waterfall and summit Gowbarrow Fell to see why this cultural landscape has been awarded the status of World Heritage Site."

Full story at https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2018/03...istance-trail/

More details about the Ullswater Way at http://www.ullswaterway.co.uk/index.html

Regarding the walking--and getting carried away,--I used to be the same,--and I would love to be able to go walking again,---but alas I get tired just thinking about it now ---never mind--we still have happy memories,--cheers.