Fresh Air Fix

For this ‘My outdoors’ Q&A, we’re heading to the dramatic peaks and lakes of Cumbria. Of all the regions we’ve featured so far, this one is probably the most synonymous with outdoor adventure. However there is also a gentler side to the Cumbrian landscape, as Andrea Runkee from Go Lakes explains…

So tell us a bit about yourself

I have worked on the Adventure Capital project for Cumbria Tourism for the last three and half years, the project promotes outdoors and adventure in Cumbria. I have always worked in the outdoors trade since leaving agricultural college – way back when.

(photographer: Dave Willis)

What’s Cumbria’s best kept secret, away from the tourist hubs?

I live in the Eden Valley , which is a place that time almost forgot. There are very few visitors when compared to the lakes, but is it beautiful, with the River Eden flowing down the valley flanked by the lakes hills on one side and the Pennines on the other. Great area for cyclists too.

What’s your favorite way of exploring the Lakeland countryside?

On foot, either mine or on horses – equally at home on either.

I’m on a tight budget, any tips of accommodation?

Camping – I have always camped, mainly because I like the independence of it and there are so many ways to camp from roughing it in basic sites to glamping it up. Check out the Adventure Capital site for listings.

(photographer: Steve Barber)

No visit to the Lake District would be complete without getting on the water. What’s the best way to explore?

I enjoy Canadian canoeing (open boat, single bladed paddle), mainly because the dog can come too and I think seeing things at water level is totally different and you can really appreciate how big and deep the lakes are and how high the mountains are. It is easy to do on Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwent, where canoes and kayaks can be hired with tuition.

Where’s your favourite spot for eating al fresco?

I like Long Meg Stone Circle, ready made table tops and the view of the Pennines is amazing. Or the top of Loughrigg for a great view of Ambleside and Windermere.

(photographer: Dave Willis)

What if I want to take things up a gear and try something more extreme?

I think I have tried it all, bouldering and climbing (much younger days), via ferrata with my local WI (the ladies who came along were amazing and everyone completed the classic route), canoeing, open water swimming, mountain and road biking are just some of the great things to do, but don’t forget things like kite surfing and kite buggying at Barrow and sea kayaking off the coast, horse riding on the beaches. Just be sure to use the instructors to be safe and get the most from your adventures.

So where can I find out more about planning an outdoorsy weekend in Cumbria?

www.golakes.co.uk/adventure

www.forestry.gov.uk

www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk

www.summitreks.co.uk

www.lakesactivities.co.uk

www.destinationcumbria.co.uk

(All photos courtesy of Cumbria Tourism www.cumbriatourism.org/ www.golakes.co.uk. First photo by Tony West)

It’s the biggest mountain festival of its kind in the world, and at the heart of the event is the international Film Festival which takes place from 17th to 20th November.

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In the latest from our ‘Introducing..’ series, which champions individuals and small businesses who are doing their bit to encourage people to reconnect with the great outdoors, we chat to Jonathan Smith from Where2walk, who wants to get people enjoying the stunning scenery of the Lakes and Dales on foot…

So tell us a bit more about your business, when did you set it up and what do you offer?

18 months ago I was running a business called Dales Holiday Cottages but sadly it was taken over by a large American firm and there was no place for me! Previous to that I spent all my working life office bound but my passion (at times a little fanatical) had always been walking in the fells of England, Scotland and Ireland. The redundancy was the opportunity I needed (basically got me off my backside – stop dreaming and go out and do it) and my life changed from that date

How to make a success of your passion? I have a young family (2 daughters is not going to be cheap) so I needed to make a living, although I have accepted that I will never be a millionaire – happier but not rich! . So I set up Where2walk which I intend to be the No 1 information site for anyone who wants to go out walking, whether on a 3 day back packing expedition in remote Scotland or a toddle around Grimshaw reservoir on a Sunday afternoon, I receive income from B & Bs and cottages wanting to be associated with a high traffic walking website and intend to continue guiding and offering navigation training next year as I am a qualified Mountain Leader.

Where are you based and what do you love most about the area?

I live in Long Preston within the Yorkshire Dales. I love getting up in the morning and being able to take Mist my border collie for a walk and being in the wilderness within minutes of leaving the front door. I used to take her out before going to work but now have the flexibility carry on if the weather is good! It really is beautiful in the Dales, whatever the season.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Being able to choose when to go out walking . A quick look at the weather forecast for the week will say that Tuesday is best so that is what I choose (even if it meant working late on the other days or at the weekend), previously I only had a weekend to go at and it always seemed to rain!

Why do you think it’s important for people to spend time in the great outdoors?

Primarily because it is enjoyable. My memories of childhood are all about being out and about, not sticking in and watching TV. I lead groups and without fail people enjoy being out and about. You can see them liven up as the day goes on, relax and by the end of the walk are positively animated about what has happened. Fresh air and exercise always achieve this which is simply good for you in every way. As I say on my Top Tips – the weather is never as bad when you are out as when you look at it from inside.

www.where2walk.co.uk

Know a person or a great little outdoors business that should be profiled in this series? Let me know in the comments section below and I’ll be in touch.

A former geography teacher has designed an innovative new map of the Lake District, based on the London tube map.

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The Keswick Mountain Festival is back for 2011, from 18th-22nd May, with five days of activities, speakers, sporting events and challenges.

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Sir Chris Bonington, Britain’s best loved and admired mountaineer, seems to think so! He’ll be leading one of three sponsored walks in the area on Saturday 14th May to raise money for the Campaign for National Parks.

All the walks begin and end at Derwent Bank, an idyllic country house on the shores of Derwentwater, and Sir Chris will be leading a tour of the Grisedale Horseshoe which is a challenging 9 mile walk and open to just 25 people.

Sir Chris Bonington

In his own words, the route is ” better than Everest with some of the most lovely views you will get anywhere in the world”. For the less experienced walker there is also a moderate 6 mile walk and an easy 3 mile walk which is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Bordered by woods and towering crags, Derwentwater is sometimes called the ‘Queen of the Lakes’, and is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Lake District. If you missed out on one of the 25 places on the Grisedale Horseshoe walk, then dont’ worry, all the walkers will still have a chance to rest their feet after the challenge and take afternoon tea with Sir Chris.

The walks are open to everyone but numbers are limited and you must register to take part, so get in there quick! See www.cnp.org.uk for more details or email liz@cnp.org.uk or call 020 7924 4077 ext 223.

That’s the message from Amy McLoughlin at the Nurture Lakeland campaign, who tells us how to find the best spots in the Lakes by bike, by boat, or on foot…

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Volunteer rescue teams have been tearing their hair out for some time about the rising numbers of inexperienced and ill equipped walkers requiring help.

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If you love being outdoors and working with people, then volunteering as a Ranger could be a great way to spend your Sundays.

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The Lake District has taken runner up in Europe’s Best for Outdoor and Adventure category for the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, pipped only to the post by Switzerland’s Interlaken.

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Check out this great little video all about the Love Your Lakes campaign which is trying to protect Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake from a tide of polluting phosphates.

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The highly acclaimed Kendal Mountain Festival Adventure Film Academy is back this July for it’s 8th year, and gives you the chance to work with some top professionals who have worked on BAFTA and EMMY winning adventure films including Touching the Void.

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If you couldn’t make it to the Outdoor Show at the NEC, or you prefer your outdoor events in a slightly more bucolic setting, then definitely sign up for the Keswick Mountain Festival from 19th to 23rd May. Read the full story