http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html Interesting snippets of Cumbria News appear on this regularly updated, popular Cumbria blog en-us cumbria Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:04:28 GMT Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:04:28 GMT discovercumbria.co.uk http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Wild-Camping-in-Cumbria-for-Nervous-Rookies---Pushing-the-Boundaries-of-your-Comfort-Zone Camping is rarely so remote, weekend adventures rarely so removed from daily life. Aiming the breaks at walkers keen to "skill up", families looking for a bonding trip and unconventional stag parties he, welcomes inexperienced campers and offers hikes, navigation instruction and survival tips for nervous rookies. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:04:28 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Lake-District-Camping-Barns.html Fantastic collection of Lake District Camping Barns, Bunk House and Privately run Hostels. These 'stone tent' facilities, in stunning locations are ideal for self-caters who want to get off the beaten tourist track. Mainly located on working farms these converted Cumbria barns are proving to be a popular eco-fiendly camping alternative. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:45:02 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cumbria-News.html The Queen of the Lake owned by Windermere Lake Cruises has been selected to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday June 3rd. Queen of the Lake, a traditional Windermere wooden launch is one of the vessels listed on the National register of Historic Vessels which will be travelling in the flotilla. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:14:08 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbrian-Helen-Skelton-bumps-into-her-local-GP-at-the-South-Pole! 28-year-old Blue Peter presenter from Kirkby Thore, near Penrith, battled for 18 days through severe snow storms, temperatures as low as -48C and a bad bout of dehydration to reach the pole. And she tells the incredible tale of how the first person she met after making it to the pole was her local GP! Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:36:06 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Ainsley-Harriot-presents-Cumbrian-Buthchers-'Cranstons'-with-4-Awards Cranstons Quality Butchers, based in Penrith, have won four product awards at the prestigious 2011 Q Guild Smithfield Awards, which seek to identify the best products made using traditional butchery methods. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:34:59 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Beatrix-Potter-World.html Beatrix Potter world is very well done. This excellent exhibition is sure to win the hearts of Grand-children and Grand-parents alike. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:23:52 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Walkers-along-Cumbria's-coastline-could-help-turtle-preservation-by-reporting-any-sightings-of-Turtles---including-those-washed-up-on-the-shoreline Three little-often seen species of the creature have been discovered on the country’s west coast Trust marine conservation officer Nicola Taylor said: “We know there are turtles in the Irish Sea and when we find bodies of turtles on the beach it is often the only chance we get to record that they are there. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:54:17 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#The-invisible-ski-resort---Cumbria With no chalets, chair-lifts or route markers to clutter its dramatic terrain, the Lake District is a thrillingly wild place to ski Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:26:42 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbrian-Coast-Rail-Journey-has-been-named-one-of-the-two-best-hidden-gems-in-the-north-of-England The rail line which sweeps down through west Cumbria from Carlisle to Lancaster is recognised as best journey in the north west in an award scheme set up to recognise secret tourist attractions. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:47:05 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Langdale,-the-'best-beer-garden-in-the-world' What better sight is there after a long day's hiking than a selection of real ales? It was not always like this. Not so long ago a walker arriving at most pubs in Britain was likely to be greeted with the meagre and depressing products of a corporatised brewing world. I would quickly swill down a half-pint of horrible lager and beat a retreat. The day's walking would somehow have lost its crowning glory. Those bad old days are gone, in Langdale at least. The eight pubs dotted around the valley are benefiting from an explosion in microbreweries – more than 30 in the Lakeland region alone. I hope the corporate giants are choking. When your tired limbs carry you into any one of these places there is the sweet sight of about half a dozen pumps, many of them carrying beers made within a few miles. You settle down with an OS map and a weather report and plan the next day's trek. Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:48:37 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#The-Lake-District-has-been-voted-best-rural-break-in-the-UK The accolade voted by Sunday Times Travel magazine readers pipped Cornwall and Pembrokeshire who came second and third Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:15:09 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/What-to-do-for-Christmas-2011.html Still wondering what to do for Christmas 2011? We may have the perfect solution... Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:08:18 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cottages_The_Eden_Valley.html A carefully chosen selection of cottages in the Eden Valley, South Tyne Valley and Northern Pennines of Cumbria Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:08:41 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cumbria-News.html Discover Cumbria News and Tidbits - a new page on the website to bring you interesting happenings from this inspiring county Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:48:31 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Lake-District-Cottages-to-Rent.html Lake District Cottages to take your breath away. Carefully selected cottages : Choose by area or by category: Dog Friendly; Child Friendly; Ground Floor; Lake Access; Large Groups. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:06:58 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Autumn-in-the-Lake-District "On a good, bright winter's day, there is nowhere better on earth." "All around us the fells are burnished with golds and reds like an old oriental rug cast over a counter. We land at a patch of sunlight and have lunch." Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:46:11 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Eat-Cake-&-Protect-the-Lakes! Friends of the Lake District group have surpassed themselves with the launch of a new Cakes for the Lakes initiative To help inspire aspiring bakers, the group is giving away free cake recipes donated by expert pastry chefs and cake makers, teashops and bakeries from all over Cumbria. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:58:01 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Autumnal-Cumbria-Captures-the-Heart-of-the-Nation---Spectacular-Scenes-from-around-Britain Stunning Photos - I can only bring some of the captions - please follow the link to see the accompanying photos :) "a young boy stands overlooking a dramatic blanket of mist covering the Eden Valley with the Lake District fells protruding beyond" "The fells around Patterdale rise from the mist above in Ullswater" "The early morning mist clears to show a boathouse bathed in sunlight in Ullswater, Cumbria" Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:41:23 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Lake-District-Restaurant-will-be-on-ITV's-'There's-no-Taste-Like-Home'-3rd-Nov-at-4pm The show aims to celebrate unsung traditional family recipes and prove they can still have a place in modern restaurants. Cecelia Campbell, 47, from Grasmere, Andrew Sharp, 47, from Ambleside and Barbara Baty, 59, from Carlisle all had to impress with their choice of home cooked dishes. The yet to be revealed winning dish will then have the honour of being featured on the Waterhead at Ambleside menu for a whole month after the programme airs. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:46:45 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Bluebird-Lives-On---British-Built-Boat-Unveiled-at-Coniston-Speed-Boat-Week Helical Technology, a Northwest based engineering firm, unveiled a boat they have lovingly hand built during the last four years on the opening day of Coniston Power Boat Records Week. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:21:06 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Dark-Sky-Discovery-Site-opens-in-the-Lake-District A pioneering venture has taken to the night skies in Cumbria. Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre, has become the first Dark Sky Discovery Site in north west England to be accredited by the International Dark Sky Association. An estimated 70 percent of us have never seen the Milky Way. Low Gillerthwaite, are endowed with the most spectacular night skies in England. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:33:51 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Five-day-artcast:-Cumbria-for-Oct-31-–-Nov-4 Looking at the weather for the region through the lens of artworks within the collection of the Whitworth Art Gallery, this week's focus is on Cumbria. Assistant curator of fine art, Helen Stalker leads us through the week Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:02:25 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Lake-District-&-Cumbria-Competitions-&-Free-Stuff! We regularly post Cumbria related competitions over on our Discover Cumbria Facebook page - if you've not joined us then here is a sample of what you've been missing..... Win a Family Ticket to Swallows & Amazons Win £500 towards a holiday cottage Win a Stewart Smith stunning Cumbrian photo Win a pair of tickets to the Carlisle Racecourse Beer Festival Win 2 nights D, B & B at The Burnside Hotel.... to find out more just follow the link to the Discover Cumbria Facebook page - Good Luck if you enter :) Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:22:03 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Signed-Kendal-Calling-Memorabilia-to-be-auctioned Debbie Harry's guitar along with an impressive catalogue of A list musicians' instruments are set to go under the hammer A charity auction selling off instruments signed by Kendal Calling headliners will ope Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:50:17 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Painting-by-Turner-of-Cumbrian-Church---St-Mary's---Kirby-Lonsdale-may-fetch-£300,000 The watercolour by JMW Turner features a view from the churchyard of St. Mary's Church in Kirkby Lonsdale. The Cumbrian view was described by the art critic and social thinker John Ruskin as a "priceless possession", is expected to fetch up to £300,000 at auction. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:04:23 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Langdale-pub-to-host-Dark-Sky-Beer-Festival A Dark Sky Beer Festival has been organised to raise awareness of the wonders of the night sky and showcase local Cumbrian stouts and ales. The event will take place at Wainwright’s Inn, Chapel Stile, Langdale this weekend (October 29/30) and is part of the See the Stars project funded by the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:12:23 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Mysterious-jelly-found-in-Cumbria---could-it-be-from-outer-space? Walkers in the Lake District fells have spotted mysterious blobs of translucent jelly which, according to folklore, comes from outer space. The 'blobs' have appeared in the last week in and around the fells of Patterdale, Cumbria. The substance is known as 'Star Jelly' and some say it is left over from meteor showers. It appears from time to time around the world, but scientists are confused about exactly what it is and where it comes from. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:14:29 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#If-you-wait-till-Xmas-you'll-miss-the-Stewart-Smith-Photography-Sale Sign up to Stewart's newsletter (always worth reading!) & you'll get 15% off ALL PRINTS Plus every week for the next 10 weeks before the last posting date there'll be the chance to get one of his favourite images with a whopping 25% off. For the first week it's the old favourite Lodore Falls shot, which you can get 25% off but ONLY UNTIL SUNDAY. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:41:25 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Mystery-apples-in-Cumbria Four apple trees growing at Mallsgate Hall estate in Northern Cumbria remain unnamed after experts fail to identify them. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:31:40 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Nude-Male-Poets-provide-Muse-for-Lake-District-Calender-for-a-Cure-for-Diabetes How about this one for a fundraiser? “14 nude male poets, 13 female photographers, 14 poems contributed by UK female poets. Creating together for a cure to diabetes type one.” The Guardian points us to the new project, dreamed up by Wild Women Press co-founder and poet Victoria Bennett, who is turning over graves in the Lake District: “We were looking at things we could do to raise money and awareness of type one diabetes. I run Wild Women Press and my focus has always been trying to promote and give a platform to women’s writing. Late one night I came up with the idea of a poetry calendar – I wanted to explore the idea of the male muse, as opposed to the female muse,” said Bennett. “I decided I didn’t want it to be just poets getting their clothes off, which, let’s face it, is a niche market. So I started to approach women poets, from the very well known to the just coming up, and they’ve all contributed poems [for interpretation].” The male poets range from early 20s to late 60s, and include Eric Gregory and Newdigate award winner Antony Dunn, Alan Buckley, Graham Eccles, Alexander Hutchison and Max Wallis, while the photographers are both established and less so, from Annabel Williams to Tamara Peel. The calendar shoot took place in the Lake District this weekend, with Greta Hall, home to Southey and Coleridge, one of the locations. “We shot on the ledge where Coleridge used to write, on the opium bed in his study, by Southey’s desk,” said Bennett. “We figured Coleridge would have approved. Once upon a time Wordsworth, Byron and others used to gather there. Now we have a different group.” Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:46:55 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Kendal-Calling-wins-Best-Small-Festival-in-Live-UK-Music-Awards-For-2nd-Year-Running The title, awarded to festivals that have fewer than 15,000 attendees is a true accolade as the event was nominated to win by music industry experts. Kendal Calling was cherry picked from a long list of other events that have taken place in the 2011 festival calendar, with the final result chosen by fans. This year’s event saw the festival sell out in record time with eight weeks to go. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:40:04 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cycling,-hiking-or-chilling,-Cumbria-is-pretty-perfect Waking up at Skelwith Fold, it was easy to see why David bellamy has declared it "the most magical destination in the Lake District". Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:33:42 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbrian-Ice-Cream-takes-a-Savoury-Twist-at-the-Rheged-Cheese-Festival Five Cumbrian Ice Cream producers have taken up the challenge to invent new cheese ice cream recipes for this weekend’s Cheese Festival at Rheged. Brough Castle Ice Cream have combined caramelised fig and walnut and white Stilton for their ice cream. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:58:06 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Summer-may-have-been-and-gone,-but-visitors-are-mushrooming-at-a-top-Lakeland-holiday-park---and-also-brambling-and-sloe-gathering-too. Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside says that this autumn could produce a bumper crop of tourists into the Lake District thanks to ideal conditions for wild food foraging. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:51:29 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cottage-Bassenthwaite.html Stay in a tranquil cottage. Bassenthwaite is slightly off the beaten track allowing you to enjoy all the splendour of the Lake District from one of the quieter corners. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:00:49 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cottages-Large-Groups.html Excellent selection of cottages ideal for large groups. These Lakeland properties are perfect for groups looking to accommodate 10 to 46 persons Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:55:05 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cottages-Hawkshead.html Hawkshead cottages put you right in Beatrix Potter country. Will you choose the cottage with the lake view, or the four poster bed? Read about all our Hawkshead Cottages. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:03:52 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Holiday_Cottage_in_Grasmere.html Choose the perfect Holiday Cottage in Grasmere and the surrounding villages, from our hand-picked selection Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:45:45 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#20,000-expected-in-Cockermouth-for-Taste-Cumbria-Food-Festival TV favourites the Hairy Bikers will be headlining - Cockermouth was battered by the floods and to come back from the brink and be as successful now as it’s ever been shows what an amazing place this is. Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:55:04 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Anyone-who-lives-in-the-Lake-District-and-North-York-Moors-will-now-be-eligible-to-take-a-parish-seat-on-the-National-Park-Authority. These seats were previously reserved for parish councillors.Local people will have more say in the running of National Parks in their areas, under new Big Society plans announced by Defra today. “Our National Parks are our mosttreasured landscapes enjoyed by millions of people every year and contribute significantly to regional economies. The changes we are making will give the local communities a greater say in how their National Park is managed.” The changes are expected to come into effect from April 2013, following consultation and pending legislative approval. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:36:13 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria's-going-barking-mad-today-for-the-World-Sheepdog-Trials. Nations of dog lovers descend on Cumbria for Lowther sheepdog trials. As many as 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the international competition, which has attracted a cult following in recent years. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:11:03 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Life-Boat-Inn-Maryport-hosts-Super-Size-Veggie-World-Championship Leeks as big as posts and onions bigger than footballs drew the crowds at Cumbria’s self-styled giant vegetable world championships. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:16:56 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#World-Sheepdog-Trials-attract-competitors-from-23-nations-to-Cumbria BBC Countryfile cameras will be filming the event. DOG handlers from around the globe are set to fight it out for the ‘top dog’ title when they converge on Cumbria for the 2011 World Sheep Dog Trials starting Thursday (Sept 15). A total of 240 dogs and their handlers from 23 nations will compete at the four-day event at the Lowther Estate, near Shap. Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:39:30 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#William-and-Kate-donate-Landrover-to-Lake-District-Mountain-Rescue William and Kate have donated a £45,000 Land Rover they received as a wedding gift to a mountain rescue team in the Lake District. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:12:15 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Poisonous-algae-appears-in-Esthwaite-Water People and animals should avoid Esthwaite Water, close to Windermere, after concerns were raised by South Lakeland Council. Sun, 04 Sep 2011 08:57:56 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria-to-Host-4th-International-Dog-Society-World-Sheep-Dog-Trials,-Food-&-Country-Festival Penrith, prepares to host the 4th International sheep Dog Society (ISDS) World Sheep Dog Trials, Food & Country Festival, being held between 15 -18 September 2011. This is the first time ever the event has been held in England, and it is Sat, 03 Sep 2011 07:18:09 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Yurts-Lake-District.html Yurts - Lake District. Fantastic selection of Yurts in the Lake District. Experience the magic of a Lake District Yurt Holiday at one of these stunning locations in Cumbria. Read more and see photographs of these eco-friendly Lake District Yurts. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:08:05 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#How-to-Forage-in-the-Lake-District Tips on "friendly foraging" are being issued this autumn by a top Lakeland holiday park which has become a focus for fans of free food. Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside says that many caravan and motorhome visitors to the Lake District in autumn come in search of produce from nature's larder. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:31:34 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Bunny-hop!-Victoria-Wood-and-Peter-Rabbit-open-Beatrix-Potter-Treasure-Trail The FREE-to-enter treasure trail opened by Victoria Wood and Peter Rabbit runs until the 31st of August, and is designed to get families out and about in the beautiful county of Cumbria, to explore places they may not have been to before and doing something fun in the outdoors. Sun, 31 Jul 2011 19:52:26 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Kendal-Windermere.html Lake District Self Catering cottages in the pretty valleys between Kendal and Windermere Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:32:13 GMT