In September 2021 Low Wood Bay hotel will switch over to electricity from its new Hydropower electricity scheme. This is the latest environmental initiative at the resort, designed to tap into a natural energy source on site, creating enough energy for about one third of our electricity requirements and further reducing our carbon footprint.

Roberto Sotgiu (right) delivering Low Wood Bay turbine to Tim Berry (left), Estates Director, English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues

We have received invaluable help and support throughout this project from Roberto Sotgiu, Managing Director of Hydrolite Ltd in Wales. Rob’s engineering company manufactures the turbines required to generate the electricity and he has worked with many local farmers and smaller sites throughout Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom to establish sustainable energy from renewable sources.

Rob tells us about his passion for renewable energy and how it all started … 

An Early Love of Nature

The Sotgiu family Campagna in Sardinia

I grew up in Sardinia with my brother and sister.  My mother is English and my father Sardinian.  Like most families, we lived in a tiny flat in town and had a plot of land just outside (called a ‘campagna’), which had been passed onto us from previous generations.  Dad loved growing as much as he could on the land.  We made our own olive oil and used it to preserve artichokes and sun dried tomatoes.  We had lemon, orange, peach and apricot trees and even a vineyard, and made half-decent wine.  Most weeks dad would bring home wooden boxes full of veggies, but we kids didn’t like these because we would have to spend ages washing the bugs off them!

I was lucky.  I had a great childhood and often look back at those years with great fondness and nostalgia.  Fresh organic food, good exercise and a simple uncomplicated way of life was something I took for granted when I was young.  These were the things that created the building blocks for what would become a love of nature and deep concern for the environment throughout my life.   

The Study of Objects and Systems in Motion

Since childhood, I have been fascinated with how things work and would often disassemble broken toys to rip out the mechanical components, like those small dc motors and micro switches, that I would use to make something else.  Not all new toys worked as planned… and I learnt that plugging dc motors in the ac mains does not make them run faster! 

Two of Roberto’s Engineering Projects, a motorised lamp (L) and a office chair testing machine

However, my mum knew that I had ‘the knack’ for engineering, just like Dilbert, so after high school I was fortunate enough to study mechanical engineering at Bath University in the UK.  I loved those years, especially the practical modules where we had to design and build something.  In my second year, for example, we had to engineer a toy dragster powered by a spring (the same given to all students) that would complete a 10m run in the shortest time possible.  I spent far too much time on the project, but the efforts paid off because Bob’s Bullet won the race!  I still have it, albeit in bits.

The winning ‘Bob’s Bullet’ Design

After graduation I stayed on in the UK and worked for the next eight years designing special purpose machinery for numerous manufacturing processes within different industries.  It was a perfect career for an aspiring inventor/maker because every project was different and involved a mixture of core engineering fields.  

My love of engineering never wavered, but eventually I did start to kick against the monotony and regularity of a nine to five lifestyle. I was also mindful that after the age of 30, you could not obtain a yearlong working holiday visa for Australia and New Zealand.  It was then that I made the momentous decision for me at the time, to leave a good career and reliable income in order to explore a love of travel which I had inherited from my mother.  I handed in my notice, sold my car along with all my possessions, rented my house and bought a flexible round-the-world flight ticket.

Epiphany in the Antipodes

Organic Farm where Roberto discovered Wwoofing

I travelled around the world for the next twelve months, visiting many amazing places, including Japan, South East Asia, Australasia and America.  In Australia and New Zealand I discovered the wonderful organisation of ‘Wwoofing’ (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) where I worked for food and lodgings on organic farms.  I was fortunate to meet the most amazing and influential people in my life. 

Roberto was influenced by people who were living completely off-grid

Amongst others, I met a scientist turned sculptor who singlehandedly built his own beautiful wooden house; a permaculture guru and his family, living entirely from their land; and a doctor in solar power technology, married to an architect who specialised in eco-friendly homes.  Most of them lived remotely and used one or more renewable technologies to power or heat their homes.  It was here that I learnt about off-grid living, rainwater harvesting, hot water solar collectors, ground and air source heat pumps, solar, wind and hydropower. This was a revelation to me, and something of an epiphany. These were experiences that would connect my love of, and concern for, the environment with my vocation as an engineer. It would also alter the course of my life from that point on.

Three Pivotal Decisions

Back in the UK, I made three decisions. Firstly, I would be master of my own time. Secondly, I would remain in the field of engineering, and thirdly, I would channel my skills and energies to help benefit others and the environment.

In 2008/2009 friends from the Brecon Beacons asked me to assist with their hydropower enterprise. They had pioneered The Green Valleys Community Interest Company (TGVCIC), an initiative to create small hydro power schemes across towns and villages in Wales, and generate income from renewable energy for small rural communities.  The introduction of the Feed-In Tariffs programme made many small schemes financially viable, thus fuelling the demand for micro hydro power equipment sub 100kW.  Hydrolite Ltd was born!  A lighter version of the full-blown industrial hydropower machines. 

A typical Hydrolite turbine

Initially, I helped TGVCIC with feasibility studies, working with farmers and landowners who were considering hydro-power schemes, as well as offering my technical engineering design skills to those involved in the build of the first few small turbines.  As demand for turbines grew, I decided to design my own modular range of products.  Most of the materials and machining are sourced locally to my workshop in Swansea, South Wales, and the control units are manufactured in Herefordshire by SCS Ltd. 

Wales offers excellent prospects for hydro-power projects – hills and high rainfall being the perfect ingredients for success. The award-winning TGVCIC schemes have created interest from other parts of the UK.

Low Wood Bay resort has ideal conditions for a working hydro-power plant. I was invited to get involved in the project with a view to supply the equipment.  It is turbine number 102, model HLT-10-2SV5L, which means that it has two automatic spear valves of 5” (125 mm) pipework, and the generator is a six-pole, three-phase, induction motor spinning at around 1010 rpm.  With a net head of 85 m and an available flow of 85 l/s, the turbine is expected to generate 55 kW power.  I understand that this equates to roughly a third of the resort’s power usage.

Guests at Low Wood Bay contributing to a Greener Future

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We are now at the exciting point in the project where we are awaiting the final G99 sign off test and the resort can start to enjoy the benefit of renewable energy.

A Final Thought…

It is my belief that we all need to do our bit for the environment and to reverse the unfolding climate emergency affecting our world. I chose to make my contribution in Renewable Energy, because it fitted well with my skills and life style. I don’t expect everyone to quit their jobs and start building small hydroelectric turbines… I wouldn’t appreciate the competition!  We can all just make environmentally-sound decisions, however small, to support the transition to a greener future.     

As my partner and I prepare to welcome our first baby daughter due in February, I sincerely hope that we will not be passing onto her a world full of problems, but an exciting route to reverse climate change… and that she won’t mind washing the bugs off the organic veggies from our campagna!

The Wild Boar is delighted to partner with Lake District Falconry, a fresh and exciting new experience that brings the wild things to our ancient woods.

History of Falconry

It’s hard to give an exact date to the start of falconry but we do know it’s been practised for well over 3000 years, with images from the time showing humans using birds of prey to obtain food. Falconry rapidly became the pastime of powerful rulers of the time.

Alexander the Great in 4th century BC is seen with a falcon on a gloved fist on historical coins, and Julius Caesar was using falcons to catch carrier pigeons to discover the plans of his enemies.

Around the year 930 AD, Athelstan, the first king of all of England, enjoyed falconry so much it was written that several birds of prey must be paid to the king on a yearly basis by the North Wales rulers! And Genghis Khan is documented to have delayed battles to instead hunt with his hundreds of raptors that were passed on to Kublai Khan and documented by Marco Polo.

It was known as a ‘Sport of Kings,’ however, the popularity of falconry became so intense that a law was passed so only those with titles could legally pursue it.

The list below shows who could fly what birds of prey, from Emperors and Kings, to Priests and servants.

Pecking Order

Emperor – The Eagle, Vulture, and Merloun (Merlin)
King – The Ger Falcon and the Tercel of the Ger Falcon (Male and female Gyr falcons are the largest flying falcons)
Prince: The Falcon Gentle and the Tercel Gentle (Female and Male Peregrine falcons)
Duke: The Falcon of the Loch (Osprey)
Earl: The Falcon Peregrine
Baron: The Bustard (Common Buzzard)
Knight: The Sacre and the Sacret (Modern day Saker falcons)
Esquire: The Lanere and the Laneret
Lady: The Marloun (merlin)
Young Man: The Hobby
Yeoman: The Goshawk
Poor Man: The Tercell (A male bird most probably of lower rank)
Priest: The Sparrowhawk
Holy Water Clerk: The Musket (Male sparrowhawk)
Knave or Servant: The Kestrel

Falconry Today

In more recent years, falconers helped to reverse the decline of wild peregrine falcons from a global toxin named DDT.

After the ban on using the chemical insecticide, the captive breeding techniques used by falconers helped to build the numbers of peregrines so high that they are now no longer an endangered species. Those same breeding techniques are used throughout the world to help re-establish other birds that have become endangered in the wild.
Falconry is now protected to conserve this ancient art form, and in 2016 UNESCO inscribed falconry as a Living Human Heritage. This brings with it a convention to safeguard the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills of this living cultural heritage.

It encourages the traditional craftsmanship and the passing on of this knowledge from generation to generation. Involving not only practical skills, but the conservation of birds of prey and the preservation of their natural habitats.

In 2019, the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey was created being wholly dedicated to the preservation of the ancient art of falconry.

With this ringing endorsement, and rich history, it’s fitting that the ancient woodland at The Wild Boar invites its guests to enjoy Falconry experiences. Now you can be immersed in the private woods whilst experiencing the thrill of a hawk swooping through the trees above you, and maybe, landing on your fist!

Book now for a walk like no other where you’ll encounter the wild in all its glory.

Meet the Falconers

Stephen Lea the Director of Lake District Falconry, has been practicing the art for over thirty years and has studied wild birds of prey across the world to enhance his own birds’ lives. He has used his falconry knowledge to rehabilitate injured wild birds of prey to enable them a safe passage back into the wild.

The Falconers: Stephen (top left), Alex (top right), Joe (above)

Alex Hatton has been flying birds for over ten years and has a degree in Zoology and wildlife conservation. He moved to the Lake District over six years ago to pursue his dream of living in the hills and flying birds of prey.

Joe Stansfield has been flying birds for over ten years and was an essential part of clearing nuisance birds using birds of prey from sensitive areas using natural and non-lethal methods. A local to Cumbria, Joe has now moved to Lake District Falconry full time to pursue his dream job and has also helped in the rehabilitation of injured birds.

Book your Falconry Experience

Hawk Walk Falconry Experience at The Wild Boar:

Resident price £50.00 per person.
Non Resident  £85.00 per person (price includes a £25 voucher to use at any English Lakes venue)

Children are priced at £25.00 per child when accompanied by 2 or more paying adults. (*Please Note that the minimum age is 7 years old.)

To book then please call Lake District Falconry on 07826 063 782

Hotels use electricity. Low Wood Bay resort needs rather a lot of it, but now we will be generating our own greener version renewable energy. 

Low Wood Bay resort

Without electricity, Low Wood Bay guests would be sitting in the dark with only salad on the menu, or shivering under a grubby unwashed duvet watching a blank TV screen. There would be no lovely Spa facilities to book, no mouth-watering feasts, no party nights or family celebrations, no cosy winter weekend breaks. Perhaps we can do without a trouser press these days, but we will always need heat, light, food and clean linen. The question is not whether we need electricity, but how can we utilise it responsibly.

The team at Low Wood Bay are very aware of the need to reduce our carbon footprint. We consider every aspect of the operation and continually think about how we can be more environmentally friendly, reduce greenhouse gases, and use technology to make us more efficient. These deliberations caused us to work on designing a scheme to generate our own Hydropower electricity, using the free flowing river on the hillside behind the hotel.

History of Hydro Power

It’s certainly not new! Hydropower is one of the oldest methods of generating energy and was used by civilizations over 2000 years ago. There’s evidence of ancient Greeks using the power of water to turn wheels to grind wheat to flour. 

Water used to drive waterwheel 

By the 1700s modern hydropower plants were developed from this water wheel innovation and by the time of the Industrial Revolution, hydropower energy was used intensively in the UK to spin cotton. Over the past thirty years, large hydroelectric plants in the UK (mostly in Wales and Scotland) have produced 2% of our electricity. Globally, hydropower accounts for around 17% of the world’s electricity production, whilst nuclear energy accounts for around 10%, and other renewable energy sources around 9%. Norway produces a staggering 96% of its electricity from hydropower.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Hydropower harnesses the energy of running water, without reducing its quantity, to produce electricity. This gives it the credentials of being a source of renewable energy.

Renewables produces far less greenhouse gases than gas, coal or oil and is a great choice for reducing our carbon footprint. Across the globe, the use of hydroelectricity over fossil fuels prevents the equivalent emission of greenhouse gases caused by burning of 4.4 million barrels of petroleum per day.

It is true that in recent years there some of the large international hydropower plants have been criticised for harming the environment by causing damage to habitats, impact on fish stock and other livestock, displacement of people and damaging agriculture. Smaller run-of-the-river schemes, like Low Wood Bay, are much more environmentally friendly and have gone through a rigorous environmental checklist to ensure that there is no adverse effects on the environment and to ensure the scenery and wildlife are unharmed.  

Low Wood Bay Hydropower

Hydropower schemes utilise the kinetic energy of water flowing downhill. This energy drives a water turbine that creates the electricity. One major advantage of hydro energy over wind or solar power is that the energy production is continuous and is not so dependent on changeable weather conditions. It is also has the ability to respond very quickly to fluctuations in demand – no dash to get home for a hot bath before the rush!  

Roberto of Hydrolite delivers the turbine to Tim Berry, Director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues

The hydropower system at Low Wood Bay will be taken from a river, Hol Beck, on the private fellside behind the hotel. An 860 metre pipe carries the water at speeds as quick as 79 litres per second, to the turbine below before flowing back into the beck. The vertical fall of the water will be around 90 metres, twice the height of Niagara Falls. The Hydrolite turbine  is housed in a dry stone barn type building which blends well into the local Lakeland environment.        

 New Lakeland stone built home to house the turbine

The hydropower system is fully automatic, the turbine adjusting the flow through the jets according to the available flow into the tank. This produces the maximum power it can at all times, whilst wasting nothing. We expect the Low Wood hydropower system to generate a power output of 53 kW to 60 kW, generating 180 MWh each year – a third of our total annual requirement.  

Glad to be Greener

Tim Berry, Director, English Lakes Hotels by Hol Beck

When we flick the switch on this exciting renewable energy project at Low Wood Bay in September, perhaps nobody else will notice. Heat and light will continue to be generated, our swimming pool will still be warm, and toast will pop up in the morning for breakfast. But, we will have an extra spring in our step and a warm satisfied internal glow knowing that we are doing a little bit more to produce a greener kind of energy, reducing our environmental impact and preserving the natural beauty of the landscape that we call home.    

The Wild Boar has 72 acres of woodland adjoining the Inn which offers lots of exciting activities for people of all ages. Our family enjoyed an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting with experienced instructors Steve and Michael, from Michael Coates Clay Shooting. Here’s what led to our choice of afternoon out, and what the family thought of the experience.

Days Out for Teenagers

With the restrictions on travel this year, it was difficult to plan a holiday abroad. As a family of four with two teenagers, we needed to find activities and days out that we would all enjoy. In the past we’ve taken part in Go Karting a few times, going over the border to Lancashire. We make a decent day of it coming back home through Austwick, dining in a fantastic little gastro pub called The Game Cock. Here we enjoy a post-race meal and compare lap speeds! When you have teenagers, it’s all about the competition – can brother beat sister, and vice versa, who had the fastest car, whose fault was it that when one of them went into the tyres and stopped the race for a while … and so on.

Fantastic Family Activity right on our Doorstep

It was great to discover an activity right on our doorstep along the Crook Road that ticked all the above mentioned boxes – action, adventure, competition, and fun for all the family. The Wild Boar is a traditional Lakeland Inn with its own private woodland that includes the excellent Mike Coates Clay Shooting.

Clay shooting instruction from either Steve, or Mike himself, is first class, whether you have shot before or are a complete beginner. It’s pretty much a leveller for all ages and genders. To take part in the woodland activities you do have to be a guest at the Inn, either resident or eating there, or guests at English Lakes Hotels sister properties, Low Wood Bay, Lancaster House or The Midland. We booked in for The Wild Boar Alternative Afternoon Tea, but more of that later.

At the purpose-built shooting range, Steve gave us excellent clear and concise instruction. There was the obligatory safety spiel and questions about any custodial time against our names. Glad to report that we were all clean, with no previous to declare, so we could handle the 12-gauge shotguns.

A Few Family Discoveries

Steve checked whether we were right or left-handed and which was our dominant eye. Well, I am not sure that either Steve or Mike had come across a family of four like ours before, and can’t say that we knew previously what we discovered about ourselves that afternoon! Three left handers, one of which had right dominant eye, two had left dominant eye, and one of those was right footed. To add another challenge to the mix, two of the left-handers couldn’t close the non-dominant eye! So there was a little more thought went into our imminent shoot, and one or two suggestions to try, including a few eye patches. We were then good to go.

Here’s what I remember about how to hit the target. Set up in the trap, sideways on, weight over front hip leaning forward to maintain balance, follow the line of the clay and as soon as reaches its peak, and before it starts to drop, squeeze the trigger and watch the dust and shards of clay explode in the sky…hopefully!

We spent a great hour honing our skills and aiming for the targets, with differing levels of success at different times. We all had the thrill of hitting the clays and, of course, there was the inevitable brother sister rivalry and discussion about who reigned supreme, which continued over our teatime treat at the Inn.

And Now for Tea

The Alternative Afternoon Tea is rightly called alternative! It offers brilliant sample of many of the items this Grill and Smokehouse restaurant is famous for. We checked out the recent Trip Adviser reviews and this one pretty much summed up what we had, and our sentiments about it also …

“Best afternoon tea we’ve ever had
Came here for their alternative afternoon tea. Every item was so tasty and well made. Pork scratchings, soup, cheese scone, salmon tart, fish and chips, burger, popcorn chicken and sweet cakes. So filling, will definitely come back”.

Book Clay Pigeon Shooting at The Wild Boar

To book a session of Clay Pigeon Shooting at The Wild Boar please call Mike Coates on 07814 030249 or email him info@michael-coates.co.uk.

To reserve your Alternative Afternoon Tea at The Wild Boar call 015394 45225.

Ever dreamed of living in the Lake District and being part of a vibrant community surrounded by mountains, lakes and picture-postcard villages and towns? There may be a way to have that life if you choose a job at English Lakes Hotels.

A Lake District Life

Here are a few of the things you could be enjoying if you are successful in being offered a job at Low Wood Bay resort or The Wild Boar Inn, both of which are situated within the beautiful Lake District National Park.

Hill Walking in the Lake District

There are literally thousands of beautiful walking routes in the Lake District. Many of our employees at Low Wood Bay and Wild Boar Inn will get their boots on when they have a day off, and take to the hills. Our hotels have maps available at Reception, and plenty of advice from locals and those who have already discovered the beauty of living and working here. There’s just something about leaving the tourists and visitors behind for a few hours and finding a quiet route with a view – even if it takes a bit of energy to get there. Here are five walks within easy reach of Low Wood Bay.

Open Water Swimming

The Great North Swim put Windermere on the map for open water swimming, and it is understandable why so many wild swimmers have this lake at the top of their list of places to go. Low Wood Bay resort is pleasantly situated on the shores of Windermere.   

Wild Swimming has really taken off in the last few years and there are many great natural bodies of water in the Lake District to enjoy this sport. Windermere is the longest lake in England and as such, perhaps a little bit daunting for a first open water swim, but there are many other options for open water swimming within the National Park. Find a swimming buddy, or swim solo, but always remember the importance of staying safe. 

Fell Running

For those who have already attained a good level of fitness, or aspire to challenge yourself to go further in your fitness journey, fell running can be a wonderful element of life in the Lake District. You will encounter all types of terrain from steep mountain paths, ancient woodland, meadows, high level lakes and tarns, to dry stone walls and wooden stiles. The views as well as the effort can be breathtaking, and those that are passionate about this sport say how much of a connection it gives you to the mountains. The Lake District has a proud history of fell running going back to the 19^th Century and village fairs and sports days still feature the Guides Race, a hotly contested and challenging run. Having access to the gym and swimming pool at Low Wood Bay is a distinct advantage when it comes to training for such events.

Cycling in the Lake District

Choose quiet country lane, a bridle path or mountain bike trail – there’s a route for every type of bicycle and skill level. Grizedale Forest has Walking & Cycling Trails at Grizedale – Visit Lake District has a good selection of off road trails. You don’t even need to own a bike, as there are plenty of bike hire places which will allow you to try this sport before you need to purchase your own bike. Cycling is a great way to get around from village to village and a fantastic way to explore the beautiful National Park. Some of our employees take it to the next level and have competed in the challenging Fred Whitton challenge. Read their story here. 

Explore Local Villages

You don’t need to be super fit, or even passionate about sport, to enjoy a Lake District life. We are surrounded by quaint and beautiful villages that are ripe for exploring. You will be spoilt for choice with the number of good quality coffee shops with delicious home baked fare – you will very quickly establish your own favourites. The shops tend to be independent with great choice of art, crafts, clothing and local specialties. There are great bus routes connecting the villages and it is easy to jump on and off and have plenty of time to discover the character of the place. Here are five of our favourite Lake District villages.

Discovering The Wild Boar Woods

Working for English Lakes Hotels gives you the opportunity to discover the ancient woodland  around The Wild Boar Inn Grill & Smokehouse. Seventy-two acres with beautiful trails, its own tarn and lots of wildlife. A great place to find peace and solitude on your own, or for a quiet stroll with friends and colleagues.

Watersports Activities

One of the benefits of working for English Lakes Hotels is having access to Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, with discounts off all the water sports activities. There’s lots to choose from – paddle boarding, canoeing, sailing, motorboat hire, wake surfing to name a few. Take to the lake, challenge yourself and see the surrounding countryside from a completely different perspective.

Relax & Unwind

There’s no doubt that you will work hard as part of the team at English Lakes Hotels, whatever your role. However, at the beginning or end of your shift, you have magnificent scenery to enjoy, sport and fitness or perhaps just your own little place to relax, unwind and read a book.

Find Your Lake District Job

Check out the current English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Job Vacancies and start your journey to a new Lake District life.

Calum Lewis has worked for English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues for just under four years.

He manages digital marketing for our hotels, including social media, SEO, website maintenance and loads of other projects besides. Calum shares how Covid-19 affected his work/life balance, and how the benefits of working for English Lakes has helped him on his fitness journey.

Working from Home

Because most of my work is online, the only thing that was disrupted by COVID-19 was where I worked. Instead of working from the office, I worked from home where I had easy access to my computer. I quickly discovered that, without my previous one hour commute, working from home gave me much more time in the mornings and evenings.

I’ve probably had it easier than many during lockdown. I don’t have any children to entertain or educate, and I have found that working at home on my own helps me concentrate. I’m definitely more productive and less distracted. Having the extra time at either side of my working day means that I can fit in exercise in the morning without having to get up at 5 am. After work I can enjoy a post-work stroll down Morecambe promenade.

Journey to Weight Loss and Fitness

It started primarily as a weight loss journey. For the first 18 months all I did was walk/hike every day, gradually increasing the distances whilst also reducing my calorie intake. Once my weight loss had plateaued I had to start taking my exercise a little further and made use of my gym membership through work. Each morning before work, I used the Health Club at Low Wood Bay, this was around 6 months pre-COVID. Once COVID hit, I was stuck without the gym. I started running every day, but I ended up with painful knees and injuries. Joe Wicks was a big source of inspiration, showing that you can do workouts at home with minimal or no equipment. Since then, I have found I enjoy running mostly and I’ve developed my own gym and fitness plan to help maximise and increase my fitness, whilst preventing any joint problems.

The Benefits of Gym Membership

As an employee of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, the free gym membership at both Sandpiper Club and The Health Club at Low Wood Bay have certainly been big encouragements. When I am in the office, I can easily fit in a session before or after work at and be at work straight afterwards. Then, when working from home, Sandpiper Club is only 20 minutes away from my house.

Recovery is a big part of fitness, and one that I hadn’t really factored in. Having access to hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and spa facilities always makes it much easier for the body to relax, and help muscles and joints recover. Even if you’ve just been for a hike in the Lake District, it’s nice to be able to nip into The Health Club at Low Wood Bay for a swim or relax on the way home, or to Sandpiper Club when I’ve been out walking or running in the Forest of Bowland.

Competitive Events

Since I have only really started running during lockdown, there were no official runs or races available. Like most people, I wanted to start with a 5K race, then 10K, and then work up, but since I was already running between 10 and 13 miles before any official events had started, I decided to sign up to a half marathon as my first event. I was pretty nervous, mostly about running with lots of other people, since during lockdown I have only every run alone. The festival-like atmosphere was a bit of a shock to the system. However, once I started running, the adrenaline pushed me round and I finished 19th out of 525 competitors, which I was pretty happy with.

I’m now planning to sign up for a few more trail races and will try to improve my time and increase the distance. My running friends are confident that the Bob Graham is somewhere in my future but I’ll hold off that one as long as I can.

Fishermen are renowned for bragging about the one that got away. In a similar vein, Joan Collins had a near miss with a movie about a giant Pike at Low Wood Bay.

Joan Collins checked in at Low Wood Bay in May 1982 to wow journalists and photographers for the finale of the press tour for a motion thriller called ‘The Pike’.

Former English Lakes Chairman and Managing Director, Michael Berry, recalls the details in his book about the history of Low Wood Bay…

A very enterprising Mancunian, having seen the American thriller Jaws, decided if the New England coast of the USA could have a man eating fish, why not Old England, and if England, why not Windermere and what was big in Windermere? – PIKE. His name was Chris Twemlow. Chris made contact with Low Wood Bay and much pre-planning took place.

He had a firm in Ulverston make a 12 foot pike and inside it was installed a radio controlled motor to propel the fish on the water’s surface. All was set for the great day. City Major Ltd. were to produce, Joan Collins and Jack Hedley were the stars and stayed at Low Wood for some three days.

The opening scene of the film would be a lone fisherman sitting on Low Wood’s northern pier with legs dangling over the jetty side. The camera was to be the eyes of the giant pike looking north to the dangling legs. The camera was to move faster and faster to its prey, and the music, a la Jaws, similarly. There would be a great crescendo, a swirl of water, utter silence and all that was to be seen on the bloody surface of the lake was the fisherman’s hat.

Sadly, (as we are sure it would have gone down in history as a cult movie, at least for the comic value) the 12 foot robotic Pike refused to perform. There was no rearing out of the water, rolling of mad eyes and glimpses of razor sharp teeth. Instead, it lay flaccid and unmoving, more dead goldfish than man-eating pike. Despite the author diving in to help it along, the fish refused to budge. It was over before it had begun.

To our knowledge, nobody knows where the robotic killer pike ended up. If you know, we’d love to hear from you. There were rumours that it had been acquired by someone who operated a mini-sub on Windermere. Bownessie perhaps?! Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre are, however, the proud owners of the life size fibreglass model of The Pike that was produced at the same time as the robotic version. It is displayed nose down as our catch of the day – the one that didn’t get away.

No Giant Killer Pikes Here

We’d like to assure our guests and visitors to Low Wood Bay that there have been no giant 12′ killer pikes spotted here since that day in May 1982. We are very confident that you can book your water sports session and enjoy a fun day on the lake, without fear. For more information on what’s available, take a look online, or ‘phone the team on 015294 39441.

Lynn Porter, Reception Manager at Lancaster House often recommends Lancaster House Fun Trail to guests. During lockdown, Lynn, her husband Ash and their beautiful daughter, Matilda, found out first hand that it was a fun and interesting way to spend a day out in the city. They discovered lots of history and fascinating facts about Lancaster  as well. Lynn shares the highlights of their day with us … 

As the second lockdown began, as a family, we found ourselves once again looking for ways to keep ourselves active and entertained. The Lancaster City Fun Trail has been on offer to our guests at Lancaster house for some time, now would be the perfect opportunity to try it out for ourselves! The treasure trail turned out to be a great way to explore our beautiful city. We were lucky to find a gorgeous sunny autumn Saturday so our 5 year old Matilda could join in the fun too. We packed ourselves a flask of tea and some snacks to keep us going and off we went.

The trail starts in Market Square, outside the city museum and takes you on a journey around the historical buildings and sights of the city.

Although she needed a little help with the answers, Matilda loved finding the clues and crossing the answers off the map. Older kids and adults alike would find this fun too.  We learnt some facts that we didn’t know previously and looking around for clues certainly made us notice things about the buildings and the surroundings we wouldn’t normally spot.

If you get stuck looking for a clue you get three chances to text for help; we were determined to try and do it all without help, but some conservation work at the historic Lancaster Castle meant that some scaffolding was obscuring one of the vital clues. We had to admit defeat that time!  

The trail is a couple of miles long and takes you up and down hills and cobbled streets – so  not ideal for wheelchairs or prams. It took us around three hours as we stopped a few times to take in the views and refresh with a hot drink! If you were really on the ball and made your way around with no stops I think it would take around 2 hours.

Although we found this a really fun activity in lockdown, we thought it would have been great if we’d been able to stop and visit some of the fantastic independent shops, cafes and pubs Lancaster city centre has to offer.  We will return to do just that, and to visit some of the attractions we saw along the way, like the Maritime Museum on at George’s Quay and the Castle guided tour. 

Matilda gave her day out a 10/10 and we would agree! 

Booking a City Break at Lancaster House

To unlock all that the City of Lancaster has to offer for you and your family, book a short break online, or call  0330 4042 693

Klara Labuz is a popular member of our Low Wood Bay team. She tells us a bit about her career within English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, and how she has progressed within the company over the last eight years. 

Tell us about your English Lakes career journey 

  

I’ve been part of the team at English Lakes Hotels since July 2013, almost eight years now. I started as a Receptionist and learned how to deliver great customer service as well as the importance of communication and teamwork. After two years I was promoted to Reception Shift Leader and had the opportunity to learn more about the business and about organising a team.   

I started a new adventure at Low Wood Bay in 2017 when I became Office Manager at Low Wood Bay Marina and Watersports Centre. This was my first managerial role which I found both challenging and very satisfying. The role has recently expanded and my managerial responsibilities now also include Low Wood Bay Spa and Health Club.     

How Has Training Helped your Career?

Klara (left) receiving an award from Diana Berry, and Simon Berry, Chairman & Managing Director, at an English Lakes Awards lunch

Since the day I joined English Lakes, I have been shown how much the company culture promotes training and development. Not only was I encouraged and helped in perfecting my English language skills, but I also progressed through a number of NVQ courses – first, Front of House, level 2 and then NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision & Leadership. During my time at Reception I also completed my HR Diploma.   

Is there a typical day in the life of Leisure Office Manager?  

Every day is very different. That’s what makes the job even more enjoyable. The first thing I do when I come to work is to appreciate the view at this amazing location. Then my day starts with accountancy tasks, email correspondence, attending various meetings, personnel administration, helping with running of the resort leisure facilities, and any other duties required on the day.  

View of Low Wood Bay from Low Wood Bay  Watersports Centre

Do you take to the water yourself? 

Yes, absolutely. As Watersports Office Manager I wasn’t just stuck in the office, I was lucky enough to be able to interact with customers, send out motorboats, help on the beach, take bookings and look after our lovely marina members. After a busy day at work, I get to enjoy the facilities and the equipment myself and I love going paddle boarding or going out wakesurfing. Paddle boarding after work is a great way to unwind. I can completely switch off and just enjoy the beauty of the lake.

Watersports Centre will be working with Wake on the Bay this year and I will be signing up for wakesurfing lessons.  

Klara and her husband, Blazej, on Lake Windermere

A few of your favourite things

I love the variety of the tasks and the measure of trust given to me by my Manager I am fortunate to say that I love what I do and I think that is one of the most important things in life. It helps that I am surrounded by fantastic colleagues and very capable and caring senior management. I also enjoy the perks that come with the job like the entrance to Health Club and Spa and discounts on food and drinks.

English Lakes hosts three Award Lunches for staff every year

Defining English Lakes ‘Family’ 

Klara, and members of the Low Wood Bay team getting together to take part in a beach clean

Family is for me a sense of genuine caring, continued support, understanding and security. It’s about people I can count on in difficult times in life, and with whom I can share the happiest times. Originally from Czech Republic, moving into a different country was, at times, challenging. Over the past 8 years, I have met a lot of incredible and inspiring people at English Lakes who have become friends. The company’s culture is all about recognizing strengths and behaviours of others and I believe that the management is purposeful in creating this sense of family where individuals are supported and listened to in any stage of life.

Describe the atmosphere at Low Wood Bay Watersports  

It is buzzing. Working outdoors is wonderful itself, and all our team are passionate about water sports. It is hard work on some days but it is also a very satisfying job. Every season we have a wonderful team and we are very excited to be recruiting again to for this season. When restrictions ease this year we will be able to start organising barbeques and water sports evenings for our team.  

Any other employee benefits that you enjoy?

Eating out at Low Wood’s Blue Smoke on the Bay

Personally, I love going to the swimming pool while my husband enjoys spending time in the gym. We also like to treat ourselves by going out for meals, and eating at English Lakes restaurants is very affordable with the staf discount of 20%.  My husband is a Chef and as much as he enjoys cooking, he loves eating at the different English Lakes restaurants. Each year we are given a Birthday Stay at one of the hotels which is a great way to celebrate.

Join the English Lakes Team

For more information about working at English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues and a list of our current vacancies, take a  look at our Jobs Page. 

As you can see from the image above, our English Lakes teams have lots of fun when they are not working. Perhaps we’re biased, but we truly believe that English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues is a great place to work. Here are ten reasons why … 

As Individual as You Are

Just like our guests, our employees are considered unique and individual. At English Lakes we celebrate our differences, but work together as a team to produce results. This is how Simon Berry, our Chairman & Managing Director puts it…

“As individual as you are, is how we see people. We recognise that every employee has a unique set of skills, talent and level of creativity. We don’t take this for granted, but seek to nurture, encourage, motivate and empower”. 

Part of the Family

The team at Lancaster House celebrating 25 years in business

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is a family run business with over 60 years in the industry. Over 15% of our employees have been with the company for ten years or more – we think that says something.  

Maria Walker, CRS Manager has been with the company for 35 years. She says,

“Michael Berry, Simon and Tim Berry’s father, was a great man who had a vision and a passion for the company that has been embraced by the whole Berry Family.  It continues to be a family run business with Simon Berry as Managing Director. As such, there’s always been a clear vision with traditional values underpinned by good ethics and staff benefits. I am now the longest working member of staff, but not by much. There are quite a few other colleagues who have worked for the company 20+ years, so if my job-for-life choice is just a little unusual these days, I’m in good company!”

Be Your Best Self

Our +1 Culture is all about going the extra mile for the guests and for our fellow employees. This is more than mere words. We have a +1 system, managed by Janette Berry and a team of +1 Reps. This recognises the small acts of kindness that happen on a daily basis in each of our hotels. These are written down, recorded, signed off by Simon Berry, our Chairman and Managing Director, and rewarded with certificates, badges and a place on our +1 Leaderboard.

Janette Berry, +1 Manager (far right) and our +1 Reps with Ben Berry, Director

This is regularly noticed and remarked upon by our guests, and something we take a lot of pride in …

Amazing Again!

This was our 4th or 5th visit here and yet again it was excellent. The staff are a credit to the hotel everyone’s always smiling and very helpful. I always recommend this hotel to friends and can’t wait to return. Trip Advisor Review of Low Wood Bay

Influence the Way We Do Things Here

In 2019, Ben Berry, Sales and Purchasing Director, launched our +1 Imaginators scheme. This allows team members to put forward innovative ideas to transform the way we do business at English Lakes Hotels.

Ben says,  

 “To be innovative and creative in all we do” – This is an important part of our mission statement at English Lakes, and we can see the creativity of our teams in almost every corner of the business.

Every idea submitted receives a response from Ben and, if appropriate, is taken forward, researched, and discussed by the relevant team. When the green light is given, the new initiative is implemented.  Successful team members become a +1 Imaginator and are invited to an Awards lunch where they will receive a prize which will include a VIP treat at an English Lakes venue of their choice.

Train and Develop

We do our best to ensure that every new employee is properly welcomed into the company and thereafter, throughout their career, receives the correct training.  

Our Expectations training course ensures that each person is acknowledged and receives a sincere welcome to the company. It also describes our ethos, +1 culture, and a brief overview of the five hotels and venues, Employees will then have a 6 week and 11 week review with their line manager to ensure that they are settling into the role.

As well as on-the-job training and various Health and Safety courses, employees are enabled and supported to train for National Vocational Qualifications in relevant subjects. We have an excellent relationship with colleges and training organisations in our areas of operation, and we have our own English Lakes Culinary Academy for young aspiring Chefs. 

English Lakes Culinary Academy

Health Club Membership

Low Wood Bay and Lancaster House have excellent gym and leisure club facilities for our guests, but we also make Health Club membership a perk of the job!

You can also take to the lake with great discounts off water sports activities at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre. 

Uniforms provided

We have some stylish and good quality uniforms throughout the company, and we provide these for all our employees.

Loyalty rewarded

Certificates presented at our regular Awards lunch

When you have been with the company for 12 months, and each year thereafter, you will be invited to one of our prestigious three-course Awards lunch. This gives Simon Berry and the Directors an opportunity to thank you for your hard work and dedication. You will also be awarded with English Lakes vouchers which you can spend in any of our hotels and restaurants. 

Celebrating your birthday

Each birthday, employees receives the gift of a free overnight dinner bed and breakfast stay at one of the hotels, along with their spouse or partner.  Now, there’s a reason to celebrate! 

Dine in Style

English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues have some amazing Chefs and great options for dining. Our employees benefit from generous discounts that allow you to take your seat alongside our residents and guests.   

Check out the English Lakes Vacancies

Take a look at our Jobs Page and see what’s available today, and how you might fit in to the team.