Be Lulled By Ullswater In 2013
Experience mystical and stunning Ullswater in 2013 and you will find yourself being lulled into a stress-free world of scenery, wildlife, heritage and exquisite, memorable entertainment on water.
Ullswater is often described as England’s most beautiful lake thanks to its unique blend of serenity and mysticism, which are set against a backdrop of an incredible geographic past and equally amazing present.
Ullswater is the second largest lake in England and the only cruise company to have the privilege of operating cruises on its waters is Ullswater ‘Steamers’, which has piers and departure and disembarkation points at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Howtown.
Using these piers, it can help passengers hook up with a variety of fabulous walks and cycle paths, or just enable them to stay on board and watch life from the water.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has a heritage stretching back over 150 years and its vessel Lady of the Lake is thought to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world, having been first launched on June 26, 1877 – the year Queen Victoria was pronounced Empress of India.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has five of these regal ‘ladies’, with Raven, Lady Dorothy, Lady Wakefield and the relative newcomer, Western Belle, which enjoyed its first season on the lake in 2011, supporting Lady of the Lake as Ullswater’s passenger-carrying pleasure cruise boats.
While a scheduled cruise on this breathtakingly beautiful lake is a pleasure in its own right, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ also operates a vibrant, all-year-round events programme, starting in full force at Easter 2013 and going on to December 2013 with various Christmas-themed activities and things to do.
Additionally, there will be a Mother’s Day special day out and a chance to take advantage of both a Fellsman steam rail experience and an Ullswater cruise as one great heritage package.
New for 2013 are electric bike tours running in the months from April to July and comprising a Lowther Tour and a Dacre Tour. Both of these will combine blissful cruising on the lake, a chance to sample local Eden produce at a nearby eatery, the thrill of riding an electric-powered bike, which will tackle the ascents that the legs might not, and a guided tour with Blue Badge Guides which will either explore Lowther Castle, or Dacre Church, Dacre Castle and even a rare-breeds farm renowned for its venison.
Ullswater is blessed with a range of excellent accommodation around its shores, from hotels such as the famous Sharrow Bay and the Inn on the Lake, to country house hotels like Rampsbeck, inns including the Pooley Bridge Inn and campsites such as Waterfoot Park and The Quiet Site.
Whether its stressed-out executives wanting an escape from the rat race, couples wishing to spend romantic we-time together, or mothers wishing to rock their baby to sleep to the rhythm of the waters while the rest of their family go on a memorable journey, Ullswater offers something for everyone. Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to select your ideal option to experience this natural delight and book your place on board. ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sail every day other than December 24 and 25. The Glenridding Pier is at the south of the lake, reached via the Kirkstone Pass by those travelling from the Windermere area. Howtown Pier is mid-way down the eastern shore, while Pooley Bridge is at the top of the lake, relatively close to Penrith.
Passengers can choose to sail one way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howton (70-minute return journey).
Alternatively, there is a Round the Lake option, which offers the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. There is also a special fare for walkers and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.
Fares are as follows:
Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to Howton (35 minute sailing) – Walkers Ticket Single fare Adult 6.20 Child 3.10 Return fare Adult 9.80 Child 4.90 Family 26.60
With a shorter sailing, you can sail on board more than one of the heritage vessels, getting to know more than one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Ladies!
Glenridding to Pooley Bridge of vice-versa (65-minute sailing) Single fare Adult 8.80 Child 4.40
Glenridding & Pooley Bridge Round the Lake Pass (140-minute sailing) Return Adult 13.20 Child 6.60 Family 32.50
With this pass, the holder can hop on and off the boat all day and also receive a 50% discount voucher for Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sister attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. If four adults travel together on this ticket, one travels at half-price.
Family tickets are for 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children (children aged 5- 15 pay; under 5 go free).
A small charge is made for dogs and cycles.
2013 Holds Fresh And Vibrant New Events Programme From Ullswater ‘Steamers’
Cumbrian lake cruise company Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has created a fantastic events programme for 2013 for those who wish to top up their enjoyment on a sailing on England’s most beautiful lake with something a little extra special.
Those needing a reason to drink in the awe-inspiring scenery and sight of mighty Helvellyn towering above the lake will find something to suit their interests and desires in the 2013 events programme. This starts with a Mother’s Day event in March and ends with Christmas festivities in December, with mascot Sammy the Squirrel building up the pre-schedule excitement in February by rustling up some of his special squirrel marmalade for the World’s Original Marmalade Festival at historic home, Dalemain.
The 2013 events and offers programme will be as follows:
March 10 Mother’s Day gift voucher option offering Mum a round-the-lake cruise combined with a delicious cream tea at Dalemain historic house and gardens. The voucher can be bought online and is valid for three months from the date of purchase. The ticket price for this option is £15 for an adult and £7.50 for a child.
April 3 – Electric Bike Cruise Explorer (Tour 1): Lowther - this is a brand new BRAND NEW experience, which starts at Pooley Bridge Pier House at 9.30am for a 9.45am sailing to Howtown where the electric bike tour begins under the expert guidance of a Blue Badge Guide. This is an ideal way for those who cannot manage a full self-powered ride to take to two wheels and let some electric charge do some of the work and take over from the legs at times. This tour is strongly linked to Wordsworth’s inspirational poem ‘Daffodils’, which was composed having seen daffodils dancing on the lakeshore at Glencoyne. This tour will visit Gowbarrow, Eusemere and Barton Church to view wild daffodils, as well as heading to Askham village and Lowther Castle & Gardens as the last stop. A light lunch is served at the Queen’s Head in Tirril, which will give those on the tour the opportunity to sample some home-produced cold meat pie served with bread and butter, chutney and shared bowls of chips. The tour will end in the village of Pooley Bridge at approximately 4.30pm and costs £45 per person. Electric bike tours are open to children aged over 14.
April 9 & 10 (Easter) Easter fun will be available at Glenridding Pier for families wishing to have some seasonal entertainment served up alongside their lake adventure. The RSPB will be at Glenridding and providing various activities and some unique fun courtesy of The Gruffalo.
April 21 Tweets and Bleats is a special event run jointly by Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the RSPB. Ticket holders need to book in advance and depart either on a 10.30am or 11.30am sailing from Glenridding Pier, coupled up with a behind-the-scenes escorted farm tour and a chance to meet and potentially feed the lambs. Additionally, the RSPB will help identify new migratory arrivals on the lake during the cruise and also point out Wordsworth’s very famous daffodils dancing on the lakeshore at Glencoyne. Places are limited, so early booking is advised. Tickets cost £12 for RSPB members and £14 for non-members, with children half price. Profits from this event are donated to the RSPB.
May 5 - Electric Bike Cruise Explorer (Tour 2): Dacre - this is a brand new BRAND NEW experience, which starts at Pooley Bridge Pier House at 9.30am for a 9.45am departure to Howtown where the electric bike-powered tour begins under the expert guidance of a Blue Badge Guide. This tour includes visits to Howtown, Sharrow Bay, Eusemere and Pooley Bridge, as well as visits to the charming Dacre Church, home to the ‘Dacre Bears’, historic Dacre Castle and the rare-breeds farm, Deer ‘n’ Dexter at Stoddah. Views and wildlife will abound on this tour, which also includes a light lunch at the Horse & Farrier in Dacre, comprising soup and bread and butter. The electric bike experience is one not-to-be- missed for those who love cycling but lack the necessary pedal power and need a little electric help. This tour ends at Pooley Bridge village at approximately 4.30pm and costs £40 per person.
May 11 Pomp & Circumstance – this is a 2-hour evening cruise that will feature music from the Penrith Town Band and raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance. This atmospheric and patriotic cruise departs Glenridding Pier at 7pm and returns at 9pm. An on-board quiz will add to the fun, so bring the brain as well as the bunting. The cost of the ticket is £13.50 per adult, with children’s tickets half price.
June 8 Beer, Bangers & A Bit of Brass: a two-hour evening cruise departing at 7pm from Pooley Bridge and arriving back at 9pm featuring some foot- tapping tunes from the Penrith Town Band, some beer on board and a Cumberland hot dog served up by local caterer the Hired Lad (vegetarian option also available). Tickets need to be booked in advance and cost £16.50 and £13.50 for children aged under 13.
June 6 Ahoy There Pirates - a piratical adventure for young scallywags and their parents which is available through either an 11am or a 2.30pm sailing. This two-hour adventure will feature games, fully loaded water cannons with which to do battle and chocolate treasure for the children. Fancy dress is encouraged, but not essential and adults will earn their own treat from Pirate Pete in the form of a return voyage voucher. Under 3s go free while tickets for other pirates cost £12 per head.
June 12 The Fellsman – special excursions organised by Statesman Rail will start on June 12 and continue on every Wednesday until August 28 and will include excursion options to add to the magic of steam travel. These include vintage coach travel and a lake cruise with Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Visit www.statesmanrail.com or call 0845 310 2458 or 0845 310 2489.
June 16 Father’s Day Electric Bike Cruise Explorer (Tour 1): Lowther (see BRAND NEW April 3). Please note that the daffodils will not be out in June.
June 25 Cumbrian Fish Supper – a hugely popular evening experience which combines a fish supper cruise on Ullswater with entertainment from the very talented Pete Lashley. Cruises depart from Pooley Bridge at 7pm and return at 9pm after two-hours on the lake. A vegetarian food option is available and tickets cost £16.50 or an adult and £13.50 for a child.
This experience will also run on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
July 2 Valley Secrets – a themed commentary cruise delivered by an expert from the Lake District National Park for which pre-booking is not essential. This cruise departs Glenridding at 6.45pm and returns at 8.15pm and costs £12 for an adult and £6 for children, including tea, coffee and squash served on board.
July 6 Birkett Regatta – this very special experience is a must for yachting enthusiasts and those who just love the sight of sails on the water and must be booked in advance. Ticket holders will watch Ullswater’s Birkett Regatta from onboard one of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ special ‘ladies’ while out on the water and close up to the action. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes a complimentary glass of cava for adults. An onboard raffle will also raise money for the Yacht Association. Departure time is 12.30pm from Pooley Bridge and the experience will end at 3.30pm.
July 14 Skylarks Cruise – an experience that is run in conjunction with the RSPB and which combines and exquisite cruise on Ullswater with an escorted tour to Askham Fell with the RSPB, to hear the cry of the skylarks, known as the ‘sound of summer’. This summer experience must be booked in advance and costs £12 for RSPB members and £14 for non-members, while children travel for half-price.
July 23 Myths and Legends – a themed commentary cruise delivered by an expert from the Lake District National Park for which pre-booking is not essential. This cruise departs Glenridding at 6.45pm and returns at 8.15pm and costs £12 for an adult and £6 for children, including tea, coffee and squash served on board.
July 26 Electric Bike Cruise Explorers (Tour 2): Dacre (see May 5). BRAND NEW
August 6 Wildlife Wonders - a themed commentary cruise delivered by an expert from the Lake District National Park for which pre-booking is not essential. This cruise departs Glenridding at 6.45pm and returns at 8.15pm and costs £12 for an adult and £6 for children, including tea, coffee and squash served on board.
August 6, 13, 27, Cumbrian Fish Suppers – see June 25. 30 August 20 Mountain High and Valley Low - a themed commentary cruise delivered by an expert from the Lake District National Park for which pre-booking is not essential. This cruise departs Glenridding at 6.45pm and returns at 8.15pm and costs £12 for an adult and £6 for children, including tea, coffee and squash served on board.
August 23 Ahoy There Pirates – see June 6.
September 21-29 Ullswater Outdoor Festival
October 10-13th Red Deer Rut Cruises – four days of cruises, which include the unique experience of witnessing one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena, the battle for male supremacy among red deer stags. The RSPB will travel onboard to describe wildlife on and around the water before taking the group by private minibus to witness the sight of the red deer rut in Martindale. This experience is massively popular, so book your places as soon as possible. Tickets cost £12 for RSPB members and £14 for non- members with children’s tickets half-price.
October 31 The Ghostly Galleon – this is a fabulous Halloween experience that can be enjoyed on one of two sailings, at 12.30am and 3pm. The two-hour adventure combines magic, mayhem and marvellous monsters, not to mention the antics of the motley crew! Acclaimed magician, Stu-di-Doo will be up to his tricks old and new, as well as balloon modelling and children will be able to take home a sweetie goody bag. While fancy dress is encouraged, it is not essential, but what you do need is a daring spirit and a sense of adventure. Tickets cost £12 per person, with under 3s free.
December 12, 13 Turkey, Tinsel and Retail Therapy - an atmospheric and festive & 14 BRAND NEW experience combining a one-hour winter cruise complete with hot toddy with a two-course lunch at a traditional Lakeland inn in Pooley Bridge. Just to keep the festive theme going, there is also a 20%-off voucher to use in Ullswater ‘Steamers’ shop in Pooley Bridge for those last-minute Christmas purchases.
December 15 Santa and His Happy Elves – this idyllic children’s Christmas experience will take place twice on this day with sailings at 10.30am and 1.30 am, both from Glenridding. The 1.5-hour sailing allows children to join Santa and his happy elves and play their part in their musical orchestra. Fun is assured thanks to the presence of Sammy the Squirrel and the inclusion of festive games and the Magic Choccie Tree. Every child also receives a gift and has the chance to meet Santa, while adults receive a return journey voucher. Tickets cost £12.75 per person and must be pre-booked.
Enjoy An Electric Experience Around Ullswater This Year
Head to the stunning Lake District lake Ullswater this year and you will be assured of a truly electric experience of one kind or another thanks to new green developments and activities created for enjoyment in 2013.
Ullswater, which is England’s most beautiful lake in many people’s eyes, is full of things to do and see from on board one of five heritage boats operated by Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and from the footpaths and cycle routes that radiate out from the Steamers’ piers.
One of these exciting activities involves exploration by bike, whether you wish to explore the Ullswater lakeshore paths under your own steam, or with an electric bike that can take the strain from the legs when you are running out of energy, or trying to tackle an incline. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has charging facilities for both electric bikes and electric cars at its pier houses – just part of its commitment to sustainability and good environmental practice.
This year, it is taking this innovation one step further by creating two special electric bike tours, led by a trained and informative Blue Badge Guide and combining interpretation, visits to places of interest within the Eden landscape, great local produce and the thrill of riding an electric bike. The experience is open to adults and children aged over 14.
Two different tours are available. The first is the Lowther Tour, which is running on Wednesday, April 3 and Sunday June 16.
Those booking for the Lowther Tour will start their experience at Pooley Bridge where they will board an Ullswater ‘Steamer’ for a cruise to Howtown at 9.45am. During the cruise, they may see the wild daffodils at Gowbarrow (on the April date), which were described by Wordsworth, but will definitely have the location pointed out to them. They will then pick up their electric cycle at Howtown and start their two-wheeled tour.
A strong daffodil theme pervades this tour, with participants taking n Eusemere, (where William and Dorothy Wordsworth stayed when visiting Gowbarrow), Barton Church, Askham Village (awash with daffodils in early spring) and Lowther Castle, where 10,000 daffodils were planted in two hours in October 2012 – this being a world record!
This Lowther tour includes lunch at the Queen’s Head in Tirril, which will be a home- produced cold meat pie, chutney, bread and butter and shared bowls of chips. The bike element and ride with be guided by Blue Badge Guides, while there will also be a castle and garden tour at historic Lowther.
The second electric bike tour on offer from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ will be offered on Sunday May 5 and Wednesday July 24. The day will again start at Pooley Bridge and those booking for the tour will board the 9.45am cruise to Howtown to collect their electric bikes.
This electric bike tour is again guided by Blue Badge Guides and takes in Howtown, Sharrow May, Eusemere and Pooley Bridge. Additionally, the Dacre tour visits historic St Andrew’s Church in Dacre and Dacre Castle, where highlights such as the Dacre Bears, a 1671 lock presented by Lady Anne Clifford and shafts of ancient crosses can be found.
The group will also visit Deer ‘n’ Dexter, a rare-breeds farm renowned for its venison and with produce on sale, and The Quiet Site, where ice-creams are available. There may also be a garden visit at Gatesgarth where there is wildlife in abundance, including red squirrels, red deer and fieldfares.
On the Dacre tour, there is a light lunch of soup and bread and butter served at the Horse & Farrier in the village.
Tickets for the Lowther electric bike tour cost £45 and the tour ends at around 5pm at Pooley Bridge. Tickets for the Dacre electric bike tour cost £40 and the tour is expected to end at around 4.30pm.
Do not miss out on this opportunity to ‘go electric’ and ‘go green’ in 2013! Tickets can be bought at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Make Ullswater The Centre Of Your Leisure Break And Appreciate Its App-eal
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is enticing tourists to England’s loveliest and second-largest lake this year, by highlighting its rich history, its significant geological features, the variety of things to do and the excellent places to stay that are local to lake Ullswater and its shores.
The landscape around Ullswater was shaped by the last Ice Age and is stunningly scenic. To appreciate it to the full, passengers can now download an app for free in the Apple store from http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ullswater-steamers/id548252504?mt+8&uo=4 which provides passengers with useful insights that contribute greatly to their sense of place and knowledge. An android version is available at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phonegap.ullswatersteamers
Taking a cruise on the ribbon lake, which is 205 ft (62m) deep at its deepest point and has three distinct reaches, is the starting point when it comes to enjoying the total Ullswater experience. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has five different heritage boats, all painted in the same colour as a splendid ocean liner called Coronia and providing pleasure cruises on the lake and it’s down to the individual visitor which they wish to ‘adopt’.
The fleet comprises: Lady of the Lake, Raven, Lady Wakefield, Lady Dorothy and Western Belle, which have ‘dates of birth’ ranging from 1877 to 1967.
Lady of the Lake is believed to be the world’s oldest passenger-carrying vessel, with a rich heritage, having sunk at her moorings in 1881, sunk for a second time in 1958 and damaged by fire in 1965, after which she was out of service for 14 years. Politician William Whitelaw then re-launched her, following extensive refurbishment, in 1979. Lady of the Lake has a passenger capacity of 220.
Raven was originally launched by a six-year-old child in 1889 and was only a second choice ‘Steamer’ for Ullswater, getting her chance to shine only after first choice, Wyvern, sank on Windermere in 1876. When Raven was launched on Ullswater, due to pressure for a second vessel from shareholder, Thomas Cook, the Westmorland Gazette wrote: “It is questionable if there be any boat to beat or even equal this little craft on any lake in the country”. In 1895, Raven was painted yellow to mark the visit of the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II to Lowther Castle, home of the ‘Yellow Earl’, Lord Lonsdale. Raven can carry 246 passengers.
Lady Wakefield was built in 1949 and launched on Ullswater in 2007 by HRH Princess Alexandra with this being her new name, chosen in honour of the wife of Lord Wakefield, a keen admirer of the boats. She has a passenger capacity of 150.
Lady Dorothy was built in 1967 and arrived on Ullswater in 2001, making winter sailings possible for the first time. She carries 63.
Western Belle was built in 1935 and is the most recent arrival in the fleet of ‘Ladies’. She was a wartime heroine, carrying passengers on evacuation runs from Plymouth in World War II. She now carries 150 passengers.
The boats carry passengers up and down the lake between piers and also round the lake, on tickets that enable them to hop off and on all day and enjoy the network of footpaths, which criss-cross the fells.
Leisure options enjoyed by passengers include walking, climbing and mountaineering, cycling, photography, sketching and painting, ghyll scrambling, wildlife and birdwatching and watersports. Other interests that can be pursued include heritage, history, ancient stone circles and standing stones and myths and legends.
Ullswater lies in the shadow of Hellvellyn, the third highest mountain in England with a name that possibly means ‘yellow mountain’. It has foreboding, sheer slopes to the east and gentler ones to the west.
Helvellyn stands 3117ft tall (950m) on a mighty plateau at the South West end of the valley. This flat-topped mountain sits behind the conically shaped Catseye Cam (2920ft/890m) while to the left the outline of Striding Edge can be seen. On the opposite side of the lake is Saint Sunday Crag (2759ft/841m), which can be seen on the Patterdale skyline near Glenridding.
One of the most popular places to visit around Ullswater is the incredible waterfall named ‘Aira Force’. This is a beauty spot reached by footpath from a National Trust car park. The water cascades down Aira Glen, before falling 70 feet into a chasm. The display sometimes includes the Aira Rainbow – a triple bow produced when light reflects on the falls’ spray.
Aira Force is the subject of a local legend, which says it is home to the ghost of Emma, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, who fell into the falls while sleepwalking while her betrothed was on his knight’s duties abroad. This then inspired William Wordsworth to write the poem, ‘The Somnambulist’.
Beautifully detailed story walks from Anja Phoenix of Tale Trails can be bought at the pier houses and animate the landscape to life. Each features a colourful character rooted in the myths and legend of the area, or created by Anja to bring certain geographical features like Aira Force to life. The walks range in length and duration and come with a hand-drawn map, as well as fabulous illustrations. The story can be used to create interaction with the features discovered during a walk and so delight young and old alike.
Those wishing to stay in the local area have a number of top hotels from which to choose including Sharrow Bay (Howtown side), Rampsbeck Country House Hotel (mid-way down the lake), the Inn on the Lake (Glenridding) and the Pooley Bridge Inn (at the top of the lake).
There are also a variety of campsites and caravan parks, including Waterfoot Park, which is an idyllic spot for touring caravans, motorhomes and those with a holiday home on site. This park is owned by Ullswater ‘Steamers’ parent company. There is also the award-winning Quiet Site at Watermillock.
Head to Ullswater in 2013 and you will not be short of things to do, activities to enjoy and scenery to drink in. More information is available at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Discover Your Wild Side Around Ullswater
Whether your ‘thing’ is birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or geology, you will be assured of having a wild time round England’s second largest lake, Ullswater, in 2013.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ helps bring the world of wildlife to life by organising specific bird and wildlife-focused experiences, which combine lake cruise with specifically-themed event. Examples of this are the Tweets and Bleats experience in April, Skylarks in July and Red Deer Rut cruises in Autumn. These are run to help support wildlife charities like the RSPB and National Trust.
Encountering wildlife is easy around Ullswater, whether you are walking, cycling or actually on board one of the five heritage boats in the fleet. Fell ponies wander across the Helton Fells and red grouse can be found high on the fells, while the ancient woodlands around the lake are breeding habitats for many species of insect and bird such as the ermine moth, great spotted woodpecker, tree-creeper, meadow pipit, lapwing, pied and yellow wagtail, yellowhammer, peregrine falcon and raven.
Observers will find gulls roosting on the lake itself and mallards, red-breasted merganser, goosander, kingfisher, cormorants and dippers inhabiting the bays. Osprey can sometimes be spotted in passage, but it is more likely to see buzzards circling overhead in search of prey. Oystercatchers nest around the lake and cormorants diving into the lake for fish are a regular sight and one followed by that of them sitting on posts and branches holding their wings out to dry.
Hallinghad Wood is a nesting paradise for meadow pipit and comes to life in Spring with the small yellow flowers of the Tormentil. The wetter and boggier places around the lake are home to amazing sundews – insectivorous plants that trap and feed on small insects and flies. Bilberry can be found growing on the fells and juniper is being re-planted and protected from rabbits and sheep.
In April, wildlife watchers may detect eggs on holly growing by the lakeshore, but will no doubt spot the Holly Blue butterflies on the bushes in May.
Every season holds something different, but a highlight all year round is that of the endangered, native red squirrel, which does not hibernate, but stores food up for the three months of winter. These cheeky chappies can often be seen in trees around the lake, where they build their dreys in the trees. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ mascot, Sammy, is also a red squirrel and he does much to raise awareness of their plight as an endangered species.
When it comes to geology, three different types of rock can be found in the Ullswater area – Skiddaw Slate, Carboniferous Limestone and Borrowdale Volcanics. These combine to create a mixture of crags and open plateaux that contrast with gentler slopes running down to the lake.
The deep ravine at waterfall Aira Force is formed at the point where Skiddaw Slate meets Borrowdale Volcanic rock. Years of erosion have then formed the spectacular gully into which the beck cascades. At Sandwick, the different types of rock can be explored as the walker moves from Borrowdale Volcanic underfoot, to those based on Skiddaw Slate between Hallinghag Wood and Scalehow. At Scalehow Beck, where the two formations again meet, another waterfall drops down over the fault.
Your wildlife, landscape and geological photos can all be shared, or uploaded to a site which Ullswater ‘Steamers’ supports – www.wildzonecumbria.org. Check out the cruise options at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk and walk into a wildlife wonderland around Ullswater during 2013. ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Walk Like An Ullswaterian!
Ullswater’s inhabitants have long appreciated the walking paradise on their doorstep and thanks to Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruises, their secrets can be shared by visitors to the area, whether they are avid walkers, or just those appreciating clean, fresh air and a stroll.
A Lake Shore Walk is available as an easy, four-hour option, which has a height gain of 380 metres. The distance covered on this walk is 6.5 miles (10km) along the peaceful eastern shore of the lake, which is a haven for wildlife.
Tired legs can benefit from the option of walking one way and catching a ‘Steamer’ back the other – something that famous walker, Alfred Wainwright favoured.
By catching an Ullswater ‘Steamer’, walkers can get themselves up on to Hallin Fell for an easy four-mile (6.5m) circular walk. This combines a lakeshore stretch with a mini mountain trail to the summit of Hallin Fell, which is followed by a loop back round to the road and then a final loop towards Sandwick and round a lakeside path past Geordie Crag.
The ancient crossroad of Moor Divock can also be reached by becoming a passenger of Ullswater ‘Steamers’. Moor Divock is the location of the Cockpit Stone Circle, where 75 stones survive in boggy ground overlooking the lake. This is one of three circles at Moor Divock, which contains evidence of Bronze Age habitation and the lifestyle of the stone-carrying first settlers.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ captain, Robert Farrah, has written an award-winning book entitled The Stone Circles of Cumbria, which is available from Amazon and other good booksellers.
Many other walks can be accessed via the bridle paths leading from the pier houses, which is why Ullswater ‘Steamers’ offers a great value Walker’s Ticket, to connect passengers to some of the most famous and spectacular walking routes in the Lake District National Park.
Those walking in a group can benefit from a special deal for parties of four adults who buy Round the Lake tickets. Here, one of the adults in the group of four travels for half price, creating a saving that can be shared or used to help buy the first round at the nearest hostelry. The Round the Lake ticket is ideal for those hopping off and on the boats all day, enabling the holder to roam as freely as they wish during the day.
For all ticketing and timetable information visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk or call 017684 82229. Walk like an Ullswaterian in 2013 and you’ll bag views, fresh air and higher levels of fitness! ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
It’s Green For Go For Responsible Tourists Wishing To Sail On Ullswater
The 2013 tourism season will be the first full season in which passengers can cruise with a company that scooped a Silver Award for Outstanding Customer Service and a Highly Commended for Sustainable Tourism in the prestigious national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ prides itself on its commitment to both customer service and the local environment. In 1998, it introduced a visitor donation scheme to raise funds for the Tourism & Conservation Partnership (now Nurture Lakeland), to fund conservation projects within the Ullswater valley. This operates through a 10 pence donation on every passenger fare between Glenridding and Howtown and well over £40,000 has now been raised.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ also holds a Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation (GTBS) and a Gold CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network) rating. It was Highly Recommended at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 and 2011 and won the local Cumbrian CN Environmental Awareness Award in 2009.
The Glenridding Pier House received a massive, eco-friendly makeover in 2010, which equipped it with special concrete-line internal wall panels, insulation under the floors based on a water-repellent foam and low-emission coated glass. In this way, it is better flood- proofed as well as being ‘greener’. The special glass allows short-wave radiation from sunlight to pass into the building, but reflects long-wave radiation generated by fires and radiators. This reduces energy loss and condensation, as well as providing better insulation.
Energy consumption within the Pier House has been reduced through low energy lighting systems, motion sensors and AAA energy-graded electrical equipment. Water-based paints have been used where possible, timber was taken from a sustainable source and carpet used in office areas is made from locally sourced natural Herdwick fibre.
Cycle racks are available at both piers, along with re-charging facilities for both electric bikes and cars. A Cycling Around Ullswater map is available for those wishing to hop on their bike and explore responsibly, on two wheels.
The ‘Steamers’ works in partnership with various environmental agencies, as well as fundraising for some of these causes, such as the National Trust and RSPB. It also holds special charity cruises each year, to raise extra sums for good causes.
Head to Ullswater ‘Steamers’ for a 65-minute sailing between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or a 35-minute cruise to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return journey) and find out more about the environmental practices. Alternatively, if you wish to be very sustainable and walk your way round the lake, you may want the Round the Lake ticket option, which allows you to hop on and off all day. You can enjoy a great day out without sacrificing your environmental principles, so give it a go! ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Take Advantage Of New Joint Ticket To Explore The Legend Of Donald Campbell
Speed enthusiasts who feel a connection to the story of Donald Campbell can take advantage of a new joint ticket being launched in 2013 by cruise operators operating passenger services on the two lakes with which his name in inextricably linked.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and The National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola will work together to entice visitors to both Ullswater and Coniston with a highly competitively priced joint ticket, which enables them to sail on both of the lakes that are part of the Campbell legend. This is our “Bluebird Experience”
The new joint ticket will be available from 1st January 2013 and will cost £30 adult and £15 child. This will cover round the lake cruise on Ullswater between and a Gondola Cruise on scheduled services until 31st December 2013– please check individual attraction websites for timetable and opening information. These can only be purchased online or at designated TIC centres.
Although Donald Campbell met his death on Coniston in 1967, he actually broke the world water speed record on Ullswater on July 23, 1955. His jet-powered Bluebird K7 travelled at 215.08 mph on the outward journey and at 189.57mph on the return leg of the attempt. This resulted in a new world record time of 202.32 mph on average.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Lord Wakefield provided Campbell with a boathouse and slipway at Glenridding, as well as launching facilities. Campbell built the Bluebird in the Autumn of 1954, with the aim of tackling the record attempt in February 1955, but delays put it back to July.
One of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ skippers, Bob Jackson, was 14 years old when Campbell broke the world water speed record. He watched the triumphant run from the top of mighty Helvellyn and says: “The tiny, bright blue craft with a huge tail of white spray raced down the middle reaches. The noise from the two-and-a-half-ton turbo-jet engine was enormous”.
Donald Campbell’s daughter, Gina, unveiled a plaque to mark this successful world record attempt in 1997. It sits next to Glenridding Pier House and marks the slipway that was used on the day.
A signed menu from the celebratory dinner held on the evening of July 23, 1955 can be seen in the memorial library at the Glenridding Hotel. Campbell’s triumph was announced from the balcony of the hotel, which is nowadays the Library Sun Lounge.
A Bluebird Trail runs from Ullswater and takes in various landmarks with which the Campbells were associated. Much Campbell memorabilia is also housed in the Ruskin Museum in Coniston and Campbell’s grave can be found in the graveyard in Coniston.
Visit both Ullswater and Coniston this year and discover where Bluebirds once flew. ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Head To Ullswater For The Daff-Initive Wordsworth Experience
Tourists and day-trippers heading to Ullswater in April are pretty much sure to see a glorious and uplifting sight that inspired one of Britain’s most famous poets to pen what is undoubtedly his most famous poem.
The poet William Wordsworth, accompanied by his sister Dorothy, set off from Glencoyne Park on April 15, 2012, to walk back to their home at Dove Cottage in Grasmere. The weather on the day was wild, leading to Dorothy to record in her journal that “The Bays were stormy and we heard the waves at different distances and in the middle of the water like the sea”.
As they headed back, they witnessed “a host of golden daffodils”, or to give them their correct name, Lenten Lilies, surviving the onslaught of the wind by tossing their heads and resting their weary frames on stones. This later inspired Wordsworth to write the poem that starts: “I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills”.
In April, these same swathes of Lenten Lilies can still be seen dancing on the shore of the lake, whether you take to the beautiful lakeshore path that was a favourite of Wainwright, board an Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruise to see them from the water, or book on to the special new and exciting electric bike ‘Lowther Tour ‘ that has a daffodil theme in April and which will visit key daffodil locations.
A full Wordsworth day out can be enjoyed by those happy to drive the 14 miles over the Kirkstone Pass – the highest pass on Cumbria – to head to Wordsworth’s former home at Dove Cottage, Grasmere. From there, they could travel the short distance to Rydal Mount, where the poet subsequently lived for 37 years. In April, the next door, Dora’s Field, is awash with bright yellow daffodils, which the poet planted after the death of his daughter Dora.
Spring is a beautiful time of year to sail on Ullswater, with the glories of springtime flora brightening up every aspect of the landscape and wildlife becoming active once again after a long winter in the Lakes.
If you wish to keep the Wordsworth theme running throughout your visit, you could also visit nearby Aira Force, whose legend of the sleepwalking Lady Emma, who fell into the Falls while awaiting the return of her knight from overseas, having been the basis of Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Sonambulist”.
Combine Wordsworth with Ullswater this April and you can create some special memories. Head to www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk for ticket prices and purchase. ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Book An Ullswater Experience As A Great Addition To A Fellsman Day Out
Passengers travelling on’ Fellsman’ services on the Settle to Carlisle Railway in 2013 will be able to not only experience the magic of steam, but also opt for an additional Ullswater Tour which will see them travelling by classic 1950s coach to Glenridding, where they will board an Ullswater ‘Steamer’ cruise and experience the scenery that wows down the full length of the lake.
The steam-hauled ‘Fellsman’ will run every Wednesday between June 12 and August 28 2013 on the Settle to Carlisle line, with departures from Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Long Preston. Passengers will witness at first hand the marvels of Victorian engineering, crossing the great 24-arched viaduct at Ribblehead en route, as the historic engine battles to tackle the steep gradient.
Marvellous views will be enjoyed of Dent Dale and Wensleydale, while passengers have peltny of time to take inn the breathtaking beauty of the high Pennines.
Those opting for the Ullswater Tour will leave the train at the ancient and attractive Appleby, rather than travelling on to Carlisle and board their classic 1950s coach for a memorable Lake District journey. On arrival at Glenridding, they will enjoy an hour’s cruise on the beautiful waters of Ullswater, drinking in the sights of peaks like Helvellyn and spotting wildlife on the water, as they explore the three distinct reaches of the England’s most beautiful lake.
Following their cruise, passengers will return on the classic coach to Appleby and re-board the train for their journey home. This optional excursion to Ullswater is a supplement of £20 on top of the fare paid on the ‘Fellsman’.
There is also a specially discounted add-on ticket, costing just £5, for those who want to connect into the ‘Fellsman’ at either Preston or Blackburn. Here, passengers may travel from stations within Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, on Northern Rail services only, for this special price. This value ticket can only be pre-booked through Statesman Rail, which operates the ‘Fellsman’. It cannot be purchased on the day of travel.
Standard class tickets on the ‘Fellsman’ cost £69 for an adult, £49 for a child of 15 years and under and £256 for a party of 4. A Family of 4 ticket, of any combination of adults and children costs £210.
First class travel costs £105 for an adult and £400 for a party of four, while Premier Dining tickets, with a fabulous meal service included, cost £180 per adult, or £700 for a party of 4.
There is also the option of booking tickets for the GWR Saloon, an historic carriage built in 1930 for the Directors of the Great Western Railway with observation windows, private lounge and dining saloon. This is the same dining package as that served for Premier Dining passengers, but with the addition of canapés, champagne and wine with dinner. A minimum of two adults need to book this experience, which then costs £250 per person.
Booking online with Statesman Rail at www.statesmanrail.com saves 5%. Alternatively, tickets can be booked at 0845 310 2458. Premier Dining and GWR Saloon are not available from Clitheroe or Long Preston.
The optional excursion at a price of just £20 per person, is a super addition to the core experience and will provide memories to last a lifetime. This can again be booked either online or by calling the Statesman Rail booking number. ENDS
Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]
Cruise Your Kids To Happy Times In 2013
Children can become junior lake cruise fanatics if they hop on board an Ullswater ‘Steamer’ with their parents in 2013 and start to appreciate the joy of fresh air, wildlife spotting and fun and games on the water.
For children who are not familiar with lakes, even a scheduled cruise will be a fascinating treat and smiles and giggles are bound to follow any encounter with mascot ‘Sammy the Squirrel’. He supervises events during school holidays and is always happy to tell children about the indigenous and endangered red squirrels that they might spot locally.
Children can get to know Sammy a little better if they join the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Sammy the Squirrel Kids Club, which is free of charge and easily accomplished if signing up at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
They can then meet Sammy in 2013 over the Easter break, when there will be fun at Glenridding Pier with Sammy, the RSPB and ‘The Gruffalo’.
They can take part in a Tweets and Bleats experience on April 21, which will enable them to have a behind the scenes escorted farm tour and have the chance and meet and potentially feed the lambs, as well as a lake cruise guided by RSPB experts. Children’s tickets cost £6 for members and £7 for non-members, with adult pricing £12 and £14 respectively.
June 6 will be a real treat for children with an ‘Ahoy There Pirates’ piratical adventure for young scallywags and their parents, available through either an 11am or a 2.30pm sailing. This two-hour adventure features games, fully loaded water cannons with which to do battle and chocolate treasure for the children. Fancy dress is encouraged, but not essential and adults will earn their own treat from Pirate Pete in the form of a return voyage voucher. Under 3s go free while tickets for other pirates cost £12 per head. This experience is repeated on August 23rd, as some exquisite summer holidays activity.
Children with an interest in wildlife can join RSPB-guided Skylarks Cruise on July 14 and Red Deer Rut cruises between October 10 and 13.
Their next dose of fun accompanies the return of the Ghostly Galleon on October 31. This is a fabulous Halloween experience enjoyed at either 12.30am and 3pm. The two-hour adventure combines magic, mayhem and marvellous monsters, not to mention the antics of the motley crew! Acclaimed magician, Stu-di-Doo will be up to his tricks old and new, as well as balloon modelling and children will be able to take home a sweetie goody bag. While fancy dress is encouraged, it is not essential, but what you do need is a daring spirit and a sense of adventure. Tickets cost £12 per person, with under 3s free.
Then, to round the year off, there is fun to be had with Santa and His Happy Elves. This idyllic children’s Christmas experience will take place twice on December 15, 2013 with sailings at 10.30am and 1.30 am, both from Glenridding.
The 1.5-hour sailing allows children to join Santa and his happy elves and play their part in their musical orchestra. Fun is assured thanks to the presence of Sammy the Squirrel and the inclusion of festive games and the Magic Choccie Tree. Every child also receives a gift and has the chance to meet Santa, while adults receive a return journey voucher. Tickets cost £12.75 per person and must be pre-booked.
Head to Ullswater with the kids in 2013 and enjoy memorable family days out , fun and laughter on England’s most beautiful lake. Book your tickets at www.ullswater- steamers.co.uk
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Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]