Tag: The Lake District
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Herdwick Sheep - the lakes native sheep
The Lake District is home to a variety of wildlife that can be found among woodland and along tranquil lakes. Roaming on the Lakeland fells are the distinctive Herdwick Sheep, a native breed to Cumbria.
It is unclear when the sheep were introduced to the takes but is thought they were introduced to the area during the Viking invasions of western England. There are currently around 60,000 breeding females with 40,000 of these estimated on National Trust Farms.
Their distinctive silver coat, often died red for shows, stand out amongst other breeds of sheep found in England. Herdwick sheep are born black, lightening to a dark brown colour after the first year, then to grey after their first shearing. Their wool is difficult to dye but is an excellent insulator that retains heat in the winter months. A dual purpose breed, the sheep produce both meat and wool. Vital to the maintenance of The Lake District landscape they enjoy grazing on a wide range of plants which keeps the scenery in check. Having a territorial nature enables the sheep to be carried and lifted to a particular fell. This traditional method of farming means the sheep can roam without the need of hedges or fences, as they are taught to stay in the same area. Their ability to survive long periods searching for food and provisions makes them suited to the harsh conditions of the Lakeland fells.
The sheep were bred by Beatrix Potter at the time where the sheep were a threatened native breed. Beatrix won many prizes for her sheep at local shows and became the first elected female president of the ‘Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association’ in 1949.
Beatrix Potter and her Herdwick sheep
Herdwick sheep can be found on farms throughout the fells with large numbers visible in Buttermere, Coniston, Wasdale and Borrowdale.
Herdiwck Sheep
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Alfred Wainwright - Fell walker of the lakes
While exploring the lakes it is almost impossible not to hear something of Alfred Wainwright. But who was he?
Alfred Wainwright was born on 17th January 1907 in the mill town of Blackburn. Despite having a troubled childhood Wainwright qualified as an accountant in 1941and worked in the village of Kendal. During his time off Alfred would go for long walks amongst the surrounding landscape of the lakes.
Alfred Wainwright
In 1930 at the age of 23 Wainwright visited The Lake District for the first time. Travelling by bus from Blackburn he travelled to Windermere with his cousin Eric Beardsall. On arrival they climbed the hill at Orrest Head which is situated on the northern edge of Windermere. Shortly after climbing the hill Wainwright wrote about his adventure “Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life’. This was the start of many adventures to come.
View from the tope of Orrest Head
Over the years Wainwright wrote many books describing the summits and views of the Lakeland Fells. One of his best - known volumes ‘Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells’, is a series of books describing the natural features, and views from the summits of 214 Lakeland fells. Consisting of seven volumes the books describe the eastern fells, the central fells, the southern fells and the northern fells. The books were very popular and still are today with many walkers. More books followed including guides to other areas of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells - Alfred Wainwright
One of the most popular is the “Coast to Coast” walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. This was a walk designed by Wainwright himself and set out in his pictorial guide in 1973. The 190 - mile walk was voted the second best walk in the world in 2003 by a panel of experts and was featured by Julia Bradbury in her 2009 series for the BBC. The walk has since become very popular with more and more people taking on Wainwrights popular route.
To find out more about the ‘Coast to Coast’ walk visit:
https://www.wainwright.org.uk/coasttocoast.html
During his time Wainwright recorded and illustrated over 214 fells in the lakes. To see all 214 fells listed by Alfred Wainwright visit
https://www.thewhitespider.com/info/wainwrights
Alfred Wainwright died in 1991 and his ashes were scattered on his favourite mountain Haystacks by the quiet waters of Innominate Tarn. This was Alfred’s wish described in his book ‘Fellwanderer’.
To find out more about Alfred Wainwright visit
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The Lake District and it's mountains
Surrounded by sloping fells and picturesque villages the Lake District is home to England’s highest mountains. There is no official definition of how high a hill can be in order to be a mountain some regions specify 1,000 feet others say 2,000 feet. Walking is the most popular Lake District visitor attraction with approximately 15 million pairs of feet walking along the winding paths and mountains. This can cause some moderate damage to the footpaths but are maintained and repaired through a ‘Fix the Fells’ partnership.
Here are just a few of them to set your sights high on your next adventure.
Scafell Pike
Height: 978 meters
Scafell Pike is home to the highest standing water in England known as Broad Crag Tarn which lies a quarter mile south to the summit. The mountain forms the middle part of The Three Peaks Challenge where walkers attempt to reach the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within a 24-hour period. Reaching the top of the summit the views have inspired by many writers such as Wordsworth, Coleridge, Baines, and Wainwright. The mountain was donated to The National Trust by Lord Leconfield in memory of the men of the lake District who fell in the First World War.
Helvellyn
Height: 964 meters
Helvellyn is the third highest mountain in the Lake District and England and is one of Britain’s most popular walks. Its distinctive corries and sharp ridges were carved by glaciers during the ice age. The highest point of Helvellyn is a cairn atop a rise in the cliff edge a few hundred meters to the south – east.
During the Winter months, this is a serious and demanding walk that should only be undertaken by those with the appropriate skills and experience with the right equipment. From December to April Fell Top Assessors climb Helvellyn daily to report on the weather and ground conditions. You can join the Fell Top Assessors for a day on a winter skills course, to learn the basics of how to use an ice axe and crampons for winter walking. They report to the Met Office 365 days a year to keep local residents and visitors up to date with local weather conditions.
You can follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LakesWeather?lang=en-gb or attentively visit The Fell Top Assessors website at
http://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/about.
Skiddaw
Height: 931 meters
Skiddaw mountain stands tall in the north lakes overlooking the town of Keswick and Derwent Water. To the west of the mountain is the Newlands valley and Bassenthwaite Lake, which cuts Skiddaw range off from the North Western Fells. The mountain has a grand majestic appearance emphasized by the surrounding valleys and fells. Wainwright described the mountain as “The summit is buttressed magnificently by a circle of lesser heights, all of them members of the proud Skiddaw family”.
Great End
Height 910 meters
Great End is to the north of Scafell Pike and is a popular location for camping and climbing. From the south a lump and from the north an immense mountain with an imposing north face rising above Sprinkling Tarn. The tarn is popular with anglers known for its trout and a rare fish vendace. Alfred Wainwright wrote of Great End in his ‘Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells’ “This is the true Lakeland of the fellwalker, the sort of terrain that calls him back time after time”.
Bowfell
Height 902 meters
Bowfell is a pyramid - shaped mountain and sits between Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes. The Langdale Pikes are made up of Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Pike of Stickle, and Harrison Stickle which offer spectacular views of Langdale. Take in breath - taking views of the summit with the Pennines to the east and The Isle of Man to the west. Located at the head of the Langdale valley. It is listed in Alfred Wainwright’s ‘best half dozen’ Lake District fells.
Great Gable
Height: 899 meters
Great Gable is part of Scafell Pike and is named after its pyramid appearance from the valley of Wasdale. The mountain is a ’climbers’ mountain and is one of the most famous mountains in the lakes. The best route to take when climbing this mountain is through the Climbers Traverse and the Needles ridge. The transverse crosses the southern slopes of Gable on a visible but loose path with stupendous views down Wasdale and up over Napes and the Sphinx’s Head.
When climbing any mountain preparation is key. Make sure you check the mountain forecast as this may determine ground conditions and visibility. Always take the right equipment with you and don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger.
To check the mountain forecast visit: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/
Happy climbing!
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Stockghyll Force - Ambleside
Located in the beautiful Lake District we are lucky to be surrounded by a number of breath-taking waterfalls such as Stockghyll Force.
A short and sweet walk from the heart of Ambleside. The waterfall is known as a hidden gem where it is invisible on a map but easy to find if you know the way. The stream that starts the walk can be found next door to Cunningham’s outdoor shop located in Ambleside.
Stockghyll force flows into the River Rothay which drains eventually into Windermere. Windermere has a heavenly industrialised past and used to be nicknamed Rattle Rhyll. Many of the old mill buildings can still be seen in Ambleside with some of them now seen as local shops. The old mill buildings used to produce bobbins for silk and cotton thread in the process of making wool.
To find the falls can be difficult to find although a friendly local will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:
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Grasmere and Rydal Water
- March 4, 2019 - 1:17 pm
- News, Uncategorized
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Located in the bustling village of Grasmere we are surrounded by a number of walks for you to explore.
On this walk come across some stunning views and landmarks of Grasmere and Rydal water. The walk takes you on The Coffin Route which was the route taken to carry the dead to St Oswald’s church in Grasmere. Grasmere is one of the most popular villages in the lakes and is home to lake poet William Wordsworth.
Rydal water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District but makes up for it with its connections to lake poet William Wordsworth. Steps leading up to the lake come across ‘Wordsworth’s seat’ a favourite viewpoint of Wordsworths. The lake is tightly enclosed between the steep slopes of Loughrigg Fell and the Fairfield Forceshoe.
For a further insight into this walk and directions please visit
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Silver How
Have a couple of hours spare or want to make the most of the weather, why not take a walk to Silver How.
Starting from Grasmere village the walk passes by Allan Bank, the temporary home of poet William Wordsworth and his family. On route climb through towering juniper bushes and cross a high plateau taking in the stunning views of The Langdale Pikes, Bow Fell and the Band, Pike of Bisco, and Helm Crag. Bow Fell is one of the popular fells which features a circular route via the Band. Pike of Bisco lies between the summit of Wrynose Pass and the Oxendale branch of Great Langdale. The northwest end of the summit once had a large cairn but now a much smaller cairn stands in its place.
For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:
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The Coffin Route
Take in the stunning views of Rydal Water and Grasmere with a walk along the coffin route.
The coffin route is a short walk that circles Grasmere and Rydal water. Taking you high above the fells the walk encounters lovely views of Rydal water and Grasmere.
Rydal water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District but is very popular with visitors and locals due to its’s Wordsworth connections. Steps leading up to the western end of the lake come across ‘Wordsworth’s seat’ a viewpoint favoured by the poet. Walking around Rydal water you will come across Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both homes to William Wordsworth. Grasmere is one of Cumbria’s most popular villages with gift shops, places to eat, and places to stay. The village is known for its connections to lake poet William Wordswortrh who lived in the village with his sister Dorothy for nine years.
The walk gets it’s title as it was the route used to convey coffins on their final journey to St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. The route these days is a little livelier with pleasant views along the way.
For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:
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Wordsworth's connections to Grasmere
Known for its beautfiul walks and breath – taking landscapes the Lake District is also famous for its connections with lake poet William Wordsworth. His connections to the lakes can be found in the bustling village of Grasmere. Below are some attractions and points of interest located in or near Grasmere which were part of Wordsworth’s life.
Wordsworth House and Gardens
William Wordsworth was born on 7th April 1770 in a fine Georgian house known today as Wordsworth House. William lived in the house with his father, three brothers and younger sister Dorothy. The house today has been turned into a National Trust tourist attraction where visitors can step back in time to William’s childhood home.
To find out more about Wordsworth House and plan your visit click the link provided:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house
Wordsworth House - Cockermouth
Dove Cottage
The first home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy between 1799 - 1808. Dorothy become William’s secretary to enable the poet to pursue and dedicate his life to poetry. In 1802 William married his childhood sweetheart Mary Hutchinson and the first of their five children were born.
To find out more about Dove Cottage and plan your visit click the link provided:
Dove Cottage - Grasmere
Allan Bank
As the family grew Wordsworth moved to Allan Bank in 1808. Here they lived for two years, a large house that William had condemned as ugly when it was being built.
To find out more about Allan Bank and plan your visit click the link provided:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allan-bank-and-grasmere
Allan Bank - Grasmere
The Old Rectory
While living in Allan Bank Wordsworth and his family also lived with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Mary’s sister Sarah. Things soon became crowded and soot from the chimneys kept getting on the furniture. In 1811 the family moved to The Old Rectory in Grasmere.
Rydal Mount
Wordsworth moved to Rydal Mount in 1813 after his two youngest children died while living in The Old Rectory. William and Mary stayed at the house until their deaths in 1850 and 1859. Whilst living at Rydal Mount William became Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland with an office in Church Street in Ambleside. In 1820 he published his ‘Guide through the District of the Lakes’ and became the Poet Laureate.
To find out more about Rydal Mount click the link provided:
https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/rydal-mount/
Rydal Mount - Rydal
St Oswald’s Church
St Oswald’s Church is where William and his wife are buried.
To find out more about St Oswald’s Church and plan your visit click the link provided:
https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/grasmere-st-oswalds-church/
William and Mary's tombstones at St Oswald's Church
St Oswald's Church
Wordsworth wrote over 70,000 lines of verse which is 40,000 lines more than any other poet. One of his most famous poems is ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’. The poem is commonly known as “Daffodils” and explores the poet’s relationship with nature, and how the memory of the daffodils dancing comforts him whenever he recalls them.
To see more of Wordsworth’s poems visit
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An insight in to Unsworths Yard Brewery
Unsworths Yard Brewery first opened in 2012 by brothers Peter and David Unsworth which is located in the beautiful village of Cartmel. The yard that gives the brewery its name was developed by the brothers from their family’s haulage and garage business which had previously operated on site, opposite Cartmel Priory since 1922.
Unsworths Yard Brewery
The brewery operates an all – stainless steel plant which produces enough beer to supply casks for house beers, to a number of Cartmel Peninsula pubs. A high proportion of the beer produced is bottled for distribution to a very small and select group of local retailers and restaurants including Green’s. If you would like to sample one of the beers the brewery operates an ‘open – door’ policy which welcomes visitors every day to its small tap room bar where beer can be bought or sampled in full view of the brewery vessels and process.
Our social media guru, Holly Goddard contacted Peter from Unsworth’s Yard Brewery to find out more.
Peter Unsworth
What made you want to run and start the brewery?
“In 2010 my brother, David, and I opened Unsworth’s Yard, a small development in Cartmel. The yard had been our family garage and haulage business. After seeing the yard buildings filled, very successfully, by Cartmel Cheeses, a bakery, David’s wine shop and JCA Architects, we decided to add a small brewery in to the last vacant unit. We bought some kit and I started making beer.”
How long have you been running the brewery?
“We brewed our first beer in January 2012 and have now produced well over half a million pints of great beer from what is a pretty tiny space.”
What is involved in making the perfect beer?
“Quality kit; the best ingredients, including good water; a brewing process that doesn’t compromise for the sake of speed or cost; and, like anything creative, plenty of love.”
The brewhouse - Unsworths Yard Brewery
What do you enjoy making the beers and running the brewery?
“I’ve always worked in manufacturing and I’ve always wanted to run my own business. Here, we are right in front of our customers. Our beer is being served in our bar as we are working in the brewery so we have no hiding place, our beer always has to be top-class and we love consistently achieving that.”
Out of all Unsworth's Yard Brewery beers, which one is your favourite?
“Ha ha, can’t have a favourite I love them all. However, Last Wolf is a bit special – a beer with proper character.”
What do you enjoy most about living in Cartmel?
“I’ve lived in Cartmel all my life and doubt I’ll live anywhere else. It’s thriving as a result of hard work and investment, by lots of business owners, but the things that make it really special are still the Priory, Cartmel Races, the village schools, the beautiful Cartmel Valley countryside and the feeling that this remains a unique place.”
You can enjoy Unsworth’s Yard Brewery beers here at Greens which have been paired with some of our most popular dishes off our menu. Choose from ‘Land of Cartmel’, ‘Cartmel Peninsula’, ‘The Last Wolf’, ‘Crusader Gold’ or ‘The Flookburgh Cockler’. We look forward to seeing your pairing on your next visit.
To find out more about Unsworths Yard Brewery and their beers visit https://www.unsworthsyard.co.uk/
