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THE LAKE DISTRICT | News and Developments

46K views 378 replies 8 participants last post by  madannie 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
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The Lake District.


This thread is for our photos, memories, other stories and information about the Lake District.

In my lifetime, it was always a place you went to for holidays, school trips, etc.

It is also a place that, in my own experience, it often seemed to rain a lot. I remember one week as a young lad with the scouts when we seemed to be soaking wet all the time from endless rain and sometimes even floods (not to mention chucking eachother into various lakes!) but that never detracted from the sheer beauty of the place.

It would be great to see peoples photos of the Lakes on here, and not just from "us visitors" to there from the North East, but from from those of us living over there and in Cumbria generally. We now get a lot of forum members from Cumbria on this "Communal Area" of the North East England Sub-forum of SSC, as here is where ALL the Cumbria Threads are located - this is the only SSC location where CUMBRIA is regularly covered.

To start the thread off, I will copy in to here a series of photo-posts about the Lake District made in 2010 by a Portugese visitor to the Lakes called marciomaco, and posted by him on the Portugal Forum - Fórum Português

Now, I do not understand the Portugese language myself (is there anyone on here who can translate?) but in any case it is mainly the actual photos themselves that tell the story here, rather than the narrative, I think.

marciomaco's photos start at the next post . . .

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#177 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


4x4s ruling on Lake District 'green lanes'


A TENSE hearing about the use of two ‘green lanes’ in the Lake District has stopped short of banning 4x4 drivers and motorbike trail riders.

Two unclassified roads stretching between Coniston, Langdale and Skelwith in the national park have become a toxic battleground between walkers, horse riders, mountain bikers, 4×4 off-roaders and motorcyclists.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...ke-district-4x4s-campaigners-motorists-clash/
 
#178 ·
Also posted this story in the Cumbria Transport thread.

New carriages for the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Whilst the info tells me that the first new carriage has arrived it does not state how many have been ordered.

From a Press Release:

Passengers on La’al Ratty to benefit from brand new carriages

As part of a major rolling stock replacement programme, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty) has commissioned new covered carriages. The first carriage, built at the Boston Lodge engineering works of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, arrived this month. Resplendent in a livery of red with padded bench seating and more head room, the carriage offers increased comfort for passengers. It will undergo testing before going into general service.
Full press release at https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/about-us/press-centre/article.php?id=183

Somewhat annoyingly the PDF version of the press release has a photo of the new carriage whereas the online version does not :eek:hno:
 
#179 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


The Lake District hits the top spot as most popular Christmas National Park


WITH the festive period just around the corner, a luxury Lake District hotel has gathered data to reveal the most sought-after Christmas destinations across the country.

From Christmas markets to city breaks, people flock in their thousands to destinations across the UK and Armathwaite Hall Hotel

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...its-top-spot-popular-christmas-national-park/
 
#180 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Lake District's oldest passenger boat to be restored


A LAKE District boat builder is undertaking essential restoration work on the oldest working passenger boat in the world.

Patterson Boatworks have launched into fixing the M.Y. Lady of the Lake, a boat which operates for Ullswater Steamers.

The organisation felt that it was a great way to mark Remembrance Day by starting the repairs on Monday, November 11.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18012875.lake-districts-oldest-passenger-boat-restored/
 
#181 ·
It never occurred to me that there was such an old boat on Ullswater, as the boats are all diesel powered.

A look at the Ullswater Steamers website tells me that Lady of the Lake is 142 years old :ancient: and was converted from steam to diesel power in the 1930s. I note that there is also the MV Raven, also originally a steamer, but that one is only 130 years old :eek:ld:.

Some day I might even take a trip on one of them. Nearly 20 years living in Carlisle and I have never travelled by boat on any of the lakes.
 
#182 ·
Yes thats quite some age for these Steamers,-------we haven't been on those,---but quite some time ago,---Mrs and myself travelled on one of the smaller boats from Keswick to the far end of the Lake,---think it was Lodore ---it was canny,--althogh was a bit dodgy getting off,--as the Jettie was broken and we had to jump ---anyway it was an experience and we enjoyed the day,--- happy days,---cheers.
 
#183 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Plans afoot to improve summit of much-loved Lake District fell


THREE options to improve the summit of a much-loved Lake District fell were due to be discussed at a meeting last night.

Members of Windermere Town Council heard at their October meeting that 39,000 people visited Elleray Woods and the Orrest Head summit between May and September this year. The figures came from a counter set up by the Lake District National Park Authority.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...improve-summit-much-loved-lake-district-fell/
 
#184 ·
This from the News & Star,---


Lake District Pound currency to fold next year


The Lake District Pound is to fold next year after becoming an “early casualty” of the rapid rise of contactless and mobile payments.

Founder, Ken Royall, confirmed that the colourful currency (LD£) designed to support independent businesses across the county will come to an end on January 31, when the notes issued in 2019 officially expire.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18047617.lake-district-pound-currency-fold-next-year/
 
#185 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Lake District local plan set to be scrutinised


GOVERNMENT inspectors are on the way to Kendal next week to run the rule over the Lake District National Park Authority’s local plan.

Three years in the making, it sets out where the next generation of homes and businesses might be allowed in the national park over the next 15 years.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18052277.lake-district-local-plan-set-scrutinised/
 
#186 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


New book answers hundreds of questions about the Lake District


EVER wondered how many second home owners there really are in the Lake District?

Or how many miners died in how many pits scattered across Cumbria?

Or perhaps you are interested in how migration going back two millennia has created the mix of people who live in the wildest and many would claim to be the most beautiful corner of England.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...ook-answers-hundreds-questions-lake-district/
 
#187 ·
Further to the news of a new boat for Windermere Lake Cruises from May this year, the new boat has arrived and has been launched.

From a Windermere Lake Cruises press release:

Windermere Lake Cruises’ brand-new 300-seat passenger boat MV ‘Swift’ has today taken to the water for the first time. The vessel will now be fitted out before being handed over after Easter 2020 for crew training to commence.

The multi-million pound vessel is expected to be in service from the mid 2020 season, after this week becoming the largest craft to be ‘launched’ onto Windermere for more than 80 years.

The size of the vessel meant it was necessary to build smaller sections off-site first, before being transported to Lakeside for final assembly over the last six months. This morning (December 11), ‘Swift’ was carefully lowered onto the lake for the first time in the presence of special guests and members of the press who were able to witness the historic moment.
Full press release with images at https://www.windermere-lakecruises....es-new-boat-mv-swift-launches-onto-windermere
 
#188 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Lake District bids to attract more diverse visitors


The head of the Lake District National Park Authority has said he wants to attract a greater diversity of visitors, amid concerns that swathes of the population feel excluded from national parks.

Richard Leafe, the Cumbria park's chief executive, told Sky News that the Unesco World Heritage site must change to merit continued public funding.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18127101.lake-district-bids-attract-diverse-visitors/
 
#190 · (Edited)
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---

Lake District bids to attract more diverse visitors

The head of the Lake District National Park Authority has said he wants to attract a greater diversity of visitors, amid concerns that swathes of the population feel excluded from national parks.

Richard Leafe, the Cumbria park's chief executive, told Sky News that the Unesco World Heritage site must change to merit continued public funding.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18127101.lake-district-bids-attract-diverse-visitors/
The chief executive speaks some utter twaddle. He mentions the lack of young people and ethnic minorities amongst the visitors. From my experience I would say there are certainly plenty of visitors from those groups and perhaps the chief executive should get out more.

It could also be argued that, if there is indeed a lack of visitors from one particular group, perhaps it is because that group is not attracted to what the Lake District has to offer; that would be no different to certain people not being attracted to sporting events, festivals, shopping centres etc. Does it really matter?

So if that offer changed to attract them, would it compromise the attractiveness of the area for other visitors who like it the way it is? There are often reports of how over-crowded the Lake District already is due to the numbers already visiting, so is it wise to try and attract more.

Additionally, should the aim of the Lake District National Park Authority be to promote more and more tourism which might well be unsustainable, or should it be to maintain the area more or less as it was when the National Park was set up? Given hhow strict the planning controls are I would think it is the latter.

As to addressing the mobility issue, then it seems obvious that people with reduced mobility are not going to be able to access some parts of what is a mountainous area. Perhaps more could be done to improve access to some parts, but there is obviously a limit to what can be done.
 
#189 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


View of Lake District waterfall can now be enjoyed for the first time since the Victorian era


A VIEWPOINT which looks onto a Lake District waterfall can now be enjoyed for the first time since the Victorian era.

Volunteers, specialist contractors and national park rangers worked throughout 2019 to remove invasive rhododendron plants at Stanley Ghyll, Eskdale, so that a view of upper-Dalegarth Falls can once again be enjoyed by visitors.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...n-now-enjoyed-first-time-since-victorian-era/
 
#191 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Lake District ‘in danger of becoming a theme park’


THE head of the authority responsible for the Lake District has become the focus of angry protests from residents and campaigners over accusations that he is helping turn the World Heritage site into a “theme park”.

Richard Leafe, the park authority’s long-standing chief executive, told Sky News that the rugged Lake District landscape excludes too many people and must change to attract a more diverse mix of visitors.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18137326.lake-district-in-danger-becoming-theme-park/
 
#193 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Bags of help to fix Lakeland fells


Fix the Fells has received £4,000 towards repairing paths and the landscape in the Lake District, after the public voted for them to receive the maximum grant.

The money was donated by Groundwork UK-Tesco Bags of Help from the plastic bag tax at Tesco stores in Kendal, Bowness-on-Windermere, Millom and Ambleside and will help volunteers to repair damage to paths through wear and erosion.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/18150331.bags-help-fix-lakeland-fells/
 
#194 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,---


Lakes to be top 'staycation' hotspot in 2020, says research


THE Lake District will be Britain’s top ‘staycation’ hotspot in 2020, according to research by hospitality-job search engine Caterer.com.

A survey of more than 2,000 Brits revealed that 70 per cent planned to vacation in the UK in 2020.

Almost 45 per cent of those surveyed were considering the Lake District as a destination, ahead of Cornwall (36 per cent), Edinburgh (30 per cent) and The Peak District (29 per cent).

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...es-top-staycation-hotspot-2020-says-research/
 
#196 ·
Pooley Bridge (no Bridge!) update

Latest news on the new bridge is that although the first sections of steelwork have arrived on site the project is running behind schedule and the new bridge is now not expected to be ready until June instead of Easter:

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=165792172&postcount=826

In related news, Cumbria Crack is reporting some related developments in Pooley Bridge:

"£180,000 boost for public transport in Pooley Bridge

A project designed to boost transport access and attract more visitors to Pooley Bridge has been delivered by Cumbria County Council.

The works have included improving the bus and coach parking facilities in Pooley Bridge and revamping a seating and viewing area close to the steamer jetty at the north end of Ullswater.

The improvements will help to extend the tourism season in the local area, by offering a convenient choice for regional and national coach operators throughout the year to stop, drop off and pick up visitors at Pooley Bridge and Ullswater.

A new bus stop in the village centre will also provide improved access to bus services for locals and visitors alike."


Full story at https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2020/01/24/180000-boost-for-public-transport-in-pooley-bridge/

I am not sure where a new bus stop in the centre of the village would go and how it would improve access, as the existing stops are right in the middle of the village anyway and it is not a long walk from any part of the village to the centre. The only way the stop for Penrith bound buses could be any nearer the centre is if the short term parking was removed.

Curiously there is no mention of these developments on the County Council and Lake District National Park Authority websites.
 
#197 ·
A couple of short paths have been improved in the Ullswater area as part of the Miles Without Stiles scheme.

I rather like the idea of not having stiles when I am out walking as I find it breaks my rhythm, but I am still intent on walking in the sort of terrain where stiles are likely to be encountered, even though sometimes my legs would prefer rather easier walking.

From a Lake District National Park Authority Press Release:

"Path improvements mean it’s easier than ever to explore Ullswater

Improvement works have recently been completed at either end of the Ullswater Valley to make these paths more accessible than ever.

The path from the car park at Pooley Bridge to the lake shore has recently been improved to even out the surface and widen it in places to make it easier for people with assisted wheelchairs and prams to be able to access the water’s edge.

At the opposite end of the lake, the popular path from Cow Bridge car park along the lake shore at Brothers Water to Hartsop Hall has also recently been enhanced. This path suffered from weather damage which destroyed the drainage ditches and meant the path washed out in places and damaged the surface. This has now been repaired."


Full press release at https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/abo...ean-its-easier-than-ever-to-explore-ullswater

Miles without Stiles website, detailing all of the 48 routes covered by the scheme.
 
#198 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Lake District fells get EU funding boost


A PROJECT to tackle path erosion on the Lake District fells has received a funding boost from the European Union (EU).

Fix the Fells is a partnership programme carried out by a team of 20 National Trust (NT) rangers, who are in turn assisted by more than 100 volunteers.

Peaks which the project has tackled include Wansfell, Helvellyn and Redacre Ghyll.

Read more https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/18208480.lake-district-fells-get-eu-funding-boost/
 
#199 ·
Rather belatedly, some photos from my walks of last year. This one was from Pooley (no) Bridge to Aira Force via the Ullswater Way in April.

Looking down Ullswater from Pooley Bridge


The Helvellyn range from Maiden Castle


Far Eastern Fells from Maiden Castle


This way to Aira Force


Priests Crag


Watermillock Church


This walk took me round the front of Gowbarrow, which gives some fantastic views of Ullswater & the surrounding fells. If only it hadn't been quite so sunny I would have got better shots when looking south!

Hallin Fell


Looking north-east towards Pooley Bridge


Place Fell


Looking south towards Glenridding & Patterdale


All images from https://madannie.smugmug.com/Trampings/April10th2019/
 
#200 ·
^^^^

Some excellent photos there Annie/Caroline,---and shows how beautiful the Lake District really is,---btw,---saw the Aira Force sign---and reminded when we went to see the waterfall,--mind this was many years ago,----once again,---thanks for these great photos,---cheers.:)
 
#201 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Lakes District could secure share of £50m for projects such as 'nature recovery and climate resilience'


THE Lake District is in with a chance of securing a share of £50m with the money to be used in areas such as “nature recovery and climate resilience” and “engaging a new generation”.

Charity The Lake District Foundation (LDF) is one of 12 organisations selected to put forward a proposal for the National Lottery’s Heritage Horizons Award.

Read more https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/...-projects-nature-recovery-climate-resilience/
 
#202 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Fix the Fells keen to return to paths after coronavirus lockdown


A GROUP of volunteers who help to maintain and improve paths in the Lake District say they are keen to get back to work as soon as possible.

The UK-wide lockdown and social distancing restrictions imposed by the Government as it responds to coronavirus have stopped Fix the Fell rangers and volunteers from being able to work in the Lake District fells.

Read more Fix the Fells keen to get back to maintaining paths after lockdown
 
#203 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Appeal to stop travel to Lake District over Easter holidays


AHEAD of the Easter weekend, Lake District voices have come together to plead for people not to travel to the national park for a day trip or to visit holiday homes.

Communities across the park are struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and sadly the number of cases in Cumbria is rising rapidly.

Read more Appeal to stop travel to Lake District over Easter holidays
 
#204 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--


Cumbria Police debunk rumours that the Lake District is reopening


RUMOURS have circulated that travelling a considerable distance to exercise is now permitted.

If true, that effectively open the Lake District to tourism once again.

However, Andrew Slattery, Assistant Chief Constable at Cumbria Police, has moved to dispel those rumours.

“I can reassure you, there is no change in our approach to policing the Lakes and our multi-agency stance is still that the area is ‘closed’ for tourism," he said.

Read more Police dispel Lake District 're-opening' rumours
 
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