English Lakes has its roots in the hard work and dedication of Robert Buckley, an orphan who was determined that his family would have opportunities in life that he did not have. Robert’s son, Norman, purchased Low Wood in 1952 and eventually persuaded Michael Berry, his nephew, to manage the hotel. Michael was instrumental in shaping not just Low Wood, but a whole family of hotels that we know today as English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues.
Anne and Peter Cook at The Wild Boar, 2015
Michael’s sister Anne remembers with great fondness the beginnings from houses for sale Bootle and what is today a family of outstanding 4 Star hotels in the Lake District and Lancashire. We are delighted that she has shared her recollections with us.
An Impulsive Purchase
“Lunch at Low Wood…….Very nice place but poor food and poor service.” Don’t be alarmed. This is not a 2016 Trip Advisor review. It is taken from the diary of Robert Buckley in September 1952 and is followed on 13th December with ‘Norman took over Low Wood Hotel’.
Brochure of ‘Logan’s Low-wood Hotel, Windermere’ c.1940
My dear Grandpa died soon after the New Year but he was lively minded always and accustomed to Norman’s impulsive purchases.
It seemed astonishing that Norman, a Manchester solicitor with no experience of the hospitality trade, should venture into resurrecting a seedy, austerity-blighted old survivor. But venture he did, and we surmised that it was his marriage to an exceptionally enterprising woman, Betty Buckley, who had experience of working at a much more up-market hotel, which influenced him.
The first two generations of Buckleys/Berrys – Robert Buckley; His children, Lilian Berry (nee Buckley), Norman Buckley MBE, Kenneth Buckley
I’m sure no-one in the family imagined that 60 years on Robert’s great great grandchildren would be still there on the Low Wood site.
Things Can Only Get Better
The poor old Low Wood regularly closed for the winter and it was at Easter 1953 that I saw it for the first time when the new staff were being settled in and the first guests due to arrive.
I had been youth hostelling and hitch-hiking round the Lakes showing my sweetheart from London the places I love. As a thank you for a cosy night and good tuck-in with the family, we walked over to Low Wood next day and David cleaned all the lounge windows while I took bucket and brush and the old bar soap and scrubbed the floors of the toilets and wash rooms which served the bedrooms and the public rooms. I can still picture that shabby curling old lino.
Standing the Test of Time
In the summer I came to work for a month in my vacation and in those few weeks I learned more about human nature than three years of studying French language and literature could teach me.
By then things had settled down somewhat and Betty had acquired an industrial sewing machine on which she ran up quilts and curtains to brighten up all those sad bedrooms. Norman did not have a hands-on role in the business but he was very astute in business matters and things ran their course as further hotels were purchased.
Michael Berry, with his son, Simon Berry, in the Japanese Garden at Low Wood Bay, July 1999
Finally, Norman persuaded my clever brother, Michael, to leave his excellent job with a Swiss engineering firm and bring his financial expertise to the company. This was not easy for Michael but Norman’s untimely death left a great need for a firm hand and now Michael’s sons, Simon and Tim, are at the helm with the fourth generation involved in a variety of roles.
An Excellent Heritage
Grandpa Robert would have been thrilled. I have always remembered how, from leaving school at 13, he worked to contribute in the poor unlettered household where he and his two brothers, orphans, all worked so hard to give those who came after the chances he had not had. Well done Robert! Come back for a better experience next time in the splendid hotel of today.
Future Plans
An artists impression of Low Wood Bay’s new development with new spa, rooms, restaurant, grounds and public areas.
In 2012 the company was granted planning permission for a world-class Convention Centre at Low Wood Bay and in 2015 approval was granted for extensive re-development of the hotel and grounds.Further evidence of the ongoing vision and entrepreneurial flair of an extraordinary family.
It is believed that wedding anniversaries were celebrated as early as Medieval times. A husband would make a crown of silver for his wife of twenty-five years, or a gold crown for fifty years. It was probably the Victorians who went on to catalogue and classify a prescribed list of gifts for each wedding anniversary.
anniversary
[an-uh–vur-suh-ree]
A day when we celebrate something important that happened that day in a previous year.
Wherever the custom stemmed, we have a room that celebrates each and every anniversary. The Overmillbeck Suite is the perfect anniversary retreat. We have even adorned the walls with our own tribute to wedding bliss through the years.
Overmillbeck Suite – perfect for anniversary celebrations
Here’s a list of anniversaries (we couldn’t name them all), and the element and flowers associated with that particular year.
1st Anniversary: Paper
Associated Flowers: Carnations / Pansies
Paper represents a clean sheet as you start a fresh new second year together.
Overmillbeck, decorated with wedding anniversary plaques through the years
Gift Idea: What about a good old fashioned love letter? Tickets are usually paper – so a world of opportunity there. Or you could give the gift of English Lakes Vouchers and share a romantic weekend at The Wild Boar together.
10th Anniversary: Aluminium
Associated Flowers: Daffodils
Aluminium (previously celebrated with tin) represents flexibility and durability. It is also tough and holds its strength when necessary.
Picture celebrating Ten Years Married
Gift Idea: To celebrate a decade of togetherness don’t be tempted to go down the saucepan route! Instead, why not fill a beautifully decorated tin with mementos of your time together over the last ten years – photos, events, holiday keep-sakes, poems and love songs.
25th Anniversary: Silver
Associated Flowers: Iris
Silver is a precious metal and acts as a reminder of your commitment to one another, and symbolises the value of a marriage that will continue to shine throughout your future together.
Gift Idea: There are a huge range of silver items to celebrate 25 years together. A lovely silver frame for one of your wedding photos, jewellery, or an engraved silver keepsake.
30th Anniversary: Pearl
Associated Flowers: Sweet Pea
Represents the depth of your relationship over the years. Pearls take time to form and the results are truly beautiful. So is a relationship that has matured over three decades.
Gift Idea: Well, the more outrageous could turn pearly king and queen for the night and host a Cockney themed party. Most will want something a little more sedate. A string of pearls or Champagne and caviar served with a mother of pearl spoon would seem the order of the day.
40th Anniversary: Ruby
Associated Flowers: Nasturtiums
They say life begins at 40 (or is it now 50?!) and a Ruby anniversary is still full of promise to come. The ruby represents a flame that grows brighter as your marriage matures. Rubies are said to be rarer than diamonds and symbolise wealth and wisdom, and of course, passion.
Gift Idea: Going with the colour red, why not plant a red rose in your garden to celebrate your love? Or toast your future with a vintage wine or port at The Wild Boar.
50th Anniversary: Gold
Associated Flowers: Violets
Half a century! You have grown together in wisdom and strength. In many cultures gold symbolises prosperity and a golden anniversary is time to enjoy the investment in your life together.
Picture celebrating twenty-five years married
Gift Idea: You have probably given every gift going by this stage in your relationship. Do you really need another cake slice or a gold embossed chopping board? Jewellery is always good, but we think a better way to celebrate would be to invite the family to an intimate gathering at The Wild Boar’s Undermillbeck function room. We’ll light the fire, you prepare your speech.
Undermillbeck function room – perfect for gathering families together to celebrate a special anniversary
60th Anniversary: Diamond
The word ‘diamond’ originates from the Greek ‘adamus’, meaning unconquerable – very fitting for a marriage that has lasted 60 years.
Gift Idea: Well, to state the obvious – it just needs to be diamonds!
70th Anniversary: Platinum
Platinum – strong, precious and rare – just like seventy precious years together. You’ve earned your own platinum record, and in terms of gift ideas, you have earned the right to whatever your heart desires!
Picture celebrating seventy years together
Celebrate Your Anniversary at The Wild Boar
Whether you are married one year, or seventy-one years, there are always good reasons to book The Wild Boar. It could be for a romantic retreat in our Overmillbeck Suite, or an intimate family gathering in Undermillbeck. Call 0333 2203 108 to start your anniversary celebration.
Whether it’s a 1st or a 50th, each and every anniversary marks a significant time in a marriage and we are humbled that so many couples choose to celebrate their special day here at Low Wood Bay.
The hotels beautiful lakeside views, leisure and spa facilities and stunning countryside location make it the perfect romantic setting to celebrate your love and commitment. When Angela Carr got in touch with the hotel and I began organising her parent’s Golden Wedding Anniversary, it only seemed natural that I shared their story.
The celebration was a modest yet significant affair consisting of an evening meal in our Windermere Restaurant and a relaxing two-night stay in one of the hotel’s unique feature rooms overlooking Windermere.
Low Wood Bay Windermere Restaurant set up for a celebration / Chris Freeer Photography
Example Low Wood Bay Feature Room
Views out of Windermere from Low Wood Bay’s Lake View room
Just over 50 years ago when a 20-year-old Harry met 16-year-old Pauline, neither of them could have imagined that this was what the future had in store for them.
The Best Choice was Second Choice
In 1962 each of the young singles lived with their parents in The West Midlands, but it was their employment at a bicycle factory in Smethwick which brought them together. When I asked Pauline how they fell for each other and if she thought it was love at first sight her answer was refreshingly honest
I don’t know about love at first sight, I think I was second.
Harry and a close friend of Pauline’s had planned a date at the local cinema, but as fate would have it, at very short notice she decided against the meet-up. Consequently, Pauline was asked to go to the cinema to tell Harry that his date would not be showing up, but when the evening came and the news was revealed Harry’s reply was not at all expected
You might as well come with me then.
And so, although Pauline had to pay for her own ticket, she and Harry had their first date and from that very evening, their relationship flourished and their days were filled with mischief.
My dad always made me get in by 10 o’clock, so if we were late, Harry would sit me on the cross-bar of his bike to get me home. We would come down the hill very fast and one night a policeman blew his whistle for us to slow down… Harry peddled faster.
Pauline and Harry on their Wedding Day in 1966
The couple’s traditional white wedding took place in 1966 at Ackull Church and shortly afterwards their 2 daughters, Leslie and Angela, were born. Fast forward 50 years and the couple are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their daughters’ families and their grandchildren, Christopher, Emma and Leah, here at the Low Wood Bay.
Anniversary Celebrations at Low Wood Bay
Whatever your special occasion, our dedicated team at our Lake District Hotel in Low Wood Bay would be delighted to help design your unique event to make it another one to add to the family album. Give Rachel a call on 015394 39479 for an informal chat.
Low Wood Watersports Centre was the scene of military action this week, with WWII vehicles and servicemen and women from Catterick Garrison. This was the big-hearted vision of David Forster, member of the North East Military Vehicle Club.
Amphibious Military Vehicle in front of Low Wood Bay Marina
Whilst watching a documentary in 2014 about Help for Heroes, David Forster, partially disabled himself, wondered how he could get involved and help injured soldiers. David is a member of the North East Military Vehicle Club and hit on the inspirational ideas of taking a fleet of their WWII Vehicles to the Lake District and inviting some of our ex-service men and women along for the ride.
WWII Vehicles at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre
Supported by his wife, Doris Ann, and members of the Military Vehicle Club, David worked tirelessly to bring several elements together in order to make it happen. Needless to say, the folks at Phoenix House Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison were delighted with the idea. There was no shortage of volunteers to join the procession of vintage war vehicles to the Lake District. Events like these are proven to help people transition back into the community, make new friends and reduce feelings of isolation.
This is the second year of David’s vision – and it has just got bigger and better. Approached to make an application to the People’s Project, David secured Lottery funding of almost £50,000 for an action packed two-day adventure, again in the Lake District Hotels. As well as the WWII jeeps, they are bringing vehicles involved in the D-Day landings and a DUKW amphibious vehicle.
Low Wood Bay Watersports are delighted to host the Heroes as they have a go at fly boarding, water skiing and open water swimming on Windermere.
The convoy will then roll out to Honister for a tour of the mine, and the Via Ferrata Xtreme for those with a head for heights. Rounding off the two-day event, they will take to mountain bikes around Whinlatter Pass and Forest.
Via Ferrata at Honister
David and Doris Ann, we salute you, and all the volunteers from the Military Vehicle Club that have given their time and resources to make this heroic Lake District event a reality.
Lynda, our Low Wood Bay Concierge, is frequently asked, where are the best places to go in the area with children? Here are a few Half Term suggestions for our guests…
Boat Cruise to Bowness and Lakeside
From Waterhead, take Windermere Lake Cruises Freedom of the Lake family ticket. This gives a full 24 hours to explore the UK’s longest lake. Right in the heart of some beautiful scenery it’s also an exciting day out for the children – especially as you can stop off at various places along the way including Lakes Aquarium and Brockhole.
Lakes Aquarium
(Coates Family video in here?)
Otters, sharks, rays, diving ducks and marmoset monkeys are just some of the species on show. There’s lots to see and to learn. ‘Set off from a Lake District mountain top and follow the tranquil water flow to find jumping trout and river bank creatures. Leap over the paddy fields to Asia, homeland of the mischievous otters’. The underwater tunnel diving ducks will make you giggle.
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Set in beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone at Brockhole, just a few minutes away from Low Wood Bay and Waterhead. There’s a fantastic adventure playground and for the older children there’s the adreneline rush of Treetop Trek. For those 3 years and over, there is the option of the Treetop Nets – trampoline and tunnel heaven! Rainy days there’s also an indoor soft play and creativity space.
Throughout the holidays and most weekends there are also events like birdwatching or raft building and regular ‘welly’ walks.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
We love this as a wet day alternative. Beginners of all ages can ‘have a go as’ the team there are passionate about making climbing accessible to all. There’s tuition and supervision from qualified instructors that help the children reach their own individual goal. There’s such a sense of achievement, sometimes having to overcome a little anxiety or fear of heights. The 35ft lead wall is a replica of a real crag taken from a mould of natural limestone.
Lakeland Motor Museum
This is where all the family can pick out their personal favourite – with over 30,000 exhibits it’s no mean feat! The collection is a real testament to UK motoring heritage with cars spanning over a manufacturing period of 100 years. There’s even a 1920s garage with a collection of old spanners, trolley jacks and puncture repair equipment. A real feature is the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition celebrating the 21 world land and water speed records that Malcolm and Donald Campbell secured in their series of cars and boats. There’s a full sized replica of the 1935 Bluebird car, the 1939 boat and 1976 jet hydroplane. It’s not all about cars though and there are some really interesting exhibitions featuring The Land Girls, Fashion through the ages, ‘how it used to be’ shop windows as well as information on local history.
The World of Peter Rabbit
You can’t visit the Lake District with children and not spend a happy hour wandering around the self-guided tour at The World of Peter Rabbit. How many of Peter Rabbit’s friends will you spot?
Mrs Tiggy Winkle doing her laundry
South Lakes Safari Zoo
This is a must-visit as a fantastic family day out with a huge collection of animals – kangaroos, monkeys and gibbons, lemurs, giraffes, hippopotamus, wolves, sloths, donkeys, reindeer, chipmunks, a giant anteater as well as a whole flock of different birds and reptiles galore. Feeding time for the big cats is a real spectacle and worth timing your visit around.
Low Wood Watersports Centre
In October there still time to hire motor boats and rowing boats from Low Wood Watersports Centre. Enjoy exploring the lake at your own pace, stopping off at public jetties along the eastern shore for lunch or a cuppa. For the more adventurous there’s waterskiing, wakeboarding, dinghy and keelboat sailing as well as canoeing and kayaking. Even better, English Lakes guests receive a 10% discount off all watersports activities.
A Few of our Favourite Places
These are just a few suggestions, but there are many more – do not hestitate to speak to Lynda for more information. We hope you get to enjoy your stay.
In theory, walking with children in The Lake District should be a delight and a family bonding activity. However, the reality can sometimes fall a little short.
If memory serves me correctly (and it is a few years ago now), getting my young children out on a family walk in the Lake District could be as painful as sticking pins in my eyes! Apart from the initial wails of protest followed by the multitudinous reasons why they couldn’t possibly join their parents on a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll, there was the inevitable and literal dragging of heels and the prolonged sulks which seemed to evaporate only as we reached our tea shop destination.
Despite the initial moans and groans, once the kids are out in the fresh air they soon discover there is so much to explore. So if you are planning a family day out here are our top 10 suggestions that might be worth experimenting with …
1. Never the ‘W’ Word
First of all never use the ‘W’ word. From now on it’s a scramble, a quest, an adventure. Use questions like ‘Who wants to explore the forest’? or ‘Who wants to go on a treasure hunt on the beach’?
2. Location, Location, Location
Choose locations that fire up the imagination – streams to cross, sandy beaches for digging, trees to navigate around, mid-walk activity parks. What about Sunday lunch followed by a Wild Boar hunt? Make sure that they are dressed appropriately for mud and puddles.
3. Adventure Log Book
Before setting off, give each child a log book to record their adventure. You can make this yourself – or get the kids to make them. But for those without the time there are great resources available. Nature detective resources includes animal tracking, identifying trees, leaves and bird calls, fun things to do in each season, activities with sticks and loads more. You can even enrol the children in the Nature Detective Club. There are lots of activity sheets free to download and print.
Felltarn Friends do a colourful Lake District Activity book which takes children on a journey of discovery, challenging the readers to open their eyes to the countryside.
4. Follow-my-Leader
This is one that even the youngest child can join in with and we’ve probably all played it at parties. Taking it outside allows you to encourage them to use movements and sounds that they see/hear around them – trees swaying, bird calls, creepy crawlies.
5. Treasure Hunt
Children love hunting for treasure. Make your own treasure map – or superimpose the details of the treasure on a printed map. Again, this is all done for you online with clues, maps and the answer. There is a small charge for this but I’d say it was money well spent for an engaging few hours. You will have to get to the ‘cross on the map’ just enough ahead of the children to position the treasure!
6. We all like a story!
Even now I remember clambering onto my Dad’s lap as he regaled me with stories of the wilderness wanderer ‘Joe York’. In my childhood mind’s eye I saw a rugged defender of the poor and helpless who would scale mountains, jump ravines and swing from trees spreading happiness with every stride! Make up a story as you go along. Create a character and get the children to act it out along the way. If you are struggling for ideas, use a children’s storybook to get you started and adapt the story to your surroundings .
7. Ambush
This will play to their one-upmanship. Send them ahead with instructions that they need to prepare an ambush for the adults – you could even get them to dress in camouflage gear to add to their fun. Obviously they need to be of an age to be allowed to go out ahead on their own for this one and it is important to check that there are no potential danger points along the way. However, you will usually hear them several hundred yards before the ambush – but that does not need to spoil the triumph of their conquest.
8. A New Skill
Teach them to use a map and compass. This will engage their minds and teach them a useful and important skill. You don’t have to be an expert, there are plenty of really good illustrated sites that will help and learning together can be part of the fun.
9. On Location
Produce an On Location Film. With technology so readily available it is relatively easy to produce your own family film. It can be a basic unedited, warts and all version or for those more technically savvy it can be edited later and feature in a family film night for an added sense of achievement. Younger children love the ‘starring’ role whilst the more mature enjoy taking on the challenge behind the camera. Let them come up with their own story or documentary ideas. Great for the family album and for bringing out at the 18th birthday party!
10. Geocaching
Apparently there are 6 million geocachers on this planet and it’s an activity that is spreading rapidly. A cross between treasure hunting and orienteering, you will need access to the website and a reliable gps device such as a smartphone (best to take a map as well just in you’re your device fails). Follow clues and use your detective skills to find carefully hidden boxes with hidden treasure or a log book to record your find. If you take treasure from the box the rule is that it must be replaced with an alternative trinket and the cache carefully re-hidden for the next finder. Read more about the intricacies of geocaching here. However, be warned geocaching can be addictive!
Half Term in The Lake District
We hope you find some inspiration for your next adventure in the beautiful and that groans of despair are replaced with whoops of delight! Take the time to explore the Lake District Family Holiday at English Lakes Hotel.
If anybody can give advice about how to improve your open water swimming performance it is Cassie Patten! Olympic medallist and winner of the inaugural Great North Swim in 2008, Cassie has encouraged thousands of us to dive in and have a go.
We asked her recently to give us her top ten tips at one of our Lake District Hotels for getting ready for competition with a view to going the distance with confidence. These should come in handy for the Great North Swim at Low Wood Bay in Windermere!
1. Breathe!
Photo credit – Bike List
I come across many people who struggle with their breathing when faced with open water, It’s totally normal and will get easier with practice. It’s vital you know how to get your breathing under control – you need to be as relaxed and confident as possible in a race situation. Try ‘bubble breathing’ underwater. If you make yourself say the word ‘bubble’ as you put your face in, you will be forced to exhale, allowing you to inhale more naturally as you take your next breath.
2. Find a happy place
In a race situation, you will probably feel nervous at some point. It is important that you are able to bring everything back to a normal standing point, so that you can avoid getting into a panic state. For me, the best way to do this is to think about something that makes me feel great. It doesn’t have to be swimming related – it could be a holiday, a person or a moment that lifts your spirits. Do this in training so that it comes naturally when you need it in a race.
3. Get the right wetsuit
If you intend to race in a wetsuit, ensure you get one that fits you well as there is nothing worse than an ill-fitting wetsuit! Don’t be afraid to ask wetsuit companies if you can try on the wetsuits, and don’t hesitate to send your suit back if you’re not sure about the fit.
4. Safety
When training in open water, safety comes first. Never train alone, and if possible, try to join a group or a club who are familiar with the location and potential hazards. Just because the water looks calm, doesn’t always mean it is safe to swim in. You may wish to consider swimming with a tow float too, which will make you more visible in the water.
5. Sighting
Sighting can take up quite a lot of energy if you are not comfortable with the movement. Try to practise sighting even when you are training in the pool. The better you become at incorporating sighting into your stroke, the easier you will find it in a race situation. When you sight, don’t worry if you don’t see what you are aiming for on your first look. Take a few more strokes, and look again.
6. Train your energy systems
It is easy to approach a training session with a simple distance goal in mind, such as: ‘I’m going to swim a mile today’. However, it is important that you mix up your training sessions so that you ‘train your energy systems’: mix sprints with tempo and distance work to get the best results. It may be that you need to be able to sprint at some point in your race, and you need to be prepared for this.
7. Plan ahead
Getting used to swimming in Open Water
Plan your session before you hit the water. This will ensure you get the best from your time in the water, and that you remain engaged and motivated throughout.
8. Matt laminate is your friend!
If you matt laminate a piece of paper, you can write your session on this in pencil and re-use it on poolside.
9. Drafting
Go out and practice drafting with a group of friends, or join an open water club session and team up with some swimmers to have a go at getting close in the water. Don’t be scared to swim right behind and just behind the hips of other swimmers, try it in training to get a feel for what is possible in a race environment.
10. Visualise
Before your race, visualise the course in your head. Think your way through different circumstances, and what you will do if they occur – for example, what is your plan if you get cramp? What do you intend to do your goggles come off? What will you do if you feel much better in the water than you thought you would do?
And Finally…
For those entering the Great North Swim at Low Wood Bay, we wish you every success. For those considering it for next year, we would encourage you to use Cassie’s tips to take to the water.
Whether your ideal day out in the Lake District is a gentle stroll by a meandering stream, a more strenuous hike up a mountain or a heritage rail journey, it would appear that there is something for everyone. Here’s one for the more adventurous.
Safely attached to the side of a cliff!
The Iron Road
I hate ironing, but this is a something altogether different! Via Ferrata or ‘Iron Road’ is a protected climbing route across mountainous areas, making often exposed and inaccessible areas available to non-climbers like me. And we have one of only two Via Ferratas in Britain right here on our doorstep.
Honister Slate Mine is the only working mine in England and supplies highly sought after green slate around the world. Set amidst some of the most breath-taking scenery in the Lake District, Honister has a Visitor Centre, organised and informative mine tours and a ‘fill your boot for £20’ facility.
On this occasion, that’s not what brought Kris and myself past Derwentwater and along the beautiful Borrowdale Valley. We were booked on Honister Via Ferrata Xtreme, an adrenaline pumping experience which would take us to the summit of Fleetwith Pike, a commanding presence above Honister Pass at a height of 2,066 ft.
Honister Pass snaking below the Via Ferrata
In recent history Via Ferratas have grown massively in popularity, particularly in the Alipine regions of Italy, France and Austria, but they have been around as early as the 19th century and the early years of mountaineering. They also served a more serious diversion during WW1, providing vital military routes across hazardous mountain ranges for troops and supplies.
A Privileged Perspective
We joined another seven adventure seekers and after a quick introduction to Tom, our guide, we were issued with harness, helmet and a pair of life-preserving carabiners. I’d done my research, so I knew that if everything were to go wrong, I would be the first to perish en route. Cold comfort.
A bus ride a short distance up the side of the mountain deposited us at the start of the route. Tom gave clear instructions about how to remain safely clipped in to the steel rope, but all too quickly we had to lower ourselves over the side of the mountain and descend steeply on a series of iron ladders.
Keeping my eyes level and my hands busy with the constant carabiner clipping meant that the reality of the cars-as-dots deep in the valley below did not totally freak me out. Surprisingly quickly, I started to trust the equipment and Tom’s words about its near impossible breaking strength.
The beauty of the valley below and the mountains around started to permeate my consciousness and I felt privileged to be allowed to view it all from such a vantage point.
Smile for the Camera!
Kris smiling for the camera, just before he looked down to the valley bottom
Navigating ladders overhanging a steep gully
We discovered that Tom was also a photographer. That, and his dry sense of humour collided when, on the 60 m ‘tightrope’ Burma Bridge, he encouraged me to turn around and smile for the camera! As the bridge began to sway and I heard Kris’ strained voice behind me quietly assert, “I don’t like this,” I willed myself to the other side. A scramble up a steeply stretched cargo net and, all too soon, our two hours of climbing were over.
Tina’s tightrope photo shoot on the 60 m Burma Bridge
The steep cargo net climb
A short assent through a disused mine shaft took us close to the summit of Fleetwith Pike with spectacular views across Buttermere Valley to Crummock Water and Loweswater to the north. Views of Haystacks, Great Gable and Green Gable bathed in late afternoon sunshine accompanied us on the gentle descent back to the Visitor Centre.
Group shot at the summit of Fleetwith Pike
I believe anybody with reasonable fitness, thirst for adventure, a head for heights (or a need to overcome a fear of heights), and a desire for some high level sightseeing will finish their session at Honister Via Ferrata exhilarated and with a huge smile on their face.
Views back towards the Honister Visitors Centre
Via Ferrata Xtreme
The Xtreme takes approx. 3 – 3.5 hours to complete. Prices from £37.50 Child (10 yrs up to 16), £45.00 Adult (16 yrs +), Family discounts available.
Book online or by Telephone: 017687 77230
Address: Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN
Adventure Holiday in the Lake District
After a morning on the Iron Road, scrambling to the top of Fleetwith Pike via cable, ladders and cargo nets, you will have plenty of time to explore the rest of the Lake District.
Take a scenic drive past the beautiful Derwent Water, and visit the town of Keswick for a spot of lunch. Then head down the A591 past Thirlmere to Grasmere where you can sample the world famous Sarah Nelson Grasmere Gingerbread. Then head towards Ambleside where you can check in the 4 Star Waterhead Boutique Hotel or Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel on the shores of Windermere. If you are still thirsty for adventure after a great night sleep, head down to Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre where there is plenty of activities to keep you entertained within our Lake District Hotels!
The UK is a premium wine-producing region, with around 500 vineyards in England and Wales with vineyards covering over 4,500 acres and producing many prestigious sparkling and still wines. With English Wine Week fast approaching, Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June 2016 we take a look at the history behind English Wine.
Making Wine in England since 1066
There’s some evidence to suggest we were making wine before the Roman conquest in AD43, but certainly after their invasion our soil worked hard to fulfil the Italian garrisons’ appetite for wine a plenty. In 1066 William the Conqueror brought with him monks experienced in wine making, and Britain enjoyed a flourishing industry, matched only by the revival in English wine that we are currently experiencing. The Domesday Book records 42 wine producing locations in Britain.
English Vineyards growing to meet demand
In relatively recent history it was a very brave, or foolhardy, investor that poured money into the English wine industry, but that is a rapidly changing scenario. With climate warming, the south east of England now has as many warm, sunny days as the Champagne region did in the 1970s. Huge advancements in technology also favours the burgeoning demand for our home grown vintage.
Vineyard in Surrey. England
Once the domain of enthusiasts and hobbyists, this is no longer a national whim, but a serious business. English vineyards produced and bottled 6.3 million bottles of wine in 2014 and expect to reach 12 million bottles a year by 2020. One leading supermarket reports sales of English wine up by 95%.
As consumers are making a conscious choice to uncork and pour our local wines, investors are opening their wallets and pouring cash into the long-term investment – from purchase of land to selling your bottled wine can take about 10 years – and applications for licences to produce wine in the UK are up 40% on last year.
Storage of bottles of sparkling wine in it’s seasoning period
A Popular and Sustainable Choice
English Wine was headlined in culinary news in 2015 when Buckingham Palace chose to feature Ridgeway Brut as an aperitif for the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted by the Queen. With the highly commendable use of local produce, Chefs up and down the country are looking to pair their dishes with local wines. Once scoffed at, particularly by French producers, English wine producers scooped fourteen gold medals in the prestigious International Wine Challenge.
With quantity, quality and popularity on the rise, expect to be hearing and seeing much more of English vintages in the months to come. Why not do the taste test for yourself? During English Wine Week, Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June 2016, Lancaster House will be featuring two quality English wines available to purchase by the glass or the bottle.
Try English Wine at Lancaster House
Extensive wine collection at Lancaster House
Lancaster House has an extensive wine list in The Foodworks restaurant which features many wines from around the world. Two of our favourite English Wines we recommend you try on your next visit are:
Chapel Down Brut
Made by C D Rose Tenterden, One of England’s best selling sparkling wines and a great example of a classic English fizz. A light, crisp, dry sparkling wine competing with Prosecco or Champagne
Surrey Gold
The wine is made with a blend of Muller-Thurgau and Reichensteiner from the Denbies Estate Vineyard. Located on flat land with sandy limestone which is perfect for fresh and light wines. This wine is rich in fruit and floral aromas with subtle hints of spice.
Lancaster House is proud to support local suppliers. This week the FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) celebrated World Milk Day so we followed the milk trail from farm to dairy to see first-hand where our milk comes from. Cherrie tells us about their grand day out…
Cows grazing in open fields at Stephenson’s Dairy farm
We set off from Lancaster House to the farm in Skipton where we met Andrew, the farmer, and Chris and Steph from Stephenson’s Dairy.
Pasture Promise
Andrews’s farm is one of only three in the whole of the UK that is committed to having a free range dairy herd. This means that the whole herd is pastured for a minimum of 181 days and nights. The cows will only come inside when the weather is really bad and during the winter months. Adhering to strict farming practice guidelines means that Andrew can proudly display his ‘pasture promise’ logo.
A curious greets Cherrie
The cows are curious, but not so brave – safety in numbers seems to be the bovine way. We were in the field with Andrew’s herd of approx. 190 cows, so having 2 or 3 creep up behind you for a sneak peak can be a bit unnerving. There were a couple who were brave enough to give us a lick and check us out. I noticed that each cow had a colour on the top of her tail – the farmer told me that this is a quick way to identify which cows are pregnant. Did you know that cows are also pregnant for 9 months?
Cow Selfie!
Running alongside the field is a natural stream that is fed from the Yorkshire moors. The cows can potter on down for a drink or a cool off whenever they fancy.
Individual Care Plan
High-tech milking shed
The milking shed is a far cry from a stall with a bucket and stool. This is milking at is most advanced. Each cow has a computer chip necklace which is monitored as the cow goes into the milking shed. This is able to give the farmer valuable information about the quantity of milk, and potentially the health of each animal. If a cow were ill and her milk production dropped slightly, the farmer may not otherwise have known that the cow was ill until much later. This means that the vetinary care for these cows can be much more responsive.
The milk is stored in a separate area until the wagon comes to take it to be pasturised. It was here that we were intrigued to see a colourful circular chart representing the herd. Each block in the circle represents a cow, and each side of the block is painted a different colour with the cow’s unique number on it. The blocks get turned to the different colours indicating if the cow is pregnant, if she is in her dry stage, when she will be due to calf and so on.
Baby calves in the farms maternity ward
Andrew let us visit the ‘Maternity Ward’ to see the ‘babies’, I did try to persuade Gary that we could fit one in the car but he was having none of it! The herd are Holstein Friesians and are traditionally named after their mothers as this is the best way to follow the pedigree. In the herd that we visited there were quite a few ‘Honeys’.
Traceable Right to our Door
So where does the milk go once it’s been collected? Stephensons have collaborated with Dales Dairy to develop a clearly segregated production process for Free Range milk. This means that they can now offer is fully traceable milk of consistently high quality that puts money directly back in to the local economy.
Lancaster House, Foodworks Restaurant ready for morning breakfast
When the milk arrives at Stephenson’s in Morecambe, the final part of the journey is to Lancaster House, and to The Midland Hotel, all in plenty of time for our guests’ breakfast.
