Now in their eighth season, Paddlers for Life will host the North West Cancer Survivorship Conference at Low Wood Bay on Saturday, 12th September and the spectacular Charity Dragon Boat Regatta the following day.
This is an opportunity for GPs and health professionals, cancer rehabilitation specialists, cancer survivors and supporters to get together in the heart of the beautiful Lake District, discovering together what the future can hold for cancer survivors and to build a greater understanding of the eclectic nature of the physical, social and practical needs of cancer survivors in order to drive practice improvement.   (more…)

Lancaster House General Manager and keen fell walker, Tim Bell, tells us why this mountain is deserving of a special place in his heart.
Growing up in the North Cumbrian town of Penrith, the view directly west from my home was the distinctive and unique shape of “Saddleback”, or better known as “Blencathra”. It rises majestically and powerfully on its own from the gently undulating, low-lying moors which separate Keswick and the market town where I spent the first 18 years of my life. (more…)

Whilst planning his recent visit to China, Colin Fox, Marketing Manager for English Lakes met other professionals linked to China and tourism. In the second blog in this short series, Colin talks to Helen Moriarty, Senior Development Officer for Groundwork North East & Cumbria. (more…)

Lancaster House general manager and Food & Wine lover Tim Bell, tells us why this Autumn should taste extra special this year.
Horticulturaly speaking, it’s been a pretty good year so far. The spring was mild and relatively frost-free, the summer heralded some great periods of warm, unbroken sunshine, and here now, as the leaves slowly turn into their annual shade of gold, we’ve enjoyed a sublime autumn. The net result of this continual run of fine weather is an autumnal harvest of un-paralleled quality for the Great British Crop.
So, what should we be looking out for on our home-grown Supermarket shelves this month, and what are some of the best dishes to celebrate the depth of flavours in this year’s offerings? (more…)

When Tim Bell, General Manager at Lancaster House isn’t exploring local Lancashire walks and attractions on his doorstep, he also enjoys hoping across the boarder to Cumbria. Making the most of the fine weather, Tim heads up one of our most famous mountains…
With the heralding of summer, and the (theoretical) elimination of the risks of ice and snow in the Lakeland fells, for me this change of environmental conditions opens up the ability to tackle walks that one wouldn’t even contemplate undertaking in wintry conditions.
(more…)

Freddie Tedstone

Freddie Tedstone


The environment is an essential part of life in the Lake District and like most popular areas; it needs constant care to maintain the beautiful surroundings. Freddie Tedstone, a student from the Wirral, has been challenged with the question ‘Who should care for the environment?’
The Lake District is renowned for its breath-taking scenery, including the traditional towns and villages that are centres of regional culture and history. The lakes can provide stunning reflections on a still day yet are used for sailing when there’s a breeze. There were more than 1.2 million boat cruise passengers in 2012 which shows how well-used these wonderful resources are. Along the mountains of the Lake District National Park are many of the UK’s best walking routes and are used all year round come rain or shine. If these valuable natural sights are used by so many, who should look after them?
(more…)

Cassie Patten

Cassie Patten


Cassie Patten became a household name in open water swimming when she won bronze at the 2008 Bejing Olympics.
Just a short time after this victory she went on to take first place at the inaugural Great North Swim in September 2008 hosted at Low Wood Bay, beating her friend and rival Kerri Anne Payne.
With just ten days left until the competitors take to the water for the 2014 Great North Swim, Cassie gives us a few tips and sends her best wishes to each swimmer, whatever their goal.
(more…)

Lancaster-based Tim Bell, shares one of his favourite Winter Walks.

Leaving Grisedale Pike

Leaving Grisedale Pike


Personally, I’ve always preferred the winter for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. Before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As the front door closes behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.
I am prepared. I’ve done the right courses, listened to the instructors, bought the right equipment and am now able to confidently and safely reap the benefits of a Lakeland Winter.
Before I tempt you further, be sure to read my previous blog: 3 Essentials to remember when winter walking in the Lake District. (more…)

Keen fell-walker Tim Bell, explains why there’s plenty to consider before heading up the Lake District Mountains this winter.
Personally, I’ve always preferred the colder months for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. My friends and family still look at me in a baffled way when, on a cold, bleak winters morning, I’m up before the day breaks, preparing a big flask of soup, before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As I close the front door behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.

Snow Topped Lake District Fells

Snow Topped Lake District Fells


And “Careful” I will be. For I know all too well the dangers that those picture-perfect, snow-capped mountains can hide. They might be beautiful and hugely alluring with a crisp, white coat, but head into them without the right preparation and your day might not turn out as planned!
Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not my intention to paint a picture of danger and inevitable doom. By following a few simple pointers, you can achieve the right balance of a safe and rewarding day out in the fells. (more…)

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