5 Ways to explore the Lake District

Back in the day, when this blog first began, it was very much focused on exploring the different fells on foot but we decided to make 2017 the year we did something different.  It's not that we got bored with hiking, far from it, it's just that different modes of transport offer different views and different experiences and we love them all.  We've also met up with some utterly fab people who are proving that exploring the fells isn't just a passtime for those with 2 healthy legs.

1. Bikes and electric bikes

I am a fair weather, unashamed, not too hilly cyclist.  I love my bike but I'm never going to be one of those Lycra clad lovelies you see pounding their way up Hard Knott Pass, so we stick to relatively flat places like Thirlmere and Grizedale.  If your legs are really feeling the train, or you don't have your own bike, then fear not for there is an entire network of cycle hire places around Morecambe Bay (also blissfully non hilly) or there's Velo Bikes in Grizedale where we borrowed a couple of ebikes from last week. (And there's tons of other fab ideas for exploring Morecambe Bay here and here)

For a few blissful hours I understood a little of what it felt like to be Laura Trott - not that I'd ever catch her even with electric assistance, but it was wonderful to zoom up hills with hardly any effort and polish off a 21 mile bike ride in under two hours and still be able to talk at the end of it.

Ebikes from Velo bikes in Grizedale

2.  On foot

To be fair, I end up exploring on foot even when I'm riding a bike as I push it up so many hills.  Nothing will ever replace my love of hiking but it's always fun escaping the crowds and exploring some of the less visited spots.  One of my favourite walks this year was the day we spent around Ennerdale Water - it was a glorious day, the heather was in full bloom and we hardly saw another soul once we left the car park.  Perfect.

3.  On the water

2017 was the year we cracked out the kayaks - and the canoes!  Fed up of walking and cycling around the lakes we thought it was about time we got out onto the lakes, so we booked a day's kayaking with Distant Horizons on Ullswater.  They gave us all the tuition we needed and kept a close eye on us all day, which was perhaps as well...  We had so much fun that we went back for a go on their canoes a few weeks later.  I wanted to love the kayaks more but I found the canoes a lot more comfortable - plus there was more room for a picnic in there...

(I bought the adventures as a Christmas gift for Steve - if you fancy it you can find the vouchers here.)

4.  IN the water

I turned 50 this year and my middle aged crisis took the form of wetsuits.  I figured it was about time to return to my swimming roots and start splashing around.  Steve was rather less gung-ho about this than I was but we ended up having several wonderful adventures hiking to a lake or tarn, going for a swim and then enjoying a BBQ on the shores.  Admittedly the photo below is in Consiton Water which didn't require much of a hike, but it was a lot of fun!  I have always been a proper water baby but if you're less confident then give Suzanna Swims a call - she offers guided swims for everyone from complete beginners to full on experts and is utterly lovely.  Here's what happened when I took a dip with her.

Strange aquatic mammal spotted in Consiton Water

5.  In a Terrain Hopper

It's easy to see the fells as just something for those on two legs but, as my awesome friend Debs proves, there's ways of exploring the hills even if you're not a gnarly hairy hiker.  (Like Deb's husband Andy...) 😀

My name is Debbie and I live in Cumbria. In 2011 I was diagnosed with spinal degeneration and have since used a wheelchair. 

Before this, I had always been a keen hill walker. My husband Andy and I enjoyed long-distance treks,we’d completed a few together, including Coast to Coast, Dales Way and Cumbria Way. 

Dabs out and about on her Terrain Hopper

Following the diagnosis, I began investigating all terrain wheelchairs which could get me back out into the hills. I found one called a TerrainHopper, a 4x4 all terrain wheelchair and it was with this that Andy and I completed the Coast to Coast walk, from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in 2015.  Last year we published our first book, 'In the Spirit of Wainwright', which is a guide to the route we took across the county. 

In 2016, we devised a new long-distance route from Semerwater, North Yorkshire to 

Bassenwaite in Cumbria. This is a trek of 81 miles, and is entirely all terrain wheelchair accessible. 

At present time we are developing a new long distance through the Lakeland passes. We

don’t know as yet if it is possible to do – but that’s part of the fun! We enjoy trying new,

different routes, hoping to make the inaccessible accessible.

Being able to get back out into the hills has given me my life back. I can now enjoy being 

back outside with my family and friends. I work with The Outdoor Guide with Julia Bradbury to promote wheel friendly walks (click HERE for more information.) Our aim is to encourage other people with disabilities to  get outdoors.

For more information about the TerrainHopper, please visit http://www.terrainhopper.com/

12 Months, 12 Pics

Each year I write a review of the year and each year I waffle on far too much - so this year I'm keeping it simple: 12 months, 12 pics.  As I write this storm Frank is battering Cumbria again and we're looking forward to a drier new year when we can hopefully help to do something to repair the damage Frank and his friends have done to Cumbria's image - but, for now - a quick photographic review of 2012.

January

Book writing meant lots of research and many days spent in libraries - but we also got out and about a bit too.  We revisited Smardale Gill, one of my favourite spots and one of the chapters in our book.  Coincidence? You decide.

View from bench next to Smardale Gill viaduct

February

I loved this walk even though it didn't turn out quite as planned.  Our aim had been to walk up The Band and then on to Crinkle Crags, but towards the top of The Band the most almighty wind hit so we beat a retreat back down and we took a nice long soupy break on this nice, and rather sheltered, bench.

Langdale Pikes from The Band

March

I found myself with an entire day on my hands so decided to take myself off up Black Combe.  Absolutely love this fell and the weather was perfect.  I ditched the car too and took the train around the coast to Silecroft - perfect.

Black Combe

April

There were so many fab places we went in April and so many pics to choose from, but this is definitely my favourite.  Most of the snow had gone but there were a few small patches on the top of Stoney Cove Pike so we walked past them like the mature adults we are...

Incoming!

May

May half term and our nephews came to visit.  There are many fantastic tourist attractions in Cumbria that are perfect for kids, but there's not much that can beat 2 hours on the shores of Coniston Water skimming stones.

June

June was one of the busiest months I've ever had and in amongst it all we took part in the inaugural ride of the Morecambe Bay Cycleway - 4 days kicking off at Sandy Gap on Walney Island and ending at Glasson Dock.  The weather was perfect and so were all of the views.

July

Much as we adore Cumbria we also like to explore further afield.  Throughout most of July and August we were in Scotland.  We began by hiking up Ben Nevis which is definitely further than it looks...

Ben Nevis

August

We drove the north coast of Scotland in our camper van from Skye to Inverness and had an absolute ball.  Sometimes the views that stay with you aren't necessarily the most stunning but the ones that somehow connect with you.  We saw some spectacular sights, but this was definitely my favourite camping spot - the beautiful Tarbat Ness where we had our very own lighthouse keeping us company.

September

Back home and time for a fabulous late summer stroll up one of our nearest fells.  Whitbarrow Scar sits alongside the main A590 but even on the sunniest days of summer you generally have the place to yourself.  It punches well above its weight when it comes to views too - Morecambe Bay sweeping away to the south and rows of fells lining up to the north.  Be sure to pack a picnic!

October

In October my mum came to visit and we were offered the opportunity to try out some off roading mobility scooters.  At 80 my mum may not be so good on her legs any more, but her sense of adventure is clearly undiminished.  So that's where I get it from...

November

After a minor delay our very first book was released on 1st Nov.  It is a whole new adventure for us and it's been thrilling watching it sell.  At the moment we're out of stock, as are our distributors which is, I suppose, good news and bad news all at the same time.  We're hugely indebted to the local press and radio stations for all of their support.

December

I spent a lot of time in December blogging about the #LakeDistrictBid - but when I wasn't doing that I was busy making reindeer at Spooniversity.  Odd sounding but we meet once a month in Brown Robin Nature reserve to learn about woodland management, wildlife and traditional woodworking techniques. 

And that, as they say, is that.  2015 kept us plenty busy and 2016 is looking to be even busier, but before then a couple of restful days with the family and maybe the odd drink or 2...

We both wish you all a peaceful and Happy New Year!

30 Days Wild: Day 14 - Bicycle Behind!

We made it!  100 miles or so of cycling over 4 days may not be an achievement for some folks, but it is for us.  Prior to kicking off on Thursday I'd been on my bike once this year, so to say I was under prepared was an understatement.

This morning we left a slightly soggy Silverdale and immediately tackled our final big hill - Warton Hill - which, I'm amazed to say, I managed to do without getting off and pushing.  We've both been surprised at how our legs and bums have held out - though the padded cycling shorts and ibuprofen for me have certainly helped!

This fantastic event wouldn't have been possible without the wonderful Sustrans volunteers who guided the group, offered wise words of advice and generally kept us on the straight and narrow.  For our group our ride leader was Jenny and she was ably assisted by Vince, David and Pete.  I feel Pete deserves a special mention for 2 main reasons, firstly because he was the back marker so for four days my backside dominated his view and secondly because we were trying to take photos for the blog and social media - this meant that I was prone to "random stopping manoeuvres" which tested his reaction speeds and brake pads to the fullest.

Thanks Pete!

And of course ENORMOUS thanks must go to Susannah Bleakley and her amazing team at Morecambe Bay Partnership who are the driving force behind this and many other projects promoting and improving the Morecambe Bay area - they do such a fantastic job, and this cycleway is something they should be really proud of!

Thanks Susannah!

As we headed for Morecambe we picked up the canal towpath for some lovely gentle cycling and gorgeous views.  Although we took up most of the track we tried to let other cyclists through and whenever they approached the cry of "bicycle behind!" rang out - as I shifted gingerly on my saddle it occurred to me that it may have two meanings...

Then it was just a quick hop down onto Morecambe Prom and an appointment with Eric before we startled the shoppers in Morrisons by descending en masse for lunch, before they knew what had hit them 50 or so soggy cyclists darn near cleared them out of sausage rolls and bananas and created a queue for the loo which is probably still clearing.

Pete re-conquering the final hill!

From Morecambe we took the greenway to Lancaster - I was most impressed that the route ran right next to Dominos pizza and did consider the possibility strapping a large Texas Barbeque to my handlebars - sadly I didn't have chance as it was onwards to Lancaster and a reception on Millennium Bridge.

At Lancaster we were joined by around 150 other cyclists for the final five miles to Glasson Dock - a fabulous turnout as folks of all ages joined in.  

At Glasson we were greeted with music, balloons, food, drink and entertainment for everyone.   I think the balloon shapes from Bongo Balloons were meant to be for the kids, but I couldn't resist one little daisy to decorate my bike.

And that's it - all over.  I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown.  We have both had an absolutely brilliant 4 days and I'd recommend this scenic cycle route to anyone.  Who cares if you're not a lycra clad cycling pro - just push you bike up the couple of hills and have a cake and a couple of well earned beers afterwards at the many pubs and cafes along the route.  Although we're locals we've discovered a couple of routes we didn't know of before and will most certainly be back out on our bikes again soon - just as soon as my bicycle behind has eased a little.

Final team photo at Glasson

Bike and daisy balloon at Lancaster station.

30 Days Wild: Day 13 - Slowing down...

I can't believe we're 3 days into our bike ride already - the time has absolutely flown past.  May and June have been so hectically busy for me with lots of 7 day weeks and only the occasional evening off, all this meant that I kind of launched into day 1 (when I was probably more than a little grumpy), bounded through day 2 (with some mild grumpiness persisting) and only now on day 3 am I truly relaxing into the ride and enjoying it.

I mean look at the photo at the top of the page - Morecambe Bay is MAGNIFICENT - and this mind blowing bike ride takes in every single corner of it.  PLUS, unlike pesky linear routes, the whole way around this one you can accost innocent passers by, point across the bay and tell them just how far you've cycled.  Genius.

This morning we started at Grange-over-Sands station - a full 3 minutes commute from our house and it was great to see the guys from the campsite arriving:

The route took us out of Grange, through Meathop and across the A590 to Witherslack, where we all made excellent use of the community shop - well it had been nearly 2 whole hours since breakfast and snacks were sorely needed...

Then it was down through Levens to Arnside.  Mostly away from main roads, but in some cases unavoidable - the stretch from Dallam through Sandside to Arnside can be a little hairy, especially when impatient drivers overtake on blind bends blaring their horns.  We saw several near misses as cars dived into our group to avoid cars coming the other way - I have a simple policy on stuff like this - be a lunatic and risk your own life if you want to, but don't take risks with my life or anyone else's.

Arnside was FANTASTIC - they'd really gone all out to welcome us and put on a show - there were yellow bikes along our route, yellow balloons on the pier and superb waymarkers guiding us in.

As my nerves were a little shaken after the busy road section a few people suggested tracking down some Bach's Rescue Remedy - but I preferred a local herbal solution...  (and to be fair, the road really isn't that bad, I'm just a world class wuss and if I can handle it, anyone can!)

Despite it being day 3 and despite me approaching this ride with zero preparation and a bike I'd never ridden before, I launched into the next part of the route with an enthusiasm which would have put Wiggo to shame.  I can neither confirm nor deny that this was because I knew we were heading for one of my most favouritest places to see one of my most favouritest people and scoff some of my most favouritest cake.  I know I was there only there a few days ago, but the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss is just such a special place, and not only because of the carrot cake.

The lovely Annabel gave our group a guided tour and we were treated to excellent views of the female Marsh Harrier who'd clearly read the memo about our visit and put on a suitably wonderful display.

You tell 'em Annabel!

 

Susannah slowing down & hugging a tree.

Yes, of course I visit there for the wildlife...

After all of that the brave campers headed back to camp and we tackled the journey home.  What was meant to be a quick 10 minute train ride turned into a 90 minute adventure as Northern Rail refused to let us on the first train (not enough space for the bikes).  The second train arrived fresh from the 1970's complete with a good old fashioned Guard's Van and everything, tons of space for the bikes Hoorah!  (I was hoping the onboard shop might have a selection of Texan Bars, Sherbet DipDabs and Opal Fruits)

Sadly, we only got as far as Arnside before it clapped out and there was a long delay before we were finally on our way to Grange.  Those who know me know that patience is NOT my strong suit and I had to work hard at the "staying chilled and slowing down" thing...

Once on our way again we crossed the Kent viaduct and Morecambe Bay opened up all around us (albeit through rather grubby windows) and I remembered the whole point of this route - it's to show off this truly unique and beautiful part of the world which even on a grey evening through grubby train windows, can still take your breath away.