Holker Hall

The Lake District isn’t all about high energy activities and mountains, here in Cumbria we have some of the finest Country houses and gardens which are open to the public and can be enjoyed year round. Whilst staying in our cottages you are within an easy drive of several properties that are truly worth a day out. There are also numerous private houses that open their gardens to the public on selected days throughout the year. These can be found through the National Garden Scheme website (NGS). Listed below are some of the more prominent houses and grounds that are available to visit.

Holker Hall - Open between 24th March until 3rd November (Closed Saturdays) Holker Hall is the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish who welcome visitors of all ages to one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay. Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.

This year will see the 21st Holker Garden Festival (31st May – 2nd June) held in the grounds of the estate with a three day summer spectacle, showcasing only the very best of gardening, countryside, food and crafts making it one of the most popular events in the gardening calendar.  In true Festival style, Holker brings together magnificent show gardens, glorious horticulture, delicious artisan produce and fine craftsmanship, to entertain and delight visitors of all ages.

Levens Hall

Levens Hall – Open between 31st March to 10th October the Topiary Gardens at Levens Hall are world famous. Designed in 1694 by Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont, the garden amazingly still retains many of its original features. Its very special atmosphere is partly felt through a great sense of continuity. Those three centuries of garden making here have made it a magical place. Each new generation brings a reworking within the historic framework to create fresh and beautiful contemporary plantings. A sense of excitement and joy is felt throughout in this continuing evolution of colour and design. Each area of the 10 acre garden offers something different to the visitor, set against the backdrop of the magnificent house which has been in continuous occupation since about 1350 (the house is also open to visitors. On Friday 26th July Levens Hall is hosting a Family Picnic and cinema evening, allowing families to enjoy food in the gardens before watching a special screening of ‘Finding Nemo’.

Holehird Gardens - As the home of the Lakeland Horticultural society, Holehird Gardens offer a unique look into how the Lake District climate and landscape can be used in conjunction with the skills of the volunteers  to create a beautiful landscape enhanced by the views of the surrounding fells and the magnificence of Lake Windermere. The society aims to promote both the art, science and practice of horticulture whilst also promoting and maintaining three national plant collections. Apart from developing and maintaining the gardens and running educational lectures and courses, members run a specialist library, maintain an extensive photographic and documentary archive, publish a full-colour garden guide, journals and newsletters, operate a Met. Office approved weather station and provide a wardening service to assist visitors to the gardens (on some days you may turn up to be served tea by my Mum who is a Holehird volunteer)

Brockhole Visitors centre – In recent years Brockhole has transformed from country house and gardens to provide a great many activities for a complete family day out. The main house holds exhibitions whilst the grounds are the home of the newly built  ’Tree Top Trek‘ activity and a large children’s outdoor adventure playground. there are walks around the gardens and along the shores of Windermere.

Holehird Gardens

For those of you of an active persuasion, this years Grasmere Gallop (Sat 8th June) promises to have something for everyone.

Although a fairly new event on the Lake District calendar  The Grasmere Gallop has quickly become a favourite amongst both locals and holiday-makers. The past 3 years of events have been organised by the National Trust who have managed to expand the format & promote it to a wide audience whilst using the funds raised to support essential conservation work in the Grasmere and Rydal area. The event can be as competitive as you like from those who want to put forward their best time to those who simply want to take part and enjoy the day.

This years event will for the first time include a 17km race which will take in some of the most stunning scenery on offer anywhere in Britain. From the start line the race crosses Loughrigg Terrace, Fell and Tarn before returning to Grasmere village via Rydal Water and Grasmere itself.

The traditional 10km race is still run through the Vale of Grasmere and Rydal, the place that inspired the foundation of The National Trust. Leaving Grasmere along the same route as the 17km race, through Deer Bolts wood & along Loughrigg Terrace before passing the stunning Rydal Cave before returning to the village along the shores of Grasmere & Rydal Water. There is even an optional ‘water dash’ for the brave souls who wish to try it.

For younger runners or those who don’t feel up to the longer runs there is a lower level 5.7km run which turns before the slope up to Loughrigg Terrace and descends to the Grasmere shoreline returning to Grasmere sports field for a ‘grandstand finish’. This route has proved popular with families who can run or walk the course.

Also returning for it’s second year is the 10km ‘Nordic Walk’. After receiving such strong support last year the NT would love to welcome as many walkers as possible to make this one of the premier ‘Nordic Walking’ events in the UK.

In keeping with the National Trust commitment to encourage all ages to enjoy our national parks,there will also be a ‘Teddy Dash‘ for the under 5′s to take part in on the Sports field itself. Supported by Grasmere school and Nursery. Can your child and his/her teddy gallop a circuit of Grasmere sports field negotiating obstacles along the way?

Sporting events have long been at the heart of Lake District life with the Grasmere Gallop quickly establishing itself amongst the great Lake District days out alongside such traditional events as Ambleside Sports, Grasmere Sports, Rydal Sheepdog Trials and the new wave of events including The Great North Swim, Total Warrior,  The Eden Valley Cycle Sportive & The Great Langdale Road races. Seeing the Lake District from the car or a tour bus is one thing but becoming part of your surroundings by joining in these events can be a fantastic experience.

For more information about any of the events simply click on the blue highlighted links to be taken straight to the page you’re interested in. I won’t be on the course this year (can’t do Saturdays) but if anyone fancies joining me for the 10 mile Sunday route at Total Warrior in August I’m always open to running partners

Meri leading the way up Stickle Ghyll

On Monday 1st April, Heather & I joined a walk organised by the National Trust. We’d been looking for something to do with our kids Keira (9) Meri (5) and our dog Elsa rather than waste a bank holiday Monday simply lazing about. The previous Saturday had been spent searching the internet for walking routes that would be manageable for our group when I came across a ‘ReTweet’ from @NTCentralFells.

It simply said ‘Free guided walk on Monday with NT Rangers and Mountain Leader. Starts 1000 at Sticklebarn, Langdale. All ages & dogs – just be there’

Well as a true northerner the word ‘Free’ stuck out like a sore thumb + it gave us the chance to get out and meet a few people while taking in some fantastic scenery. Monday morning arrived and we got ourselves ready to go, complete with packed lunch and hot chocolate to cope with the expected freezing conditions at the head of Langdale. With our late season snow still clinging to the fells (and even some still in the valley bottom) blue skies and clear air  it promised to be great day for walking.

Stickle Tarn and the magnificent Pavey Ark

We met up with our guides and the rest of the group at about 9.45am in the bar at The Sticklebarn (the first National Trust owned pub in the Lake District) There were 8 of us & 2 dogs plus our mountain guide Malcolm Wade and National Trust wardens Neil Winder & James Archer. Our route was to take us up the fell-side path to Stickle Tarn then across to our decent on the old path around Tarn Crag before rejoining our original upward route for the final decent back to the pub. Conditions were fantastic with long clear views which took in the full length of  Great Langdale valley, Lingmoor, Side Pike, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags. Rising about us throughout our walk was the magnificent Harrison Stickle, Pavey Ark and Sergeant Man, and once we had achieved enough height we could also take in the Tilberthwaite fells in the distance beyond Little Langdale.

Periodically throughout our walk we paused for some input from our guide and wardens about our surroundings and the ongoing work that the NT is involved in to keep our fells and heritage intact. These pauses seemed perfectly timed to give Meri (our youngest group member) time to get some energy back in her little legs. For much of the walk Meri & Keira managed to be at the front of the group and both of them really enjoyed the scramble up the narrowest/steepest part of the path nr Stickle Tarn. Elsa our  Boxer dog was very nimble when it came to the more challenging sections of the path but simply refused to cross the stepping stones over Stickle Ghyll resulting in a rather embarrassing moment as I had to pick her up and carry her over (Tilly the Retriever had no such problem). Arriving at the still frozen Stickle Tarn gave us the chance for a bit of amateur photography and to stop and refuel with sandwiches & hot chocolate before starting our decent to the side of Tarn Crag. Having a group leader takes any pressure off you having to find your own route and enables them to make sure you are putting safety first (Malcolm our group leader checked the strength of some ice over a stream which did hold for a few seconds before giving his right leg a frozen dunking). The walk down from Tarn Crag was mostly clear of snow being on the southern side of the crag, but as any fell-walker knows down is always more difficult than up (especially when attached to a dog who doesn’t realise that her footing is far more assured than your own). We returned to The Sticklebarn just after 1pm in time for lunch in the bar. All in all a very enjoyable 1/2 day with both the guides and other members of the group, and after a morning of exertion we didn’t feel so bad sitting eating our easter eggs in the afternoon.

Keira & Meri feeling on top of the world

For information about future guided walks/activities taking place at The Stckle Barn follow this link www.nationaltrust.org.uk/great-langdale/ or contact Malcolm Wade at www.lakelandmountainexperience.com

If you are Twitter users Malcolm can be followed at @lme14 and the National Trust Rangers can be followed @NTCentralFells

Still snowy on the north facing slopes

Picture a walk in The Lake District in your head and it’s more than likely you’ll be thinking of walking the high fells. Whilst the fells are a great (and quite strenuous) day out, there is so much on offer for the more leisurely walker which can often be overlooked. . These walks still take in breathtaking scenery, mountains, lakes, historic buildings, great pubs & tea-rooms. The National Trust list 42 routes across the National Park suitable for people with limited mobility. Wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, dogwalkers with less active dogs and the visually impaired. More walks are being added all the time, mostly due to the hard work of our local rangers & volunteers.

Below is a sample walk, for the full list and maps visit the Lake District National Park website by following this link –  LDNP

Miles Without Stiles 10: Grasmere Riverside

Details

Route type: For all. A delightful path takes you along the River Rothay and away from the busy streets of this popular village – OS Explorer Map OL7

Distance: 1.75 km or 1.1 mile circuit, or 2.25 km or 1.4 miles from A591 lay-by

Start and end points: Lake District National Park car parks – grid ref. NY 338077 or NY 339073

Facilities: Disabled parking spaces, toilets and refreshments in Grasmere

Getting there: Bus: 555 and 599 services operate regularly to Grasmere from Ambleside and Keswick. Car: take the A591 from either Ambleside or Keswick

Route

Starting from Broadgate car park, head over the footbridge and past a board giving information about the route. Bird life abounds in the river – look out for ducks, dippers, wagtails and the blue flash of a kingfisher.

Cross another bridge and continue along the Rothay’s left bank. You will soon reach the Millennium Bridge. Go straight on, but if you do cross the bridge and turn right you reach Stock Lane car park, where there are toilets. You can also turn left along a hedged path to the A591 and a lay-by on the other side of the road, an alternative start if the village car parks are full.

Go beyond the bridge and follow the path to the road. Turn left, past the gingerbread shop – if you can resist the famed delicacy – and through the churchyard’s lych-gate. St. Oswald’s is the parish church of Grasmere, Rydal and Langdale. Each ‘township’ has its own separate gate into the churchyard. William Wordsworth is buried here – he died in 1850 and there is a memorial inside the church, as well as his gravestone outside.

Retrace your steps out of the churchyard. You can go back along the riverside or walk through bustling Grasmere.

Happy Red Nose Day to you!

We’ve sent the kids off dressed fully in red, with platefuls of Red Nose Day biscuits to share out. If you’re passing the office, why not call in and grab a delicious Red Nose Day biscuit, if you can spare a few pennies for Comic Relief then all the better

As the Easter holidays approach thoughts turn to planning how you’ll keep the kids occupied whilst on holiday. It doesn’t matter how nice the weather or how nice it is to be all together as a family, at some point one of the kids will utter the fateful words ‘I’m bored!’

Well here’s an idea. On Thursday 4th April The World of Beatrix Potter are organising ‘The Great Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt 2013‘  There will be 50 limited edition ceramic eggs to find. As ever there will also be some great prizes to be won to the finders of the eggs. This year the Egg Hunt will take a watery turn as the eggs will be hidden around water (for safety reasons, all eggs will be placed a safe distance from each lake shore/rivers edge and will not require egg hunters to stray off the footpaths). The Egg Hunt will raise money for ‘Wateraid‘ which The World of Beatrix Potter has supported for a number of years (to date raising over £17000).

To take part in the Egg Hunt simply click on this link  EGG HUNT and donate £2 to Wateraid. Once you have donated you will receive an email with a link to the map and clues. All egg locations and clues will appear live on the map at 10am on Thurs 4th April

Since we started our business we've been very fortunate to utilize the services of some superb photographers. Our first choice for photos of the local area is usually Stewart Smith Photography as Stewart can always come up with just the right photo for whatever occasion we need.

Stewarts imagery focuses on the wild, rugged, mountainous side of the English Lake District and Scottish Highlands.  It is principally concerned with catching the fleeting and dramatic light that can play across the crags and ridges of the mountains at the extreme ends of the day; light that is capable of transforming an already enthralling scene into something remarkable with an almost surreal beauty. Stewart achieves these shots by spending many a night camping out on the fells to ensure he's in the best position for both last light and breaking dawn.

The interpretation is of an almost primal landscape devoid of human intrusion, the Lake District mountains as they have been for thousands of years and will continue to be for thousands more.

The photos represent a love of the solitude and quiet contentment that can still be found in the higher reaches of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, revealing the Lake District at it’s very best.

Stewarts photos adorn the walls of some of our cottages in Elterwater and can be bought from our office or from his website.  Stewarts website has loads of superb photography and an informal blog where you can find out about projects he's working on, photography workshops he's involved with and a one stop shop to order any prints which catch your eye . Follow this link to his site www.stewartsmithphotography.co.uk

He's also on Twitter @stewyphoto and is a great follow for anyone interested knowing where the best pubs are in our beautiful area ;-)

We have a selection of beautiful cottages available for a romantic holiday. If you’re looking for a short break, a longer getaway, or your honeymoon, then take a look at our  Lake District Cottages.

The Lake District offers so much, if all you like to do is relax and watch the world go by, or whether you’re looking for an action packed adrenaline filled holiday. You might be looking for ideas of what to do whilst you’re here, so we’ve put together a few suggestions…

For those of you wishing to take it easy, why not enjoy a day in the Langdale Spa, in Chapel Stile close to most of our cottages. The Spa offers a wide selection of relaxing treatments in their beauty area, you could also enjoy a swim, sauna, jacuzzi and  some time in the steam room. If you get hungry they have a choice of eateries and bars for you to enjoy. You could stretch your legs with a walk round the Langdale Valley, taking in some of the best views in the Lake District, and stop off at any of the areas watering holes, The Britannia Inn, The Old Dungeon Ghyll and Wainwrights Inn to name a few.

For those wanting a bit more action, you might enjoy a days climbing, for any budding Leo Houlding’s out there! If you’re a novice, or the weather’s not favourable, you could visit Ambleside, Keswick or Kendal’s Climbing Walls. Brockhole’s Tree Top Adventure is also a super way to get up high with a selection of aerial courses up in the tree canopy. Try Go Ape, a high wire adventure course in Whinlatter near Keswick or Grizedale near Hawkshead the latter having the highest platform at 18 metres. You’ll fly 200 metres across the top of Grizedale Beck! Grizedale Forest has such alot to offer, with miles of pathways and cycle routes and all you need to pay for is the parking.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, one way or another, Zefirillis Cinema and Restaurant in Ambleside is a relaxing place to spend the evening, Zeffs boasts 5 cinema screens, live feeds from across the world bringing you live Opera, and a Jazz Bar which host regular live performances from some of the best jazz musicians. Zefirellis and Fellinis (their sister restaurant) offer an excellent meal & movie deal at £18.75 or £20.75 for Fellinis, which includes a 2 course meal and reserved cinema seating. If you’ve seen all the latest releases you could go to Lucy’s on a Plate which is now under new ownership or give The Glass House a try.

If you’re staying around Grasmere, you could eat at the renowned and very popular Jumble Room, or enjoy a lake view at the newly completed Daffodil Hotel, or enjoy the superb quality food and wine at the Oak Bank Hotel & Restaurant.

Alot of our cottages are in the Langdale area so you may want to enjoy a meal out without worrying about driving home. The Eltermere Inn is a short distance from Elterwater village and serves a great selection of delicious food and has an extensive range of spirits (I’ve wobbled home after trying to sample all their rums before!). If you can’t be bothered getting dressed up for dinner, nobody seems to mind here, The Britannia Inn in Elterwater has two roaring open fires, a friendly atmosphere and top notch beer,  a good choice of food with a different specials menu each evening to choose from, the sea bass is my favourite!

Pain Au Chocolat Pudding

It’s been along time since our last foody post on the blog. As the wintery weather surrounds us all here’s a recipe for all the chocolate lovers.

Pain Au Chocolat pudding is essentially a bit of a fancy take on Bread and Butter pud. Tasty, rich and if you have enough it will render you unable to move from your chair

Ingredients:

4 large Pain Au Chocolat (preferably with twin chocolate bars in each)

300ml milk

300ml double cream

1 tsp vanilla essence

4 egg yolks

125g caster sugar

100g dark chocolate (grated)

icing sugar, to dust

pouring cream, to serve

1.7ltr shallow baking dish

Preheat the oven to 180C (Gas 4)

Cut the Pain Au Chocolat into thick slices. Arrange cut side up  and overlapping in the baking dish.

Put the milk, cream & vanilla in a pan. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes (don’t boil) Then remove from heat.

In a large bowl mix the sugar and egg yolks until light & creamy. Pour the milk/cream/vanila mixture into the egg/sugar mix

Whisk 75g of the grated chocolate to the mixture then pour it evenly over the Pain Au Chocolat and leave to stand for 10 minutes (to allow the liquid to be absorbed.

Sprinkle over the remain chocolate. Put the baking dish in a big roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come 1/2 way up the sides of the dish Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custard is softly set and the top is a golden brown.

Remove from oven, lift out of roasting tin and allow to cool a little (served warn rather than piping hot) Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with cream.

Please note this is not my own recipe but one I have made from the superb book ‘Chocolate’ by Maxine Clark. I’m looking forward to trying out some of her other creations

We have been disappointed to learn this week of the rejection of the ‘Honister Slate Mine, Zip Wire’ project. Heather & I both supported the plan as we felt  it would be a great attraction to have in The Lake District, with a minimal visual impact on the surrounding fells. The scheme has divided local opinion however. Mountaineer Sir Chris Bonninton is a supporter of the project and resigned as Vice-President of ‘Friends of the Lake District’ due to their views against the scheme.

An image showing the rough line of travel of the Zip Wire and the recent BBC article about the ongoing efforts are available to click on below.

Sir Chris Bonnington resigns from FLD