Western Lake District The other side of the Lakes

If you’re looking for natural beauty and rural charm, a place to escape the crowds and find real countryside adventures, visit the Western Lake District. It’s a special place, where Wordsworth lived and Wainwright walked, a place where secluded beaches and unspoilt countryside go hand in hand with a rich Roman and maritime heritage. If you love the Lake District, the Western Lake District is home to many of the assets that make this area truly special – both Scafell, England’s highest mountain and Wast Water, the deepest lake, are here. Unique to the Western Lake District is its stunning coastline. It’s perfect for shoreline adventures, taking to the sea and coastal walks. The Coast to Coast Walk, which takes in some of Northern England’s most spectacular scenery, starts right here on our coast. A large stretch of the coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the birds, wildlife and coastal environment make up a distinctive and precious landscape. The Solway Firth is truly beautiful and watching the glorious sunsets over the Irish Sea is something you’ll never forget. Uncovering the heritage of the Western Lake District will take you on a fascinating journey back in time – ancient castles, Iron Age forts, historic harbours and even tales of smugglers and slaves are an important part of what makes this area what it is. And with so many towns and villages scattered along the coast and across the countryside, you’re sure to find the perfect place to sample the local food and drink, explore the wealth of independent shops or use as a base for a longer stay. Tempted? Read on to find out more about the Western Lake District and create your perfect break…

Cover image: Skelgill Bank, Catbells towards Bassenthwaite Image left: Sunset at Drigg Beach

www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

The great outdoors

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The real beauty of the Western Lake District lies in the undiscovered places – the rugged fells, the natural allure of the coast and the tranquil lakes brimming over with such beauty that, once discovered, you might want to keep to yourself!

1 Wast Water 2 Cumbrian Heavy Horses 3 Ghyll scrambling 4 Kite surfing 5 Derwentwater 6 Drigg Beach 7 Whitehaven Marina

The valleys are truly inspiring. Eskdale, Ennerdale, Borrowdale – the lowland landscapes are peppered with farms, forests, villages and streams. Whether you’re on a gentle short stroll or a more ambitious hike, the Western Lake District makes for the perfect adventure, safe in the knowledge that there’s a warm welcome at one of the pubs, inns or hotels on your return. And if you’re looking for adrenaline filled escapades, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Western Lake District. Kite surfing, rock climbing, ghyll scrambling, mountain biking – if getting the adrenaline pumping is your thing, then this is the place for you. 3

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Don’t miss Wasdale awaits

Coastal adventures

As the deepest lake in England and voted Britain’s Favourite View, Wast Water already has outstanding credentials; but the views across the whole of the Wasdale Valley are breathtaking. Dramatic mountains rise like a huge amphitheatre from the shores of Wast Water, creating the backdrop for your next adventure. You can take to the water in a canoe, kayak or rowing boat. For landlubbers there is climbing, walking, biking, abseiling, horse riding – whatever you choose to do, Wasdale is an amazing location.

If you’re heading to the coast for the wildlife and birdwatching opportunities, planning a coastal walk or even taking to the sea on a boat trip, the Western Lake District can offer all kinds of shoreline adventures. Our expansive beaches are the perfect place to take the sea air and truly relax. It’s also the place to set off on your Coast to Coast walk or C2C cycling adventures – a challenge of endurance that take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles. One place that should be on everyone’s itinerary is the Solway Firth – it’s easy to see why it is has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Scafell Pike Whether you’re tackling Scafell Pike on its own or as the middle leg of the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ (sandwiched between Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales), the sheer achievement of scaling England’s highest mountain is something you will never forget. There are a number of ascents to choose from but no matter which route you take, each affords spectacular views of Wasdale, Eskdale and even across to Wales on a clear day.

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www.golakes.co.uk/adventure Download or order FREE walking and cycling guides, to discover fantastic new routes and places in the Western Lake District.

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Leave the crowds behind to enjoy the beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery and peaceful fell tops of the other side of the Lake District.

Brilliant Bassenthwaite Technically the only ‘lake’ in the Lake District, Bassenthwaite is suitably impressive. And with no settlements on its shores, Bassenthwaite is the epitome of ‘getting away from it all’. Seek out Blackstock Point and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. Honestly, we challenge you not to be impressed.

Western Lake District The area Coastal 1  Silloth on Solway Food & Drink 2  Allonby Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CoastalMaritime Museum 3 Maryport Adventure Lake District Coast Aquarium – Maryport Maryport Marina Food & Drink Heritage 4 St Bees Beach & RSPB Reserve 5 Silecroft Adventure 6 Haverigg (near Millom)

Tourist Information Centres

Heritage 21 UNESCO World Heritage Site, Allonby Tourist Information Centres 22 Crosscanonby Salt Pans 23 Senhouse Roman Museum 24 Wordsworth House – Cockermouth 25 Workington Hall 26 John Ruskin Memorial Friars Crag – Derwentwater (near Keswick) 27 The Rum Story – Whitehaven The Beacon Museum – Whitehaven Whitehaven Harbour 28 Watendlath (near Derwentwater) 29 Egremont Castle 30 Hard Knott Roman Fort – Eskdale 31 Ravenglass Roman Bath House Muncaster Castle Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Coastal View our interactive map at: www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk/map

Food & Drink Adventure 7 Hadrian’s Wall Path – Bowness on Solway Heritage Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway – Bowness on Solway 8 RSPB Campfield Marsh Reserve – Bowness Solway TouristonInformation Centres 9 Bassenthwaite Lake 10 Bassenthwaite Osprey Project 11 Whinlatter Forest Go Ape! 12 Derwentwater SSSI Keswick Launch on Derwentwater Coastal 13 Loweswater 14 Crummock Water (near Loweswater) Food &Water Drink 15 Ennerdale 16 Longlands Lake (Egremont) 17 Scafell Pike Adventure 18 Wast Water 19 Duddon Valley ‘Three Jewels of Lakeland’ Walks HeritageRSPB Reserve (near Millom) 20 Hodbarrow

Tourist Information Centres 32 Maryport: 01900 811 450 33 Cockermouth: 01900 822 634 34 Keswick: 01768 772 645 35 Whitehaven: 01946 598 914 36 Egremont: 01946 820 693

Stay a while

Taste Cumbria

www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

Why not stay a bit longer in the Western Lake District and really explore the other side of the lakes? From country inns to camping barns, cosy cottages to boutique hotels, and even castles and converted railway carriages, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect place to relax and unwind. Take your pick from the local towns and villages as a base for your stay. There’s quaint Cockermouth with its craft and antique shops and a great selection of bars and restaurants, or the traditional Lakeland town of Keswick. For a coastal retreat, head to the harbourside towns of Whitehaven or Allonby, the place where JMW Turner was so inspired to paint the sunset.

The Western Lake District is the perfect place for the food lover. Local produce from the hillside farms, fresh fish and seafood, Cumberland sausage, cream teas, ice cream and award-winning ales mean you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are even entire festivals dedicated to our Cumbrian culinary delights.

1 Wasdale Head campsite 2 Keswick 3 Ravenglass 4 Cumberland Sausages 5 Cumberland Ale 6 Whitehaven 7 Irton Hall 8 Derwentwater 9 Old Travellers’ Rest 10 Cockermouth 11 Maryport harbour

This year’s Taste Cumbria event (www.tastecumbria.com) takes place on the weekend of 29 -30th September 2012 and sees cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars in Cockermouth open their doors for a celebration of all things locally produced. It’s a food lover’s heaven! Whenever you visit you’ll be treated to the very best in locally sourced produce. Whether you’re looking for an awardwinning dining experience at The Cottage in the Wood, a homely bistro, traditional café or just fish and chips out of paper overlooking the sea, you really can find whatever it is you fancy.

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And no trip to the Western Lake District would be complete without sampling the local tipple. There are lots of local breweries creating tasty and innovative ales – you’re sure to find them in the local pubs and inns.

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THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD Country Hotel & Restaurant Located in the heart of Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest and five miles from the bustling market town of Keswick, The Cottage in the Wood offers award winning food and chic accommodation. 7

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The Cottage in the Wood Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

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T: +44 176 877 8409 E: [email protected] www.thecottageinthewood.co.uk

Heritage

www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

The Western Lake District has more than its fair share of rich heritage. From the maritime stories of fishermen and smugglers to Roman ruins and ancient castles, you could spend days and days exploring the history of the area. From well-known landmarks such as Hadrian’s Wall, through to the lesser-known sites like Egremont Castle, the inspiration behind Wordsworth’s ‘Ballad of the Horn of Egremont’, you really can take a step back in time in the Western Lake District.

1 Castlerigg 2 Jonathan Swift’s House 3 William Wordsworth 4 Maryport harbour 5 Muncaster Castle 6 Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport 7 Wordsworth’s House 8 Hard Knott Fort 9 Whitehaven lighthouse

On top of all its history, the Western Lake District is a place where the traditional rural way of life still exists. Discover the local crafts, rural events and traditional practices – you really are a world away from the hubbub of urban living.

Don’t miss Hadrian’s Wall

Wordsworth’s birthplace

Stretching across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in the surrounding area, you’ll find evidence of Roman inhabitants. Maryport is home to the Senhouse Roman Museum and the baths at Ravenglass are some of the tallest Roman remains in England.

Explore the birthplace and childhood home of one of England’s best-loved romantic poets, and one who is synonymous with the Lake District. Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth has been restored to its 18th Century self, a sympathetic replica of the place Wordsworth would have spent his time.

Hard Knott Fort

While you’re in the area, stop off at Georgian Whitehaven, Roman Maryport, Muncaster Castle or simply stumble upon the stone-built villages that punctuate the landscape. Every town and village has a story to tell and a past to be discovered. 3

The breathtaking view of Eskdale that awaits you at Hard Knott Fort is more than worth the journey, but the Roman remains are the true attraction. Founded under Hadrian’s rule, this remote fort dates from the 2nd Century. A visit here really is a step back in time to an era when Romans ruled the land.

Workington Hall Dating from the 14th Century, Workington Hall provided shelter to Mary Queen of Scots before her imprisonment and execution.

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Muncaster Castle With 800 years of history, beautiful gardens, an owl sanctuary, maze, and even a resident ghost, Muncaster Castle has certainly earned its Cumbria Tourism Award.

Whitehaven Tales of smugglers and slaves, fishing and mining have made Whitehaven the maritime destination it is today. Visit The Rum Story, where Whitehaven’s role in the importing of rum is brought to life, and venture across the harbour to The Beacon with five floors of interactive displays charting the history of the area from the 5th Century.

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Western Lake District What’s on May––October 2012 For more information on all our fantastic events throughout the year visit: www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk/whats-on Wednesday 16––Sunday 20 May Keswick Mountain Festival The Rawnsley Centre, Keswick

Friday 27––Sunday 29 July Maryport Blues Festival Maryport

Saturday 19 May Paint the Town Red Workington

Friday 24, 25 & 26 August Solfest Tarnside Farm, nr Aspatria

Friday 1––Sunday 10 June Black Combe Walking Festival Millom Network Centre, Salthouse Road, Millom

Monday 27 August Lakes Alive: Whitehaven Whitehaven

Friday 1 & Saturday 2 June Ireby Festival Ireby Village

Monday 27 August Black Combe Country Fair Bootle, Millom

Friday 1––Sunday 3 June Whitehaven Festival Whitehaven

Thursday 6––Sunday 9 September Silloth Music & Beer Festival Silloth Green, Criffel Street, Silloth, Wigton

Friday 15––Saturday 23 June Cockermouth Midsummer Festival Cockermouth Main Street, Cockermouth

Saturday 15 September Egremont Crab Fair Egremont

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 June Woolfest 2012 Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 September Taste Cumbria Food Festival Cockermouth

Friday 20––Sunday 22 July Cockermouth Rock Festival (CockRock) Wellington Farm, Lamplugh Road, Cockermouth

Friday 5––Sunday 7 October Beer ‘n’ Bangers Millom

Images throughout this document courtesy of: Produced by West Cumbria Tourism

Part of the Britain’s Energy Coast Programme

David Clapp www.davidclapp.co.uk

Also funded by

Brian Sherwen Creative Concern www.briansherwen.co.uk www.creativeconcern.com

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