The Lake District Newsletter

22/02/2021

The Lake District's four-legged celebrity is the first pet to ever be awarded the animal equivalent of an OBE 🐶

Max Out in the Lake District (and previous Lake District Newsletter guest contributor) provided virtual therapy to people across the world during the pandemic.

Max will be awarded the Order of Merit by charity PDSA for his outstanding contribution to society at an online ceremony.

Read more ⬇️
https://www.itv.com/news/border/2021-02-19/max-the-spaniel-first-pet-to-be-awarded-animal-equivalent-of-obe

A springer spaniel from Cumbria who provided virtual therapy to people across the world during the pandemic is being awarded the animal equivalent of an OBE.

19/02/2021

An amazing opportunity for students ✅

Dynamic Dunescapes are looking for students to do a research project on Cumbria's sand dunes, with bursaries of up to £250 being offered!

The deadline for applications is 29 March 2021. If you think this is for you, for full details about the research projects, application and bursary eligibility please visit: https://dynamicdunescapes.co.uk/get-involved/conservationists/

17/02/2021

The winner of the fantastic BBC2 show Interior Design Masters will makeover a top Lake District hotel 🏨

The new series which airs every Tuesday night at 8pm sees 10 up-and-coming designers compete in interior design challenges.

The overall winner will create a space in the unique Another Place hotels Ullswater hotel. The newly-designed space will reflect the hotel's relaxed ethos.

Read more ⬇️

Winners of a new BBC series will be given the chance to make their mark on a luxurious Lakes hotel.

15/02/2021

Louise Bell, the last surviving adult to live and work at Skiddaw House has died aged 91.

Skiddaw House, known as 'the loneliest house', stands in glorious scenery three miles from the nearest road at 1,550 ft. Today it is Britain's highest walkers' hostel.

Back then it was a shepherd and game keeper's lodge, water was piped into the house from a hole on the hillside and there was no electricity, gas or telephone.

Read more ⬇️

A woman who was the last surviving adult to live and work at an isolated former shepherds’ and gamekeeper’s lodge in the remote Northern Lake District fells has died aged 91.

08/02/2021

✨ The February edition is here ✨

Our February edition guest contributor Colin Hindle, the owner of the popular Granny Dowbekin's Tearooms & Tea Garden, talks to us about publishing his first ever book, a guide to Lakeland’s best views. Colin also shares his hidden Lake District gem with us.

We also catch up with Fiona Marley Paterson, the Lake District reporter for ITV Border. Fiona tells us her top places around Cumbria for a bite and a pint, as well as her favourite Lake District walk, among lots of other tips.

Plus get the latest news stories and an incredible photo of the month. Read our February edition, out now >> http://bit.ly/LDNFeb2021

08/02/2021

Some sad news over the weekend. A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteer fell 150 metres while attending to a camper on Red Screes.

The volunteer has sustained serious spinal injuries and facial fractures, which are understood to be life-changing injuries.

The team were called out to two campers on Saturday morning as one was experiencing chest pains. The campers were fined for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules.

Read more ⬇️

They were air-lifted to hospital after the fall. They had been out attending to a casualty who was suffering from chest pains.

29/01/2021

Well done to The Cottage In The Wood for retaining their Michelin star 🌟 🍽

Ben Wilkinson, head chef at The Cottage In The Wood was our guest contributor for our December edition.

A huge congratulations to all of the team 🥳

Cottage in the Wood – a One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop! restaurant in the 2021 MICHELIN Guide United Kingdom. The MICHELIN inspectors’ point of view, information on prices, types of cuisine and opening hours on the MICHELIN Guide's official website

28/01/2021

This month, we caught up with Deborah Dawn, an artist specialising in handmade botanical prints.

Next on Deborah's Lake District to do list? Visiting more of Cumbria Wildlife Trust's nature reserves. Deborah said "I recently discovered and loved the sense of wild at Meathop Moss."

Read more in our January email newsletter >> http://bit.ly/LDNJan2021

27/01/2021

Our January edition guest contributor Zac Poulton, a Lakeland fell top assessor for the Lake District National Park, gave us an exclusive hidden gem especially for our Facebook followers 🥳

Zac's exclusive hidden gem is Eycott Hill, near Penrith. Zac said “It's a quiet little nature reserve just to the east of the Northern Fells run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. It's a great viewpoint looking towards Blencathra and the Dodds.

"You get some stunning sunsets but also its elevated position means you get some spectacular vistas of the weather sweeping towards you down the A66 corridor.

"It's also pretty good for wildlife and we regularly see short-eared owls hunting up there. Just a great wee spot to escape to for a few hours.”

This is the second time that Eycott Hill has been named as a Hidden Gem by our guest contributors - have you ever visited this beautiful spot?

25/01/2021

Cumbrian outdoor filmmaker (and previous guest contributor to the Lake District Newsletter) Terry Abraham - Outdoors Filmmaker and Photographer documentary 'Life of a Mountain- a Year on Helvellyn' is being broadcast on BBC4 tomorrow evening 🥳 📺

The documentary focuses on Helvellyn through the seasons and takes place over a year.

A huge well done to Terry, we can't wait to watch 👏

22/01/2021

Amazing news - one of Cumbria Wildlife Trust's has been spotted in The Gambia!

The four-year-old male was spotted last week at Tanji Bird Reserve by Fansu Bojang, a Gambian bird guide, who regularly guides British birdwatchers in search of UK colour-ringed ospreys.

19/01/2021

Here's a fantastic New Year job opportunity for a new apprentice...

We're hiring a digital marketing apprentice!

If you're interested in digital marketing, considering studying towards a qualification and want to be a part of the Intro team, this new job role might be exactly what you're looking for...

Find out more and how to apply here >> http://bit.ly/INTROapprentice

15/01/2021

A Royal Mail stamp featuring one of Lake District's stunning views is on sale from today 🏞 📮

The Royal Mail’s first stamp issue of 2021 celebrates the UK's national parks, with one stamp featuring the stunning views of Crummock Water.

The stamp will be on sale from today.

Read more ⬇️

The Royal Mail’s first stamp issue of 2021 is a celebration of the United Kingdom’s national parks and one features the stunning Lake District landscape. They mark 70 years since the first national parks were founded and the set captures 10 impressive images showing some of Britain’s most popu...

14/01/2021

✨ The January edition is here ✨

Our January edition guest contributor Zac Poulton, a Lakeland fell top assessor for the Lake District National Park, talks to us about his day-to-day role. Zac also shares his hidden Lake District gem with us.

We also catch up with Deborah Dawn, an artist specialising in handmade botanical prints. Deborah tells us her top places around Cumbria for a bite and a pint, as well as her favourite Lake District walk.

Plus get the latest news stories and a stunning photo of the month. Read our January edition, out now >> http://bit.ly/LDNJan2021.

11/12/2020

In our December edition, Ben Wilkinson, head chef at Michelin-starred The Cottage In The Wood Hotel Restaurant & Bar, told us his favourite hidden Lake District gem. Here's another especially for Lake District Newsletter followers: This time it's Brougham Hall and Cafe4EDEN 🌿

Ben says; “I cycle a lot and my favourite place to stop is Brougham Hall near Penrith. There’s a walled courtyard and a couple of pottery studios and a beautiful little café which is run by a charity. You could go right past and not know it’s there. Go through the wooden door – it’s really nice.”

The café is run by the amazing charity 4EDEN, formerly Mencap Society.

10/12/2020

The legendary Lake District mountaineer Doug Scott has died, aged 79.

Doug's climbing achievements were incredible including a record-setting ascent of Everest, and notable ascents of Changabang, Kangchenjunga, Nuptse and Shishapangma.

He famously climbed down The Ogre in Pakistan with two broken legs, having been the first person to summit the 7,285-metre mountain.

Read more ⬇️

Legendary Lake District mountaineer Doug Scott, the first Briton to climb Everest by the south west face, has died aged 79.

07/12/2020

It was five years to the day when Storm Desmond destroyed the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway trail. The new and improved route is now officially open again for the local community and visitors to enjoy 🥳

The re-opening ceremony welcomed local school children from Threlkeld and St Herbert's Primary Schools, who officially opened the route at a ceremony on 4th December.

Read more ⬇️

Exactly five years after Storm Desmond hit Cumbria and destroyed the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway trail, the new and improved route is being opened for the local community and visitors to enjoy.

04/12/2020

The team who keep walkers safe on Lake District fells has returned for the 2020 winter season ❄️

Every day between now and April, one of the team from Lake District National Park Authority Fell Top Assessors will brave the chilly weather to get to the summit of Helvellyn. From the summit, they will collate a ‘boots on the ground’ condition report to help keep walkers and outdoor enthusiasts safe over the winter months.

In addition to the daily report that is shared on www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk and on twitter , they also offer a winter skills course which teaches people how to properly use their winter equipment and what to do if you venture out on to the fells in snowy or icy conditions.

Read more ⬇️

The Lake District National Park’s Fell Top Assessor team return today for the 2020 winter season. They might just have one of the most socially distanced roles in the UK

02/12/2020

A huge well done to friends of the Lake District Newsletter, The Hawkshead Relish Company, on being shortlisted as a finalist in the annual Food Manufacture Excellence awards 2021.

Good luck! 🤞

A Lake District-based producer of condiments, pickles, relishes, and preserves, Hawkshead Relish, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the…

01/12/2020

✨ The December edition is here ✨

Our December edition guest contributor Ben Wilkinson, head chef at Michelin-starred The Cottage In The Wood, talks to us about his journey through the culinary world. Ben tells us his hidden Lake District gem, and shares with us a deliciously easy Christmas recipe.

We also catch up with Siobhan Miles-Moore, a potter whose clay sculptures grace distinguished restaurants such as Hipping Hall and Forest Side. Siobhan tells us her top places around Cumbria for a bite and a pint, as well as her favourite Lake District walk.

Plus get the latest news stories and a stunning photo of the month. Read our December edition, out now >> https://bit.ly/LDNDec2020

30/11/2020

The National Trust is attempting their largest ever transfer of the rarest ancient lichens, from a fallen oak tree in Borrowdale 🌳

The oak tree is believed to be 200-300 years old, before falling during recent storms. The attempt is being made by the National Trust, in partnership with The British Lichen Society, Cumbria Lichen & Bryophyte Group and Plantlife.

Read more ⬇️

The National Trust is aiming to save one of England’s rarest ancient lichens from a fallen veteran oak tree in the Lake District.

20/11/2020

Although the iconic Kendal Mountain Festival isn't running events in person this year, you can still attend the festival 'virtually' from the comfort of your home 🥳

Check out their page and keep up-to-date on virtual events they're running and make sure you get involved 🏔 ⬇️

Tonight we open Kendal Mountain Festival 2020 to the globe!

A massive thank you to everyone who's helped us get to this point. Delivering Kendal out to you all digitally has been our biggest challenge so far and we wouldn't be here without our partners, our team and of course all of you!

So despite being in lockdown, 'grab' your down jacket, a beer, a pizza, and with us directly from your home.

We have an incredible Festival lined up for you over the next 43 days with 200 films, 15 sessions, 30 literature talks to share some truly inspiring stories.

From 6pm the virtual Festival gates will be open.

We can’t wait to share the adventure with you all!

Get your FULL FESTIVAL PASS from :
www.kendalmountainfestival.com - link in bio

19/11/2020

This month, we caught up with Emma Campbell Photography, an award-winning fine art photographer.

Emma's favourite place to visit is Pooley Bridge, especially Granny Dowbekin's. She says: "After a walk along Ullswater it's really nice to pop into either Granny Dowbekin's, sit on the rooftop terrace of the Crown Inn with a glass of wine, or visit Chestnut House and browse their amazing gin collection."

Read more in our November email newsletter >> http://bit.ly/LDNNov2020

16/11/2020

Although we can't get out much due to new government restrictions, you can still go on a beautiful walk as part of your daily exercise 🏞

Luke, our guest contributor in our November newsletter, describes his favourite Lake District Hidden Gem: "You can see the Kentmere hills and Langdale and look down on the village and listen to the skylarks in spring."

Any guesses where it might be? Find out in our November email newsletter >> http://bit.ly/LDNNov2020

09/11/2020

Thanks for the share, De Wolf - Bushcraft Wellbeing Medical Expedition!

Read more about The Sanctuary Project, run in partnership with Friends of the Lake District, in our latest newsletter >> https://bit.ly/LDNNov2020.

Luke Collyer is a paramedic and bushcraft expert. He wants to help NHS staff and veterans recover from stress and PTSD by spending time in a tranquil Lake District wood, trying tree-planting, foraging, making arrows or campfire cooking. Luke was a paramedic with London Ambulance Service for eight ye...

03/11/2020

✨ The November edition is here ✨

This month we bring you an insight into life on the NHS frontline and how time in the Lake District can help healthcare professionals suffering stress and exhaustion. Our guest contributor, the paramedic Luke Collyer, talks about his work with a pioneering scheme called The Sanctuary Project and his own experience recovering in nature.

We also catch up with Emma Campbell, an award-winning professional photographer, and find out about her favourite places to visit in the Lake District.

Plus get the latest news stories and a stunning photo of the month. Read our November edition, out now >> http://bit.ly/LDNNov2020

27/10/2020

Beavers are back in Cumbria for the first time in 400 years!

A pair of Eurasian beavers have been introduced to an enclosed site on the private Lowther Estate, as part of a five-year scientific trial.

Read the full story ⬇️https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/news/beavers-finally-return-cumbria-after-400-year-absence

22/10/2020

What's your favourite Lakeland tree? Cumbria has some magnificent ones like the 400 year old Holker Great Lime. And now's the time to see them in their Autumn glory. Cumbria's Living Heritage says trees can take you on a journey in time, back to their historical roots.

They can open up stories that visitors and locals never knew about and, thanks to Lake District locations, they often include views to die for.

Read more ⬇️

The dynamic group of Cumbrian cultural and historic attractions – Cumbria’s Living Heritage is reminding visitors and local residents that culture is not just an indoor phenomenon, as it highlights tree-mendous cultural experiences to be had outdoors during October.

17/10/2020

Henry Cavill has been busy filming the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher in the Lake District. The crew were spotted in Ambleside and Rydal Caves this week and will be in the Lake District to film for a few more weeks.

Read more ⬇️

Henry Cavill has been busy filming the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher for quite some time. Though most of the show’s filming had taken place inside the sets of Arborfield Studios, the cast and crew of the fantasy series have recently taken to various locations near London (including a wi...

16/10/2020

We asked radio presenter Caz Graham for a Lakes Hidden Gem especially for our Facebook followers and she chose this stunner, Wet Sleddale Reservoir. Like us, you may have passed it many times but have you stopped to enjoy?

Caz says: "If you are travelling on the M6 and turn off at Shap towards the A6 you crest the hill and see a fantastic view looking towards Wet Sleddale Reservoir dam. When there’s been a lot of rain you can see the water pouring over the top of it and it’s quite exciting and glints in the sunshine. There are fantastic views over the fells to the west and you get fantastic sunsets there too."

Caz is our guest contributor in the October edition of our Lake District Newsletter. You can see it here >> bit.ly/LDNOct2020

Photo credit: Phil Rigby Photography.

15/10/2020

In this month's newsletter, we catch up with Caz Graham, Cumbrian native and journalist and presenter for BBC Radio 4.

One of Caz's favourite places in the Lake District is Cunswick Scar near Kendal. Caz said “A lovely hill with fantastic views to the Shap fells, Kentmere fells and Langdales. And you get amazing light. It is a little escape.”

Read more in our latest edition >> http://bit.ly/LDNOct2020

13/10/2020

Alison Park and her family run the award-winning Low Sizergh Barn cafe, farm shop and organic farm near Kendal. The cafe even has a viewing gallery so you can watch the cows at milking time 🐄

Read more about Alison's favourite places in the Lake District in our latest edition >> http://bit.ly/LDNOct2020

09/10/2020

The first grey seal pup of season was spotted at South Walney this week.

Want to see more? Take a look at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust seal cam, where you can keep an eye out on the colony and see the new pup ⬇️
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/seal-cam

Grey seal web cam streaming from South Walney Nature Reserve, Cumbria.

07/10/2020

✨ The October edition is here ✨

This month, Caz Graham, BBC Radio 4 presenter is our guest contributor to The Lake District Newsletter. Caz shares her hidden gem with us and chats about her presenter reporter role.

We also catch up with Alison Park, who runs the award-winning Low Sizergh Barn cafe and farm shop near Kendal. We find out about her favourite places to visit in the Lake District.

Plus get the latest news stories and a stunning photo of the month. Read our October edition, out now >> bit.ly/LDNOct2020

29/09/2020

On Thursday it's National Poetry Day and thanks to Wordsworth Grasmere there's something extra special happening at the newly revamped Dove Cottage...

26/09/2020

New research shows that the Lake District is the top destination for road trips in the UK 🚗 🏞

Conducted by JET, 2,000 drivers were asked to rank their favourite UK road trips with just over one-fifth (21%) citing the Cumbrian national park as their favourite destination with more than half (52%) placing the Lake District in their top three.

Read more >> www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18745171.lake-district-top-destination-road-trips-according-new-research/

The Lake District is officially the UK’s No.1 destination for a road trip according to new research released today.

21/09/2020

In this month's newsletter, we caught up with Laura Johnson, who runs Laura in the Lakes café in Keswick, and found out about her favourite places in the Lake District.

One of Laura's favourite places in the Lake District is the Secret Garden at Pooley Bridge Post Office. Laura said "It is a wonderful spot which serves delicious bistro-style food and imaginative cocktails at a reasonable price. Like us they are a family business working hard to provide a great product."

Read more in our latest edition >> bit.ly/LDNSept2020

17/09/2020

✳️ Our competition ends today at 5pm ✳️

Make sure to get your entry in before 5pm to be in the chance of winning a Monopoly - The Lakes Edition board game.

To enter, read the post below ⬇️

** Win Monopoly - The Lakes Edition board game! **

Did you know there’s a Lake District version of Monopoly? Instead of Mayfair, Vine Street and Pall Mall imagine landing on Windermere, Coniston and Scafell Pike. It even features one of Stagecoach's iconic open-top buses, so you can virtually ‘hop on’ the popular 599 service through the central Lakes - voted one of the most picturesque bus routes in the UK.

Whether it’s your prefered rainy day activity or you’d like to enjoy a little bit of the Lake District at home, here’s your chance to win Monopoly - The Lakes Edition thanks to Stagecoach!

To enter this giveaway, follow these two simple steps >>

👍 Like this post
🏞️ Comment below telling us your favourite place to visit in the Lake District

✨ BONUS ENTRY ✨

📲 Subscribe to The Lake District Newsletter >> bit.ly/LDN-Subscribe

Competition closes on Thursday, 17th September at 5pm. A winner will be chosen at random. Read our full competition T&Cs here >> bit.ly/LDNCompetition

16/09/2020

Have you entered our competition yet? Make sure to get your entry in before 5pm tomorrow to be in the chance of winning a Monopoly - The Lakes Edition board game.

To enter, read the post below ⬇️

** Win Monopoly - The Lakes Edition board game! **

Did you know there’s a Lake District version of Monopoly? Instead of Mayfair, Vine Street and Pall Mall imagine landing on Windermere, Coniston and Scafell Pike. It even features one of Stagecoach's iconic open-top buses, so you can virtually ‘hop on’ the popular 599 service through the central Lakes - voted one of the most picturesque bus routes in the UK.

Whether it’s your prefered rainy day activity or you’d like to enjoy a little bit of the Lake District at home, here’s your chance to win Monopoly - The Lakes Edition thanks to Stagecoach!

To enter this giveaway, follow these two simple steps >>

👍 Like this post
🏞️ Comment below telling us your favourite place to visit in the Lake District

✨ BONUS ENTRY ✨

📲 Subscribe to The Lake District Newsletter >> bit.ly/LDN-Subscribe

Competition closes on Thursday, 17th September at 5pm. A winner will be chosen at random. Read our full competition T&Cs here >> bit.ly/LDNCompetition

15/09/2020

David Hasselhoff, TV presenter Helen Skelton and actress Anna Friel are among just three of the high-profile names to contribute to a new Cumbria Tourism initiative which forms part of its Autumn and Winter Marketing Campaign to inspire visits to the Lake District, Cumbria 🏞🧳

Other celebrities getting behind the new campaign range from Julia Bradbury, Jon Richardson, and Cassie Patten, to homegrown Cumbrian heroes including mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, Lord Melvyn Bragg and MasterChef 2019 winner Irini Tzortzoglou.

Find out more ⬇️
https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2020/09/11/new-celebrity-endorsement-campaign-launched-to-inspire-autumn-staycations/

What do David Hasselhoff, TV presenter Helen Skelton and actress Anna Friel all have in common? They’re among just three of the high-profile names to contribute to a new Cumbria Tourism initiative which forms part of its Autumn and Winter Marketing Campaign to inspire visits to the Lake District, ...