WINTER IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Lakes magazine
015394 88855
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L A K E LOV E R S .CO.U K
Frozen Red Tarn
Grasmere
Buttermere
Derwentwater
Scafell Pike
Skiddaw and Blencathra from Causey Pike
Contents
Thank you
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Sharing our Winter Wonderland
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Things to do - The #CulturalConcierge
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The 10 most photographed spots in the Lake District
Welcome to Winter in the Lake District. Although you can’t be here right now, we aim to bring the Lakes to you. Winter is a magical time, hopefully we will enjoy blue skies and white snowfall or sharp frosts, but we are realistic!
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The New Collection
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Put your holiday home in safe hands
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Meet our Owner Relationship Managers
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Lowfield House
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Village Guide - Hawkshead
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Meet Tom Barnes - Simon Rogan’s Executive Chef
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The Dog Friendly Collection
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Welcome to MV Swift - Windermere Lake Cruises
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Ask the Expert: Pete Tasker
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The Grouped Cottage Collection
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Village Guide - Ambleside
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Famous Bridges in the Lake District
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The Large Cottage Collection
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Fox Hollow
With thanks to:
Ben Bush Photography benbush.photos
Joanna Bailey Content and design
National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk
Simon Rogan simonrogan.co.uk
Jane Watson editorial
Windermere Lake Cruises windermerelakecruises.co.uk/
Jeanette Edgar cultural concierge
Proud to be a member of Cumbria Tourism 3
Herdwick in Great Langdale
SHARING OUR WINTER
W O N D E R L A N D
We know you can’t get to the Lakes again right now, so we’ve put together our Winter Lakes Magazine, to transport you here, whilst you stay warm and cosy at home. Winter is a magical time, hopefully, we will enjoy blue skies and white snowfall or sharp frosts, but we are realistic! We know that heavy rain, strong winds and storms are often on the horizon and the Lake District, has experienced its share of dramatic weather over the years. But when we get those blue skies, white fell-top days, they are hard to beat. Your face glows with the winter chill, and the skies seem to go on forever. January and February also bring hope – snowdrops and daffodils start to peek through, the trees start to awake from their dormant slumber with just the whisper of buds growing; the days get a little bit lighter, the birds start to explore nesting places, and we can feel Spring around the corner. We all need some hope this year especially, so wrap up warm, hunker down and be inspired by our Winter selection of inspirational ideas. You’ll discover interesting people, ideas for walks and places to add to your ‘to-do’ list when you can visit again. Grab a mulled wine, a hot chocolate or a local ale, and imagine you’re in one of our cosy pubs, dozing by the fire. Until we can welcome you in person again, we hope this ‘virtual’ winter visit to the Lakes sustains you through the next few months and will inspire you to visit again.
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The #CulturalConcierge Left : Ben Bush Photography: Orion over Castlerigg | Top right : Highly Suspect | Bottom right : View from Dove Cottage, Grasmere
This itinerary will guide you through exploring in the Lake District virtually this Winter.
This year started differently to any other - no crowds counting down to midnight and no large family new year lunches, but I’m sure that when we saw in 2021, we were all hopeful about a new beginning. We’d done a lot of changing plans, and starting again this year, flexibility and reducing our expectations seems to be the key. Our cultural venues would normally have their new seasons of gallery exhibitions, theatre performances and cultural events all planned by now. So, here are a few of my recommendations for your online cultural fix from around the county and support our performing arts and culture businesses at the same time. Via the magic of Zoom you can now enjoy the fun, frivolity and fatalities of Cumbria’s premiere murder mystery event company Highly Suspect without even leaving your home! They’ll play the suspects in a range of their most loved murder mysteries for you online. You crack open digital evidence and catch a killer and solve the case. Ticket prices vary depending on your choice of murder and the number of your guests.
Virtual Dark Skies Festival 15-21 Feb 2021 Light up your screens with a spectacular array of online events celebrating the wonders of our night sky. Live events over 17 evenings where you can explore our dark skies with renowned local, regional and national experts. There’s a planetarium for children, amateir astronomers and night-time photographers, a panel of lighting experts to answer your questions, local artistic performers, writers and poets. Tickets from £3.50 a session. Wordsworth Grasmere invite you to “Go to the poets, they will speak to thee”, their contemporary poetry reading and open mic series with Cumbrian poet Kim Moore. Available to join online on 10 Feb and 24 Mar. They will be listening to what poets
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have to say about how poetry can cross borders to challenge, delight and inspire us. Tickets £5, from wordsworth.org.uk. The Theatre by the Lake is bringing The picture of Dorian Gray to life in a brand-new adaption that bring the Oscar Wilde tale into the modern day world. Available to stream from 16-31 Mar. Starring Fionn Whitehead, best known for his critically acclaimed performance as the protagonist Tommy in Dunkirk. Tickets £12, theatrebythelake.com/ event/dorian/
10 most photographed spots in the
LAKE DISTRICT Our beautiful Lake District is a big star of Instagram, and social media. If you love photography of any kind, you are surrounded by breath-taking, awesome views everywhere you look. Here are our top 10 most photographed places.
Rydal Cave Herdwick in Great Langdale
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Rydal Cave
WASDALE HEAD FROM THE L O W E R S L O P E S O F G R E AT G A B L E
One of the most remote valleys in the Lake District, take a short walk up the slopes of Great Gable at the head of the valley. Then turn and look down the flat fields and ancient drystone wall patterns of Wasdale Head with WastWater behind, all beautifully framed between Lingmell and the Wasdale Screes on the left, and Yewbarrow on the right.
WA S T WAT E R AND SCAFELL
Another amazing view is from the Wastwater flats’ right up past the screes along the lake to Scafell & Scafell Pike beyond. Once voted ‘Britain’s Favourite View’ this landscape is the Lake District National Park emblem.
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RANNERDALE FELL The Rannerdale Bluebells are legendary and cover the slopes above Crummock Water with the most beautiful blue-purple haze in late April and early May.
LOUGHRIGG FELL A N D TA R N Close to Ambleside, this peaceful tarn and fell offer lovely views toward Grasmere, and the craggy Langdale pikes.
BUTTERMERE AND ‘ T H AT T R E E ’ This beautiful spot offers views galore, and the line of pines at the upper end of the lake are classic, as is the lonely birch tree at the village end of the lake and captured in all moods and weathers.
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B L E A TA R N A N D T H E LANGDALE PIKES
Another absolute classic and captured in all seasons and weathers, go for early morning reflections or snow-capped peaks.
C AT B E L L S AND D E R W E N T WAT E R
Another classic, especially in the autumn when Catbells seems to turn red and gold, and the pure blue of the Lake below is just magical.
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AIRA FORCE Great after some of our rainy days, when you’ll capture the torrents from the viewing platform beneath – and probably get soaked at the same time. With the spray and some sun combination, you might be lucky and see the Aira Rainbow. Further upstream, had to Gowbarrow Fell with fabulous views over Ullswater.
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DUKE OF PORTLAND B O AT H O U S E
One of the most photographed buildings in the Lakes. Just near Pooley bridge, go early in the morning and you make get a temperature inversion, making a moody shot.
B O AT S AT BOWNESS-ONWINDERMERE
Classic boat photographs with lovely lake and woodland backdrop, and on a still, dull day you can aim for the classic ‘ghost’ boat where they appear to be sat on nothing and have a perfect cloudy and ghost-like reflection.
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The
NEW C O L L E C T I O N
12 Oakburn
Latch Cottage Keswick | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 2 | Pet Friendly
Resting just a mere stone’s throw away from the centre of Keswick and enjoying captivating views of the surrounding fells is Latch Cottage, an exceptional self-catering property, boasting bags of character. The cottage is a great find for couples seeking an action-packed getaway to an area renowned for its great walking opportunities and pretty towns and villages that cannot be missed.
The Sanctuary Windermere | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 4 | Pet Friendly
Within a highly individual converted church outbuilding, The Sanctuary incoporates modern furnishings and comfort with the utmost style. It’s a treat for one or two couples, or families, looking for something a little bit different in this popular Lakeland village. Overlooking the vast churchyard through patio doors, and with a Gothic stair window, this bolt hole is true to its original character.
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Friar’s Roost Keswick | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6 | Pet Friendly The front door opens to this warmly welcoming home. The great layout of the living accommodation makes this a very social house with plenty of space to relax and socialise. The beautiful, well equipped kitchen has a range of appliances and is light and airy. There are three well-appointed bedrooms which are attractive and comfortable. The master has a window seat to relax on whilst admiring the views across to Latrigg. Just a five-minute walk from Friar’s Roost is the famous market square which holds weekly fresh produce and craft markets. There are numerous places to eat and drink, catering for informal pub lunches to fine dining. Browse the independent shops, visit the Keswick Museum or the local 100 year old cinema.
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Oakburn Windermere | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Sleeps 10 This incredible Victorian gentleman’s residence lies in the heart of the Lake District in the town of Windermere and could not be more perfectly located to enjoy everything that the South Lakes has to offer without even having to get in your car. Oakburn boasts character and luxury throughout offering ten guests an unforgettable dwelling to enjoy whilst exploring the delights of Cumbria’s national park, with superb features including beautiful bedrooms, exceptional social spaces, the traditional wood-burning stove, large bay windows and lofty, high ceilings. Plenty of beautiful walks can be enjoyed from the doorstep of Oakburn, with local peaks including Orrest Head, Schools Knott and Brant Fell, you can be up on the fells within 10 minutes of leaving the house.
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The Belfry Windermere | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 5 The Belfry is a superbly presented cottage in a beautifully converted church building which has many original features. The property is just a few minutes’ walk from the Lakeland village of Windermere with its many bars and restaurants. The upside-down living takes advantage of the high vaulted ceiling and the feature arch window where you overlook St Marys Church. Take away those aches and pains by relaxing in the hot tub after a long walk or day out on the Lake. To the rear of the property you will find a hot tub, just perfect for relaxing at any time of day. There is also seating, ideal for everything from enjoying the morning paper with a cup of coffee or later in the day a glass of wine.
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T R U S T E D
Put your holiday home in
safe hands and earn a regular income
For over forty years, Lakelovers has helped property owners turn holiday homes into valuable investments. We know just what it takes to create a warm welcome for guests and generate a great income for owners. As the market leading agency in the Lake District, you can rest assured that our dedicated team can do just that for you and your property all year round. Get in touch today to unlock the earning potential of your property.
lakelovers.co.uk/let-with-us | 015394 88855
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Meet our
Owner Relationship Managers If you’re thinking about holiday letting, you want to know your property is in good hands. Lakelovers belongs to a national holiday home management company which means we can offer all our property owners the reassurance of being looked after by a national organisation, but we also have our local offices with dedicated local teams who can support you. Our Owner Relationship Managers are on hand to help with all your queries right here from the Lake District in our Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick offices. Find out more about our wonderful team.
DANNI About You
GAYNOR About You
Hi, I’m Danni and I have lived in Keswick pretty much all of my life give or take a couple of years spent away travelling some other beautiful parts of the world. Born here, I cannot see myself living anywhere else now. As I have gotten older, I have appreciated it more and realised just how beautiful my hometown really is, especially having most of my family and friends here too. I spend a lot of time out walking as I have a very active and energised Border Collie called Ragnar with my other half.
Both my husband and I fell in love with the Lake District about 25 years ago, as soon as we finished work on a Friday we were heading north in our VW camper to go walking or climbing. We eventually decided to up sticks from Manchester and we moved here about 20 years ago and never looked back. Touched every high part of Cumbria and the adjoining Yorkshire dales, just love the landscape, fresh air, salt of the earth people, quieter more relaxed pace of life and we’re so near the sea too, we’ve really got it all. Now we have our 6 year old little boy, Thomas, we love taking him on our outdoor adventures too.
Favourite Lake District walk Our favourite walk is most probably Catbells as you cannot beat the view overlooking Derwentwater and Keswick. Afterwards, you can pit stop at the Swinside for a well-earned pint – bonus!
Favourite Lake District walk There are so many fab walks, my favourite area is the west coast, the dramatic valley of Wasdale but some great walks are just on my doorstep, Brantfell and Wansfell.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes I enjoy going out with the girls and inhaling Camembert at The Square Orange or eating Tapas and enjoying the great atmosphere at Bar E’s in Keswick. You cannot beat an Amaretto Whiskey Sour and a Pike O’Pickle Burger from The Round either.
Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes I love the variety of places to eat from local pubs, like the Boot Inn Eskdale and their delicious steak and ale pie to the unique and quirky Gilpin Spice near Windermere or the famous Michelin star L’Enclume in Cartmel! Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District
Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District Throughout the lockdown period and being able to get out for fresh air with amazing views wherever you go has been a blessing!
I’ve dabbled in half marathons, great north swim, and recently triathlons. Wild swimming in the lakes and tarns in summer is just magical with the mountains surrounding you. I’m a real outdoor ambassador for our beautiful UNESCO world heritage status. 18
STEVE About You
NIC About You
I have lived in the Lake District for 11 years now but have been a very regular visitor since the 1980s as my wife is Windermere born and bred, and her family business is based here. Photography is my thing and especially weather and light, so always odd colours and quite moody. I’m a keen whisky enthusiast and have quite a collection from all over the world.
I’m Nic – short for Nicola. I am what you would call born and bred in The Lakes. I’ve lived here all my life, give or take a few months here and there! Favourite Lake District walk My favourite Lake District walk is Barf & Lords Seat. The views are incredible, and you can see the west coast from the top.
Favourite Lake District walk Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes Walking is not my thing due to knee problems, but do manage a stroll around Cockshott Point every now and then. Go-to spot for food and drink in the Lakes
Hill Top
Homeground in Windermere, the best ‘posh’ breakfasts in town! Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District Even in the hustle of the Lake District life, this is still relatively peaceful for a lad from West London. the views are stunning, whilst driving around to properties, and my camera gets used almost daily.
Get in touch
I live in Keswick, so my go-to place for food and drinks would be Bar Es. It’s locally owned and I’m a firm believer in supporting local businesses…. and the food is lovely! Mexican style tapas, so, great with a bottle of wine and my best friends. Favourite things about living and working in the Lake District I love that I don’t have a long commute to work, and I can look out of any windows at home and see mountains and valleys for miles. I feel grateful to have been born and raised in this part of the world. It’s stunning, and I’m so happy to be able to bring my daughter up here.
Want to know more about holiday letting in the Lake District? Give our lovely team a call on 015394 88855 or email us at owners@lakelovers.co.uk. Alternatively, you can read more about letting your cottage on our website, complete the form on page and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Ragnar at Derwent Water, shot bt Danni
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Lowfield House Langdale | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms Sleeps 10 Lowfield House is set in the hamlet of Little Langdale in the stunning valley with the same name. Situated between the breath taking Coniston Fells to the south and the Langdale Fells to the north, Lowfield House can only be described as a property that offers you the wow factor, stunning views and sits in one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. The excellent location offers great access to the stunning scenery of the Lake District with many walks from the door, mountain biking, and water sports. The village has a pub within a two minute walk. Just a short drive to the villages of Elterwater, Grasmere, Coniston and Ambleside which offer a great choice of restaurants, cosy pubs and local shops.
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The Lake District Village Guide
Hawkshead
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Hawkshead is an ancient, quaint village in the heart of the south lake district, between the larger towns of Ambleside and Coniston. It is a charming place full of higgledy-piggledy whitewashed cottages, many dating back to the 17th Century, huddled around the cobbled streets, archways and squares. There’s a large car park on the outskirts of the village and the centre is pedestrianised, so it’s easy to wander around the small village. Back in the Square, you’ll find a host of independent retailers, delis, pubs and cafes, including the famous Hawkshead Relish where 120 pickles, preserves and relishes are still made in small batches. There’s usually a lively Christmas Fair in the village on the first weekend in December, with crafts, food, live music and a lantern parade. Esthwaite Water is the nearest lake to Hawkshead, home to a private trout fishery so walks around the lake are mainly on the B roads. William Wordsworth came to school here, attending the Old Grammar School, and lodging with Ann Tyson & her husband. The classroom has many old desks covered in carvings, some by William and his brother John. Wonder if they got detention for their prank? The lovely church of St Michael & All Angels stands high above the village and has views to Claife Heights, Latterbarrow, the Langdales & Helvellyn.
Where to walk Fairfield Horseshoe from Latterbarrow
Hawskhead Village to Latterbarow Go past the 15th-century Red Lion coaching inn, and you’ll see a signed footpath to Latterbarrow, taking you to the B5285, then continue on to the Black Beck. Cross the river and turn left, following a good path across open fields to Scar House Lane. Turn left, then soon after, fork right, cutting up to Loanthwaite Lane. Turn right and climb gently up the hedge-lined lane, enjoying views of the Central Fells around Ambleside. Turn left at the junction, then shortly after a well-signed path through a gate for the final ascent to Latterbarrow’s summit. As Wainwright put it, this is a walk “needing little effort yet yielding much delight”. The views are wonderful, all the way round - look east to see Wansfell Pike and Red Screes, then north to the Central Fells of the Fairfield Horseshoe. Round to the west, the summits of the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Wetherlam and the Old Man of Coniston are awe-inspiring. Back down onto the land, turn left and you’ll pass the quiet hamlet of Colthouse, where you can have a quick diversion to the oldest Quaker Meetinghouse in England (1688). Attendees included William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Hardwicke Rawnsley. Head back to the lane and descend to the B5285. The road turns left to Newby Bridge, you should turn right onto the Main Street past the Grammar School, and back to the village. Latterbarrow Summit 23
What not to miss
Food and Drink
Beatrix Potter’s Gallery The square is home to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which is owned by the National Trust, and today hosts changing annual exhibitions of her original works. It is a perfect use for the building as it used to be the solicitor’s office for her husband, William Heelis. If you want more Potter in your life, 3 miles from Hawkshead is Near Sawrey, where you can visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home. Grizedale Visitor Centre Less than 3 miles from the village is the Forestry Commission Grizedale Visitor Centre, which has a myriad of forest walks and bike trails; a sculpture walk, adventure playground and Tree Top Trek. There’s a tea-room, art gallery and shop. A great place to spend a day. Tarn Hows is another short drive away, beautiful easy walks around the Tarns and views of the fells.
Queens Head Inn This delightful pub has been welcoming guests since the 17th century. Expect roaring fires, brilliant cask ales and award-winning food. Enjoy seasonal dishes with fresh local ingredients, a spot of brunch on the weekend or try their delicious Sunday roast.
The Little Ice Cream Shop Choose from over 40 flavours of delicious small batch gelato. There is also a selection of fresh sorbets and dairy-free options too, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! They also make amazing waffles - only available in Winter. Hawkshead Relish Company Having started with a small range of products, Hawkshead Relish Company have now grown to have over 100 products and have won over 60 Great Taste Awards. Their bestsellers present a range of jam, marmalade, relishes and chutneys, all handmade in the Lake District using the finest ingredients. If you visit Hawkshead you most definitely have to stop by and take advantage of the samples in store. While you cannot visit, make sure to check them out online. You can get their goodies delivered plus, there’s a variety of recipe ideas and serving suggestions.
Hawkshead Relish Company, Black Garlic Ketchup
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Exploring Hawkshead with your pooch? They also make dog-friendly ice cream, made from lactose-free milk and dog-friendly sugars topped with a gravy bone!
Outgate Inn This is a gem of a pub that sits in the little Lakeland hamlet, Outgate, just a stone’s throw from Hawkshead. Home to some of the best beers and well-kept cask ales, superb wine and a growing reputation for its menu!
Lakelovers
Top Pick in Hawkshead
Craftsman Cottage 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 2 | 2 Pets Welcome Craftsman Cottage is the perfect self-catering cottage for couples, lovingly restored in a modern style yet retaining many of the original features, it’s the high standard of finish and attention to detail that makes this romantic 18th Century Lakeland cottage so unique. This truly romantic self-catering property in Hawkshead village is an ideal choice for a special occasion or Lake District honeymoon, perfect for exploring Hawkshead village, Beatrix Potter country and Lake Windermere, or simply a luxurious bolt-hole where you’ll experience a taste of laid back Lakeland life.
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MEET TOM BARNES Simon Rogan’s Executive Chef
Most lovers of food and drink will be quick to agree that no trip to Cumbria is complete without a visit to Cartmel - home to Simon Rogan’s renowned restaurants L’Enclume and Rogan & Co as well as his development kitchen and chef’s table Aulis and it’s no surprise it has become known as a destination for anybody who appreciates excellent restaurants and local produce.
We arrive at Aulis, the Cartmel chef’s table, and settle down to chat with Tom Barnes, Simon Rogan’s Executive Chef, who looks after L’Enclume, Rogan & Co and Henrock at Linthwaite House. It’s clear from the outset Tom is relaxed and perfectly at home in his surroundings, but then he has been a chef for many years now ‘‘When I was at school, I didn’t really know what I was going to do, but I was interested in cooking and I used to dabble in the kitchen as a kid, baking cakes with my Grandma and stuff. My career began when I was fifteen, I started working while I was still at school thanks to my Mum, because she was the one who noticed the advert in the paper, and she suggested that I applied because she knew I was interested in cooking. I already had a genuine interest in the profession and once I started work in the kitchen, I never looked back. I did a full-time apprenticeship at The Lakeside Hotel and from then on, I knew it was the career for me.’’
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Now 32, Tom has already worked in an impressive array of outstanding restaurants at a relatively young age and we talk about who has influenced him the most over the years ‘‘I’ve worked with Simon for nine years now and he has undoubtedly been a colossal influence on me so far but going back to the beginning Duncan Collinge who was the head chef at The Lakeside Hotel at the time I worked there was brilliant. Duncan had a lot of patience with me, because I was starting out as a complete novice and he taught me so much during the three years I spent working for him. He made a great teacher because he had worked at places such as Le Gavroche - I learned all the basics from him like knife skills, stocks and sauces and eventually he suggested that I should try for a job in a Michelin starred restaurant. I have absorbed so much from all the chefs I have worked with and they have all shaped me in different ways.’’
Simon have done well in The Roux Scholarship, so it was suggested that I should have a go. The first year I entered I did not win, but that was the year it was being filmed for the anniversary, so I felt a little uncomfortable. When I went on to win in 2014 it was a surreal feeling, and I forged a real bond with the Roux family. While I was at Geranium, I felt at a bit of a loss as to what I should do next and I emailed them for advice and the next day Michel Roux senior phoned and invited me to The Waterside Inn so that we could have a chat. They put me up there for three days and I spent a couple of days in the kitchen with Alain and Michel Roux senior and they suggested that I should go back to Rogan & Co, which turned out to be an amazing step for me.’’
Like many successful chefs, Tom the time he has spent working abroad has had a lasting impact on him professionally. He set the bar high, choosing to spend time at the three Michelin starred Geranium in Copenhagen under Rasmus Kofoed and Hof van Cleve in Belgium under Peter Goossens. Tom’s recent appearances on Great British Menu have also been defining moments in his career, but since he strikes me as having a quiet and humble nature, I am not surprised by his admission that he was reluctant to say yes to the show first time round. Despite this, his appearances were a resounding success with dishes served at the banquet on both occasions ‘‘I was very nervous at first to go on GBM, but what convinced me to go for it, is that they usually tell you the brief after you have committed to taking part, but this time they revealed the brief beforehand. I thought that I could at least find out the brief and then figure out whether it was something for me. I drew a lot of inspiration from the excellent food landscape we have here in Cumbria; being born and raised in Barrow it is heartening to see what has been achieved here in terms of creating a food culture. What has happened in Cartmel is great for the region as a whole and I was proud to represent my area on Great British Menu.’’
There is no doubt that Tom has a bright future ahead of him, but he is emphatic that he wants to continue his evolution with Simon Rogan ‘‘I am so happy working for Simon, and I have already evolved considerably in my culinary style and confidence over the years. I see myself here for a long time to come and I have so much freedom which I relish – it is a collaborative process of course and when Simon is up here, I enjoy giving him new dishes to try and having a talk over things. And I have so much freedom which I relish – it is a collaborative process of course and when Simon is up here, I enjoy giving him new dishes to try and having a talk over things.’’
As cookery competitions go, there are few which are considered more prestigious than The Roux Scholarship, founded in 1984. Tom highlights that winning the scholarship in 2014 was another triumphant moment and he is quick to praise the kindness of the Roux family -
Simon Rogan’s award-winning ‘at home’ meals, available nationwide directly to your door. Order weekly three-course ‘at home’ dining experiences, in addition to special seasonal celebration menus, cooked by our talented chefs for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
‘‘that was the highlight of my career so far and I entered it initially because a lot of people who have worked for
L’Enclume, Cartmel
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The DOG FRIENDLY COLLECTION
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Boxwood Cottage Troutbeck | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 4 | Pet Friendly Boxwood Cottage is a superb contemporary Lakeland Cottage set in the pretty conservation village of Troutbeck, renowned for its numerous listed buildings and vernacular architecture and the strong and vibrant village community with a village shop and excellent local pub and with beautiful views across the valley to the fells beyond, walks direct from the door and Lake Windermere just a short drive away.
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Beckmickle Cowan Bank | 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 3 | Pet Friendly
On the banks for the River Kent, at Cowan Head, just ten minutes’ drive from Windermere Village, Beckmickle is a lovingly refurbished cottage that offers high quality accommodation in a very pretty location. Taking its name from the ancient woodland that can be found a little upstream from the cottage, the area is a haven for wildlife including a wide range of birds, the occasional otter and Roe deer.
Birchmill Cottage Crook | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 | Pet Friendly
With a peaceful garden and superb countryside views from every window, this traditional Lakeland cottage is tucked down a peaceful country lane in the hamlet of Crook. Only a few miles from Bowness and Lake Windermere, Birchmill Cottage is a haven for keen fell walkers, but is also ideal for family breaks in the beautiful southern Lake District. There are several excellent gastro-pubs nearby and The Sun Inn is only a few minutes’ walk away. In addition to the aquatic attractions of Lake Windermere there are also three golf courses within easy reach.
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Cedar Wood Coniston | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms Sleeps 6 | Pet Friendly Coniston Water is one of the most famous lakes in the Lake District and Cedar Wood benefits from beautiful views to the lake and the hills and forest beyond. Located on the edge of Coniston village within a few minutes’ walk of local pubs, village shops and, of course, the lake, Cedar Wood is a modern, detached house, that offers quality accommodation in a great location.
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Welcome to MV Swift Windermere Lake Cruises
There was a buzz of excitement on our largest lake on 25 October 2020, as the biggest boat to be launched here in 80 years officially came into service. MV Swift was built actually at Lakeside by Damen Shipyards Gorinchem BV and has been designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, complete with heated windows, electric doors and windows, toilets, USB and electrical sockets. She sits low in the water, with floor to ceiling picture windows giving passengers an unprecedented view of the Lake. Some traditions remain, however, and a coin was welded to the keel of the new boat, to bless MV Swift as a symbol of good fortune. We caught up with Windermere Lake Cruises about the excitement the new vessel caused.
Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Cormack, tells me: “We were so excited to welcome our first passengers onboard ‘MV Swift’ in October last year, who enjoyed her maiden voyage. At that time, we had just come out of the first lockdown period, so in the interests of health and safety, we ensured social distancing measures took top priority along with the doubling of our cleaning regimes. Although Swift can carry 300 people, we actually reduced the number of passengers on board to ensure everybody was able to enjoy their journey safe in the knowledge that we were operating in a Covid19-secure manner. Despite those challenges, Swift’s maiden voyage remained a real milestone for Windermere Lake Cruises and it was such a joy to see two years of planning and construction come to fruition. It was a real moment of positivity for everyone involved in mins the projectEasy – not to mention45 a great moment for our passengers who were finally able to enjoy a well-deserved
day-out.” Managing Director Nigel Wilkinson continued: “After so much work done on Swift’s construction at Lakeside, watching the vessel make her first voyage really symbolised everything we have worked towards for the lake and our visitors. Everyone across The Lake District is working so hard to overcome the challenges posed by 2020 and early 2021, so it’s a great achievement to be able to celebrate the launch of the biggest boat onto Windermere in 80 years despite the situation brought about by Covid19. MV Swift increases our fleet to a total of 17 vessels, from our larger ‘steamers’ to our smaller, traditional wooden launches. We’re incredibly proud of each and every vessel, all of which offer an elegant, timeless experience, now complimented by a 21st Century vessel which really gives our passengers another way to experience the lake when the time is right.”
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Jennifer added: “Obviously, we couldn’t have predicted the events of the past year, but we are positive that when the world returns to something more normal, our valued visitors will be looking forward to a cruise along the largest lake in England onboard our beautiful new vessel.” Nigel continued: “Looking ahead, we will continue to work in collaboration with other businesses and attractions around the lake and beyond to work through this challenging time together. We see the launch of MV Swift as a real symbol of that commitment, not only for the immediate surrounding area, but for the wider Lake District.” The gorgeous vessel can be boarded from various places around the Lake: Bowness Pier, Waterhead Pier, Ambleside and Lakeside Pier. You can book your tickets online when they re-open.
Hill Top
Ask the Expert
Pete Tasker We recently caught up with Pete Tasker, Head Gardener at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home at Near Sawrey. Although we haven’t got the weather on our side in this most recent lockdown we can begin to get our gardens ready for spring.
1. Remember to dig up dahlia tubers and store them in the shed or garage. Cut back the stems to about 5cm and lift out, place in a tray of moist compost, and store. When the weather warms, new shoots will appear, pot them up and off you go.
5. Get on top of your tool maintenance! Give everything a good clean, sharpen secateurs and shears, and give wooden handles a coat of linseed oil. Bring your mower out of the shed, clean the dry grass and give it a good spring clean and oil.
2. Store your potted geraniums – dig out and shake off the soil. Cut back any mouldy stems. Wrap in newspaper and store somewhere out of the frost in a shed or garage. Unwrap and soak roots in warm water once a month. Prune and repot in new compost about 6 weeks before you start to bring them out and acclimatise them.
6. Clear old weeds from the veg plot, dig over the soil and mix in compost.
3. Clear away soggy, collapsed stems of perennials and compost them. 4. Clear leaves or debris which may be smothering small plants or alpines.
7. Winter prune any apple and pear trees, to remove any dead or damaged branches, and clear congested areas to allow the blossom to get enough light. 8. Trim herbs to a dome shape and if in pots, move them out of the rain, even just to the side of the house will reduce the amount of water they take in. 9. Clear your pots, empty the old compost and clean away mould and dirt. Stack ready for new compost in the spring. 33
Newby Bridge House
The
GROUPED COTTAGES COLLECTION
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Newby Bridge House Newby Bridge | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 | Pet Friendly This fabulous Victorian Lakeland residence stands on the banks of the River Leven, at the southern outlet of Lake Windermere. Set in half an acre of private gardens leading down to the water’s edge perfect for fishing and canoeing. Newby Bridge House is a magical place to escape from everyday life. Step inside, and you’ll find period charms blend perfectly with a contemporary boutique style. Riverbank Retreat and Riverbank Hideaway are located just nextdoor.
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Riverbank Retreat Newby Bridge | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 4 | Pet Friendly On the first floor of an original Lakeland barn, Riverbank Retreat is ingeniously converted to create stylish, soothing accommodation that really makes the most of the location. Here, al-fresco living has a whole new meaning with the enormous balcony overlooking the river. Sink into relaxation, or enjoy nearby access to the lake. Inside, you’ll find crisp contemporary decor, sumptuous furnishings and chic dining facilities to suit your cosy sociable gathering.
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Riverbank Hideaway Newby Bridge | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 4 Pet Friendly Riverbank Hideaway occupies the ground floor part of an original Lakeland barn on the water’s edge, converted with taste and style, with hand upholstered luxurious fabrics to create a special holiday retreat. Perfect for couples or a small family, the riverside setting is idyllic all year round.
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The Lake District Village Guide
AMBLESIDE
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Obviously, Ambleside is closed at the moment, but when you can get back here again, its such a fantastic, central location, sitting between Windermere and Grasmere. This bustling market town is crammed full of things to do, places to go and see, shops, cinemas, cafes and restaurants, all welcoming your visit and business, when things open up again.
Where to walk Ambleside is a walker’s paradise! The central high fells are all around you...
Stock Ghyll Force Stock Ghyll Force A short walk from the village leads you to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall, with easy walks all around and a carpet of daffodils in the spring. In years gone by many watermills were driven by the sheer power of Stock Ghyll. There are many long walks from here and you can head up to the ancient packhorse bridge: High Sweden Bridge, which then takes you out onto the higher fells. Loughrigg Fell This lovely walk takes you up to a fabulous viewpoint right across Rydal and Grasmere. You’ll walk around the lakeshore and explore Rydal cave on your way through. It’s about 6 miles circular from the centre of Ambleside, check the route here.
Lake Windermere from Jenkins Crag Stagshaw Gardens, Jenkins Crag and Skelghyll Woods Just up the road from Waterhead, you’ll discover the National Trust owned Stagshaw Gardens, with a fine collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Further on from here through the woods is Jenkins Crag, and Skelghyll Woods, where you can follow the fascinating ‘Champion Tree trail’, where you’ll find Douglas Firs, Wellingtonia, along with the tallest tree in Cumbria – a Grand Fir. Distance – Each of the three woods can
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What not to miss
Food and Drink
Windermere Lake Cruises Jump on a Windermere Lake Cruise, and you can head off around the Lake, alighting at Bowness, Wray Castle, or Lakeside (with a connection to Fell Foot Park), or Brockhole Visitor Centre. Or you might just want to stay on and enjoy the leisurely hour-long sail around the lake Zeffirelli’s Cinema Zeffirelli’s is a long-established part of the culture in Ambleside, and as well as the usual cinema programme, you can see art-films, mountain and outdoor films and they are a major part of the various Film and outdoor festivals. They also have a rather good vegetarian restaurant where they have Jazz and musical nights too. Windermere Lake Cruises
You’ll be spoilt for choice, from fine dining to cosy pubs, to friendly cafes. Lots of options for veggie & vegan too so you can eat and drink your way around the town. For a small town, you’ll find over 20 restaurants or pubs, at least 13 cafes or takeaways. For fine dining, our 2 awardwinning the Old Stamp House (Michelin Star) and Lake Road Kitchen are renowned for modern British cuisine. Lots of informal dining, try Lucy’s on a Plate, Zeffirelli’s and the Rattle Ghyll Café.
Bridge House Located in the centre of the village is one of the smallest houses in England, and probably the most photographed and instagrammable scenes in the Lake District. It sits over Stock Ghyll Beck and has 2 tiny rooms which apparently various families have lived in down the years. Ambleside Climbing Wall Ambleside Climbing Wall is a great place for a rainy day, whether you’re a complete beginner or experienced. There’s a good café, and friendly staff to help you on your way. Hayes Garden World Just off Lake Road, this is a great spot for a rainy-day visit. Lots of gardening know-how, along with plants and gifts for sale, and a tearoom and free parking. At Christmas, it is a veritable winter wonderland!
If you fancy a pint in a traditional pub, we’ve lots of cosy pubs all within 5 minutes of each other, with great beers and comfort food. Choose from The Priest Hole, the White Lion, Churchills, The Queens Hotel, The Lily, The Royal Oak Golden Rule, the Unicorn and the Ambleside Tavern. Many are dog friendly, some have live music, log fires and traditional décor.
Loughrigg Fell
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Lakelovers
Top Pick in Ambleside
High Pike Ambleside | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Sleeps 2 High Pike is a spacious ground floor apartment within the prestigious Lakelands Development which is set in an elevated position only a very short walk from the centre of the village of Ambleside. With stunning views towards Fairfield Horseshoe and Loughrigg from both the lounge and patio, High Pike is set in an enviable position. Waterhead at the northern tip of Lake Windermere is a ten minute walk away. High Pike offers comfortable, quality accommodation, in a great, convenient location, with walks from the door making it a popular choice all year round.
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Ashness Bridge
Famous Bridges in the
LAKE DISTRICT
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With the amount of water that runs through our county, fresh from the fells, starting as a tributary high up in the valley heads, bridges play an important role in our history. From quaint tiny packhorse bridges joining villages and hamlets together, or major bridges, aqueducts and viaducts spanning the larger rivers as they rush toward the sea.
We have a stunning collection of stone packhorse bridges, built between 1600-1750, of simply beautiful simple arch construction, a narrow width and low walling. They replaced wooden bridges and were perfect until the advent of droving when wider bridges were needed. These packhorse bridges are so intrinsic to our landscape that in 2015 we even had a temporary art installation: The Paper Bridge by artist Steve Messam, made of paper and constructed using the same architectural principles of the original packhorse bridges – basically no glue or bolts holding it together, just the weight of the paper and the perfect design. Bridge House in Ambleside, arguably the smallest house in the UK, inhabited by various families over the years, stands over Stock Beck, sitting on its own bridge, and is owned by the National Trust, as one of the
quirkiest 17thC remaining buildings of the village. Other photogenic packhorse bridges can be found at Wasdale, Watendlath, and Slater’s Bridge Little Langdale. The bridge high above Aira Force is perhaps the most spectacular and vertigo-inducing, with the waterfall plunging down below. High Sweden Bridge near Ambleside and Ashness Bridge near Keswick’s ‘Surprise View’ are all very well photographed and much loved. If you’re looking for elegant ‘town’ bridges over major rivers, the bridges over the River Kent in Kendal, the bridge over the River Eden at Lazonby, Levens Bridge over the River Kent and Devil’s Bridge over the Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale as well as bridges over the rivers Cocker & Derwent in the north of the county at Cockermouth & Keswick are all worth a stroll across,
a photo or two, and a marvel at their strength during our famous Lake District Rain! However, some bridges have been dramatically swept away during major flood events, such as Storm Desmond in 2015. The newest bridge replacement is at Pooley Bridge which was opened in October 2020 after Storm Desmond demolished the previous one in 2015 and in 2018, Gowan Bridge in Staveley reopened having been rebuilt after flood damage made it collapse. Viaducts include the famous Settle to Carlisle railway bridges, the Wetheral Railway Viaduct, Keswick Railway bridge (now a cycle and footpath) and the spectacular Arnside railway viaduct across the Kent estuary, with stunning views over Morecambe bay and taking the train across the Arnside Bore.
Keswick Railway Bridge
Slater’s Bridge, Little Langdale
Devil’s Bridge over River Lune
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The
L A R GE C OT TAG E COLLECTION
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Far Nook Ambleside | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 Far Nook is a beautifully presented, traditional, stone built Lakeland house set in attractive gardens, within convenient and level walking distance of Ambleside village and with ample parking for a number of cars. Beautifully finished to a very high standard the property offers high quality accommodation in the heart of the Lake District. With four bedrooms and bathrooms, the house is ideally suited to special occasions, social gatherings and family holidays. Gather socially in front of the cosy log burning stove in the elegant lounge, enjoy a drink in the beautiful gardens or relax in the TV lounge.
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Bowderstone Keswick | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 | Pet Friendly Located close to the centre of the bustling market town of Keswick, in the heart of the Lake District, Bowderstone is a muchloved family home that has been beautifully finished to offer quality accommodation, with beautiful roof-tops views to the mountains and a secluded patio all just a few minutes’ walk from all the town’s amenities. For day trips throughout the Lake District, Ullswater is a short drive away offering lake cruises, great walking and the beautiful Aira Force Waterfall, Buttermere and Crummock Water offer sublime scenery. Ashness Bridge and Surprise View situated above the Borrowdale Valley should not be missed; nor should the unspoilt village of Watendlath.
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Highgate Hutton John near Ullswater | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | Sleeps 10 | 1 Pet Welcome Highgate is an imposing farmhouse that dates back to the 19th Century and has recently undergone a major refurbishment to create a fantastic holiday cottage ideal for extended families or friends. Located in the northern edge of the Lake District with easy access to Keswick, Grasmere and Ullswater and easy to reach from the motorway at Penrith, Highgate offers high-quality accommodation ideal for all the family. Steeped in history this beautiful Lakeland farmhouse will continue to make memories for many years to come.
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Fox Hollow Penrith | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8 Beautifully refurbished to a very high standard, this traditional, detached, stonebuilt cottage is well appointed and has been beautifully finished by its current owner, an interior designer, who has set out to create a high-quality retreat, with an emphasis on comfort using bespoke soft furnishings, that is suitable for couples, families or groups of friends. Just a few minutes’ drive from the shores of Ullswater, set in the quiet hamlet of Matterdale End surrounded by super countryside Fox Hollow is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
WINTER 2021 Loughrigg Fell
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