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 Tue, 15 May 2012 16:19:27 GMT Tue, 15 May 2012 16:19:27 GMT discovercumbria.co.uk http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Clean-Coast-Award-for-Cumbria http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Clean-Coast-Award-for-Cumbria Four beaches in Cumbria have won Keep Britain Tidy's Quality Coast Awards. The beaches are Haverigg, Seascale, Silecroft and St Bees Tue, 15 May 2012 16:19:26 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Self-Catering-Ullswater.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Self-Catering-Ullswater.html Hand-chosen self catering Ullswater cottages. Cottages with Lake Ullswater views, barn conversions and walk from the door opportunities. Tue, 15 May 2012 11:48:47 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/cumbria-walks.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/cumbria-walks.html Cumbria Walks of all lengths and for all levels of fitness. Choose from stunning shorter walks to all day hikes. Find out today's Cumbria weather forecast. Sun, 13 May 2012 14:22:30 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Kendal-Calling-27---29-July-2012 http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Kendal-Calling-27---29-July-2012 Voted Best Small Festival in 2010 & 2011 - this year's festival has an amazing line up. Note the festival Venue is near Penrith and not at Kendal - follow the link for full details Tue, 08 May 2012 11:39:40 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#83-year-old-Lakeland-Artist-Sheila-Cockbaine http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#83-year-old-Lakeland-Artist-Sheila-Cockbaine is still painting and will be holding an exhibition at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston from May 9th - 31st Mon, 07 May 2012 08:47:54 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Rare-lack-grouse-birds-start-to-thrive-in-Cumbria http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Rare-lack-grouse-birds-start-to-thrive-in-Cumbria Among the key areas for the species in Cumbria is the Geltsdale nature reserve, near Brampton, where there was a 20 per cent rise in numbers last year. Other county strongholds include Alston. The male black grouse are renowned for their incredible courtship rituals – called leks – in which they strut with their tails spread and held low while making a rhythmic bubbling call interspersed with a sneeze-like sound. One of the key factors in the original decline of the species was the dramatic loss of heather moorland, which reduced by 36 per cent between 1947 and 1980. Conservation work to boost their numbers in Cumbria has included working with farmers to reestablish suitable habitats. Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:18 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Exhilirating-&-Challenging-15-Mile,-Keswick-to-Greystoke,-Off-Road-Bike-Route http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Exhilirating-&-Challenging-15-Mile,-Keswick-to-Greystoke,-Off-Road-Bike-Route In the Guardian's Britain's best bike rides Series A rocky track, it can be inhospitable in bad weather, but on a fine day it is tremendous, with stunning views and a wonderful sense of isolation and adventure. Sun, 06 May 2012 05:56:16 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Exciting-work-opportunities-at-Lakeland-Arts-Trust http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Exciting-work-opportunities-at-Lakeland-Arts-Trust We thought we should share this interesting selection of jobs in the beautiful English Lake District with you! Thu, 03 May 2012 11:31:08 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Kendal-in-Cumbria.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Kendal-in-Cumbria.html The market town of Kendal in Cumbria is steeped in history and retains old-world-charm despite being one of the best if not the best places for retail shopping in Cumbria. Wed, 02 May 2012 12:17:19 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#New-Bird-Sightings-in-Southern-Cumbria-Blog http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#New-Bird-Sightings-in-Southern-Cumbria-Blog We've just discovered this lovely blog dedicated to bird sightings in southern Cumbria and thought we'd share it with you. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:57:28 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/grizedale.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/grizedale.html There is something for everyone at Grizedale. From gentle strolls through the forest looking at award winning sculptures, to whole day walks. For those with a head for heights and a stomach for adventure don't miss Grizedale Go Ape! centre. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:05:42 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria’s-first-purpose-built-‘black’-grade-mountain-bike-trail-launched-at-Grizedale-Forest http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria’s-first-purpose-built-‘black’-grade-mountain-bike-trail-launched-at-Grizedale-Forest The downhill trail, which is more than a kilometre long, was built by a small team of passionate and dedicated volunteers who are mountain biking enthusiasts, supported by the Grizedale Mountain Bikes team and the Forestry Commission’s recreation ranger. Mountain bike trails are graded by colour in a similar way to ski runs – green, blue, red and black – with black being the most difficult and suited only to experienced riders. The black trail adds to the existing mountain biking and cycling trail network at Grizedale, which includes the 16km-long red grade North Face Trail, a plethora of exciting bridleways, several way-marked family bike trails on the forest road system, and the Grizedale Mountain Bikes’ bike hire and shop. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:03:51 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#DISABLED-motorists-visiting-the-Lake-District-will-now-be-able-to-get-their-first-hour-of-parking-for-free. http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#DISABLED-motorists-visiting-the-Lake-District-will-now-be-able-to-get-their-first-hour-of-parking-for-free. The National Park authority has brought in the special arrangement for blue badge permit holders. We understand that disabled people obviously take longer to carry out tasks such as shopping and sight-seeing, and in reality they seem to be getting less parking time for their money. “By giving blue badge holders this ‘free’ initial hour of parking we hope people will see we have responded to the initial approach in a fair and practical way.” Full details of the scheme and how to apply for a special permit, visit www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/carparks Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:48:16 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Free-Workshop-'Drawing-with-Charcoal-in-&-around-Farfield-Mill-Cumbria---Rebecca-Wallace-Jones http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Free-Workshop-'Drawing-with-Charcoal-in-&-around-Farfield-Mill-Cumbria---Rebecca-Wallace-Jones Saturday 28th April 10.30 - 4.30 LIMITED AVAILABILITY - call 015396 21958 to reserve your place now. Using charcoal from sustainable local coppice, artist Rebecca Wallace-Jones will lead a one day drawing workshop open to all visitors to Farfield Mill. The workshop is free of charge and will include the opportunity to draw with charcoal made from a variety of wood types, onto a selection of papers and special drawing grounds. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:41:01 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#The-Guardian's-Top-Ten-Campsite-in-Cumbria http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#The-Guardian's-Top-Ten-Campsite-in-Cumbria Room with a view - fantastic self catering opportunities from just £4 per adult per night. Stay on an island or by one of the many babbling brooks - enjoy the vista - ice cream and the local ales... Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:21:51 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#10-Stunning-Lake-District-Panorama's-from-The-Guardian http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#10-Stunning-Lake-District-Panorama's-from-The-Guardian This perfect spring weather and these stunning Panoramas are surely enough to persuade you it really is time to book that holiday in Cumbria! Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:50:43 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Preparations-being-made-for-return-of-Ospreys-to-Bassenthwaite http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Preparations-being-made-for-return-of-Ospreys-to-Bassenthwaite They hope will be the 12th season at Bassenthwaite for the world famous Lakeland Ospreys. A pair of ospreys first nested near Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District in 2001, raising a single chick, the first for more than 150 years. Since then, there has been a successful nest there every year with a total of 23 chicks fledging. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:12:03 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/North-Cumbria-Self-Catering.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/North-Cumbria-Self-Catering.html Discover North Cumbria - with these idyllic self catering properties Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:03:25 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Why-Cumbrian-volunteer-deserves-your-vote-in-the-Octavia-Hill-Awards http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Why-Cumbrian-volunteer-deserves-your-vote-in-the-Octavia-Hill-Awards Eric Shorrocks has spent the last 23 yrs of volunteering in Cumbria and during that time has rebuilt 2,500 metres of drystone wall Eric must hold some sort of record. With a cheery smile and a pocketful of dog biscuits, he had his sure-fire ‘engagement’ tools sorted long before the term became popular. As an Arnside resident, Eric started volunteering before the National Trust had any of its own staff here. From litter picking and path clipping, he and his wife Marnie joined the Wednesday working party – saving precious limestone grassland from scrub invasion. But Eric’s greatest achievement lies in his drystone walling. He taught himself and reached professional standards. Over the years he trained up at least 20 people – you can see Eric’s skilled hand in every sturdy stretch of wall. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:31:19 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Secrets-of-a-Shepherdess http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Secrets-of-a-Shepherdess Come along and share the life of Shepherdess Alison O'Neill and enjoy an informative talk and leisurely 2 mile walk around the farm. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:46:09 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Yurts-Lake-District.html 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. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:21:11 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/index.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/index.html Discover Cumbria is your insiders Guide to the English Lake District. Packed with personal recommendations to help you choose from all the great places to stay, walk and explore, without getting too caught up in the crowds. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:31:24 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria-tops-Daily-Mirror's-list-of-Top-10-Spring-Farm-Breaks http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria-tops-Daily-Mirror's-list-of-Top-10-Spring-Farm-Breaks Enjoy the Lake District while staying on a 175-acre working livestock farm. Your accommodation will be at Row Farm Cottage, which sleeps four. The farm, near the beautiful Eskdale Valley, rears suckler cows and sheep, and the farmer is happy to show guests around when sheep are lambing and cows are calving Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:52:34 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#B&B-and-Beyond:-Dome-House-Cumbria-from-C4's-Grand-Designs http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#B&B-and-Beyond:-Dome-House-Cumbria-from-C4's-Grand-Designs Dome House is, according to The Independent, about as inconspicuous as Paris Hilton at a ramblers' convention Famous from C4's Grand Designs The Dome is now hoping to become famous for its fabulous views and rather splendid breakfasts Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:56:37 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Lovely-to-see-BBC-Things-to-Do-supporting-Kendal-Kingfishers http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Lovely-to-see-BBC-Things-to-Do-supporting-Kendal-Kingfishers Run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust - You could be making bird boxes, hunting for bugs & beasties, doing crafts, or something completely different... Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:31:10 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Taste-of-Cumbria-on-show-in-London http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Taste-of-Cumbria-on-show-in-London We are also keen to show that Cumbria is more than a beautiful place to visit. Forge Europa’s Light Ale, created for the event with the Ulverston Brewing Company, was sampled by Londoners at the event, along with Forge Europa Kendal Mint Cake, developed by Kendal manufacturer Romney’s. There was also a menu including Cumbrian meat and cheese platters with Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:53:08 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Cottages-Hawkshead.html 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. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:11:10 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Hawkshead-Beer-to-be-sold-in-Robinsons-Pubs http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Hawkshead-Beer-to-be-sold-in-Robinsons-Pubs Stockport-based brewer and pub operator has signed an unprecedented deal with Lake District craft brewery Hawkshead, to sell its beer in Robinsons pubs. The deal marks the first between the Cheshire family brewers and any small brewer. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:17:22 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Marmalade-from-Bowness-on-Windermere-recipe-to-be-presented-to-her-Majesty-to-mark-her-Diamond-Jubilee http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Marmalade-from-Bowness-on-Windermere-recipe-to-be-presented-to-her-Majesty-to-mark-her-Diamond-Jubilee Congratulations to Mark Crowe from Bowness-on-Windermere, whose winning preserve in the Marmalade for the Monarch category will be reproduced by a commercial producer and sent as a gift to Her Majesty the Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:50:50 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Pudding-Co-which-started-at-a-Cumbrian-Kitchen-Table-now-shortlisted-for-£50,000-Award http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Pudding-Co-which-started-at-a-Cumbrian-Kitchen-Table-now-shortlisted-for-£50,000-Award Cumbria based manufacturer of traditional puddings is in the running for HSBC’s Business Growth Grant, a business award that will help propel its domestic growth. Country Puddings began life in a farmhouse kitchen at the local farm shop at Penrith. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:43:18 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria's-Highland-Farm-is-one-of-The-10-finalists-2012-International-Boston-Seafood-Excellence-Awards-new-products-competitio http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Cumbria's-Highland-Farm-is-one-of-The-10-finalists-2012-International-Boston-Seafood-Excellence-Awards-new-products-competitio Cumbria's Highland Farms Salmon Mignon with a Green Tea & Ginger Glaze and an Aromatic Broth Mix wins them a place in the top 10 finalists of Boston's Seafood Excellence Awards New Products Competition Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:30:20 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Acclaimed-Cumbrian-singer-honoured-in-new-stamp-collection http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Acclaimed-Cumbrian-singer-honoured-in-new-stamp-collection A celebrated classical singer who launcher her glittering global career in Cumbria has been honoured in a new stamp collection. Kathleen Ferrier started out as a small-time festivals performer in the county before going on to be a world-renowned contralto. When she died at the age of just 41 in 1953 she was said to be the second most famous woman in the country – second only to the Queen. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:14:42 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Customer-Competitions-&-Freebies-as-Cranstons-celebrate-the-Cumberland-Sausage http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Customer-Competitions-&-Freebies-as-Cranstons-celebrate-the-Cumberland-Sausage Cranstons Quality Butchers are holding a six week festival celebrating the Cumberland Sausage. The festival runs from Sunday 19th February to Saturday 31st March and will feature cookery demonstrations, free recipe cards, special offers, competitions, and free 'tasters' that will give customers a chance to try more exotic varieties of sausage alongside Cranstons famous traditional Cumberland Sausage. In addition, local chef John Crouch will present a sausage cookery master class at the Cumbrian Food Hall, Penrith, from 11am- 3pm on Saturday 24th of March. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:44:28 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/about-Beatrix-Potter.html http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/about-Beatrix-Potter.html Discover all about Beatrix Potter - Cumbria has so many links with Beatrix Potter - find out where to view her watercolours and illusrations, see where she lived and find out about her work in preserving today's English Lake District Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:50:01 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Charity-National-Vintage-Tractor-Mystery-Road-Run-in-Cumbria http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Charity-National-Vintage-Tractor-Mystery-Road-Run-in-Cumbria Organised by Cumbria’s Packhorse Tractor Club & with a £5,000 vintage tractor donated by farming brothers Duncan and Alastair Fisher for first prize in a raffle that will be drawn at the Easter weekend event. Tractors will gather for the road run at Hornby Hall, Penrith, and be displayed to the public on April 7. They will set off the following day on a mystery 25-mile route around the county. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:43:18 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Ulverston-Crystal-for-Queen's-Diamond-Jubilee-Memorabilia http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Ulverston-Crystal-for-Queen's-Diamond-Jubilee-Memorabilia Ulverston based Cumbria Crystal has teamed up with John Walker & Sons – Scotch whisky distillers by appointment to Her Majesty – to mark the monarch’s 60th anniversary on the throne with a special glass and whisky collection. Just 60 of these rare editions, one for each year of the Queen’s reign, will be offered for sale at £100,000 each. John Walker & Sons will donate the profits from the sale, with a guarantee of at least £1 million to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association that preserves rare craft and conservation skills. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:17:11 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Mirehouse-Keswick-makes-the-Guardian's-Top-10-Half-Term-Days-Out http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Mirehouse-Keswick-makes-the-Guardian's-Top-10-Half-Term-Days-Out With its Bee Garden and Tiny Maze, zip wire, play fort and wobbly bridge and for the adults a lovely walk to the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:01:59 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Fears-that-Black-Squirrels-will-dominate-Cumbria http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Fears-that-Black-Squirrels-will-dominate-Cumbria Cumbria is one of the few remaining strongholds of the red squirrel, which has declined to just 120,000 animals nationwide. Greys and blacks pass on a deadly disease to the reds called squirrelpox, which causes lesions to develop on the skin and around the eyes. To record any sightings of the black squirrel or to find out more, go to www.black-squirrelproject.org Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:57:12 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Beatrix-Potter-World.html 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, 08 Feb 2012 08:38:49 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Kirby-Stephen-Grammar-School-Pupil-Scoops-Top-Chef-Award http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Kirby-Stephen-Grammar-School-Pupil-Scoops-Top-Chef-Award Fiona Lambert, has been awarded the top title of The Leading Hotels of Cumbria Young Chef 2012. Fiona Lambert triumphed in the locally organised cooking competition, after cooking her way through four rigorous rounds of the competition. In the final she cooked up a culinary storm and created a three-course meal for four people for £20. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:50:32 GMT http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/discover-cumbria-blog.html#Wild-Camping-in-Cumbria-for-Nervous-Rookies---Pushing-the-Boundaries-of-your-Comfort-Zone 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 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 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! 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 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/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 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 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 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' 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 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