Visit Guide 2018

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HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT

THE LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN? The Lyth Valley Country Inn is a charming inn which houses a magnificent restaurant and bar area within the stunning Lyth Valley. The inn is situated in the north west of England, treasured within the rugged, mountainous area of the English Lake District where picturesque views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed from every angle. If you endeavour to stay over in the Lake District, treat yourself to a luxurious, refreshing, and peaceful break with the Lyth Valley Country Inn where you can witness panoramic views out towards Scout Scar or gaze in wonder at the woodland scenery. Each bedroom is individually decorated and can become the perfect start to an amazing trip in the Lake District.

The inn is a family-run business as

owner, Steve, works side by side with his two sons, Craig and Shaun, and his head-chef, Jamie. They pride themselves on their ability to provide a broad variety of hearty meals from locally sourced produce into their even broader variety of menus. The dining experience at Lyth Valley Country Inn is renowned for brilliance; not only is the food exquisite, but the internal environment and surrounding areas allow for total satisfaction.

Breakfast delivers the opportunity to devour the likes of fresh pastries and artisan coffee or, if you prefer to eat out during lunchtime, why not pop in to enjoy the highly recommended lunch or afternoon tea menus?

Experience the delightful dinner menu during the evening with the highly sought-after succulent pork belly, which is slowly cooked for seventy-two hours. You will not fail to find something that caters to every taste, diet, or requirement. This same level of greatness can also be found within the bar of Lyth Valley Country

Inn, as they hold both the finest ales, due to the Winster Valley Brewery, and the best wines from all around the globe. Don't forget to check out their cocktail menu as they also provide expertly mixed concoctions which are a treat to the taste buds! Take a seat with family or friends within the cosy booths or venture out on to the raised decking area to savour both the drink and the spectacular views.

The greatness of Lyth Valley Country Inn spills over into their sister pub, the Brown Horse Inn, which is

located just three and a half miles away. Contemporary takes on the traditional dishes has allowed them to form their classy and chic menu with a comprehensive range of wines and ales served alongside. Like Lyth Valley, the Brown Horse also offers on site accommodation as well as the added luxury of self-catering cottages scattered around the Winster Valley.

So, why not indulge in yourself this Christmas and journey to the Lyth Valley Country Inn - or the Brown Horse Inn - to experience the fun fuelled festivities with great company among beautiful surroundings.

LYTH VALLEY COUNTRY INN: Lyth, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DB. Tel: 015395 68295.

Email: info@lythvalley.com Web: www.lythvalley.com BROWN HORSE INN: Winster, Nr Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NR. Tel: 015394 43443.

Web: www.thebrownhorseinn.co.uk

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Get fit in the Lakes

“Getting fit” can sometimes be dreaded words to hear, but if you find ways to focus on your health and wellbeing that suit you, then it can actually be really fun…we promise!

Heading outdoors can give you great motivation to get healthy and happy.

The beautiful views will keep you so distracted that you won’t even

realise you’re getting fit! Plus, it can be a more sociable way to get in shape, suitable for all ages and not to mention cheap!

You don’t need to hike Scafell Pike or swim across Lake Windermere to constitute fitness, there are many ways to feel great and get fit to suit you. If you’re looking for easy ways

Potfest

Potfest - Pottery Festival is by far the biggest ceramics event in the north two weekends of pottery overload.

Over 250 individual potters and ceramic artists from all over the UK, Mainland Europe and beyond will be showing their work near Penrith in the Lake District at the end of July and the beginning of August. So if you’re serious about hand made ceramics or just potty about pottery Potfest is the place for you.

From sculptures to ceramic jewellery, clocks to candlesticks, teapots to tableware all made from clay.

Meet and talk with 100 makers at Potfest in the Park in the wonderful grounds of Hutton-in-the-Forest, home of lord and lady Inglewood off junction 41 of the M6. Then a week later meet another 150 at Potfest in the Pens at the auction mart off junction 40 – the gateway to the Lakes.

Feel inspired? There will be clay and tools for sale at Potfest in the Pens and a chance to join a class on a small hand building project or a hour long session on the potters wheel. Get inspired, get involved, get started on a new hobby or just enjoy a whole day of creativity at Potfest.

to get healthy in the Lake District then try… Taking a walk around the gardens of Brockhole whilst your little ones burn off some energy in the many attractions on site, including Treetop Trek and Brave the Cave.

Taking a brisk walk along Ullswater Shore.

This is a short route but you’ll clock

Page 17. up 2,800 steps! Or, if you're feeling a little more adventurous, why not try the 20 miles of the circular Ullswater Way route to clock up a mighty 42,240 steps.Peddling around Coniston waters. If you don’t have bikes to hand then head to Coniston Boating Centre where you can hire adult and child bikes.

Packing up your weights, skipping rope or even hula hoop and finding a spot with a view to do your very own bootcamp!

If you’re looking for more of a challenge then how about… Braving the cold and taking a dip. 30 minutes of swimming could burn more than 2,000 calories…don’t forget your wetsuit! Cycling along the Eskdale Trail. This is a great fitness challenge but isn’t likely to take more than 3 hours, leaving you the rest of your weekend to recover!

Stretching your legs along Windermere’s Western Shore. This suitably scenic route will keep you

distracted from the whopping 11,600 steps you will take.

Taking to the peaks to tone up and burn even more calories! If you’re looking for a real challenge check out this Patterdale route.

And, let’s not forget that by walking, running, cycling and swimming your way around the Lake District you’re doing your bit for the environment too!

Find out more about being lowcarbon in the Lakes here.

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Things to do in Penrith - your 24 hour itinerary by North Lakes Hotel & Spa

If you’re after a short break away or only have 24 hours to spend in Penrith, why not follow this great itinerary we’ve put together for you.

It’ll keep you active from morning till evening as you explore and discover

this stunning natural area of the Lake District.

Day one A hearty breakfast to start the day After a hearty breakfast at North Lakes Hotel and Spa, start your day by

heading straight out on the 20 minute walk to the centre of Penrith. The first stop on your morning route will be the 14th century imposing remains of Penrith Castle. The castle is looked after by English Heritage and the condition of the remains allows you to appreciate its former grandeur.

If you’re intrigued by historical facts and drama, this is the place for you with it once being occupied

by Richard 3rd before he became King of England.

Stellar pictures

are guaranteed here so make sure to get a couple of snaps before heading to the town centre.

Penrith’s traditional town square is an excellent stop for any visitor; full of independent shops and boutique cafes. The Penrith Clocktower is the central piece of the square. With its gothic look, it’s a great opportunity for another photo. Don’t forget to visit St Andrew’s Church and the Penrith Museum as stop-offs on your morning of discovery. All these sights are nearby, making the town centre a great starting point.

The start of March means the beginning of market season, and the start-up of the Penrith Farmers’ Market which is held on the third Thursday of every month until the end of December. If you’re looking for

seasonal produce, local specialities or original Lake District crafts, this is the market for you. There’s a mixture of first time traders, local regulars and award winning producers all happy to discuss where they grow their produce or make their crafts. It’s a fantastic traditional market to experience, and with its location right in the heart of the town, it’s accessible for all.

Walk to Penrith Beacon After all that exploring it’ll be time for a break, so feed your hunger with a sweet treat or warm savoury snack from one of the local cafes to get you ready for the next part of the itinerary, the walk to Penrith Beacon. This recognised AA route will provide you with stunning panoramic views at the top, making it the perfect way to end your morning. The straight walk up

Fell Lane makes the route one of the most accessible and straightforward to follow with the entrance to the climb at the top on Beacon Edge.

Along the way you’ll be able to spot the feature buildings such as Potter’s Lodge with its gorgeous Georgian architecture or Caroline Cottage and its gothic design.

We’d recommend giving yourself 30 to 40 minutes to complete both the climb and descent. At the top of the 937 feet elevation, the Beacon monument of 1719 awaits, but that’s not all, as you’ll have the added reward of spectacular views of the Lake District Fells. If you’re lucky and look towards the Solway Firth, you might see the mountains of Scotland, which is an epic sight to behold on a clear day. Try and get to

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the top of the trail for around midday for the optimum conditions to have the perfect view.

Lunch in Penrith and the famous Ullswater Steamers Head back to North Lakes Hotel and Spa to enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the restaurant and bar. Choose from a varied menu, designed with fantastic local produce and care. It’s the perfect stop before your afternoon out and about. If a slower paced afternoon is more your style, then the ideal option for you is the Ullswater Steamers.

Drive the ten minute route from North Lakes to Pooley Bridge, park up and head down to the pier to set sail on this iconic transport. Being the second longest lake in the Lake District, there are plenty of opportunities to jump off at different spots along the lake and explore; Howtown and Glenridding are amongst the most popular.

The boat journey to Glenridding stretches the full length of Ullswater, so sit back and take in the beautiful scenery. Stretch your legs upon arrival and wander around the former

mining village before boarding the boat for the tranquil route back. If you’re after a shorter trip on the water, Howtown is an excellent option.

Gateway to the Martindale Valley, Howtown is host to one of the oldest red deer forests so if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the only red deer herds in the UK – a magical experience!

A relaxing evening On the trip back, why not try and keep an eye out for daffodils on the west shore which start to appear throughout March. After you’ve finished exploring beautiful Ullswater, you’ll be ready for your evening at North Lakes Hotel and Spa. With a warm welcome to look forward to, it’s the ultimate end to a fantastic day.

Day 2 Balloon ride over Ullswater After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready for your last trip out to end your 24hr stay in style. Drive the short six minute journey to the Dalemain Estate where on weekday mornings you’ll find a fleet of hot air balloons, ready to

Page 19. take you on a journey into the skies. If you want to try something new, then this is the spectacular activity for you.

The balloon ride itself is around one hour long and will offer you plenty of time to take in the views and get some amazing photos from your floating vantage point. A traditional champagne toast awaits you when you land to cap off your memorable trip in style but don’t panic when

you land in an entirely different location to where you set off! Included in the package is a retrieval service to take you back to your take off-site at Dalemain Estate.

Air ballooning is a weather dependent activity but with perfect time to take to the sky in 2018!

After touching down, and with your feet back on solid ground, you’ll be ready to say goodbye to Penrith. This itinerary offers a great introduction to the area; we’ve given you lots to experience, but if you can’t fit it all into the short 24 hours, it gives you a great reason to return!

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Report calls for National Parks to get smart

A walk in a park could soon be an entirely different experience if National Parks act on urgent recommendations made in a report released today. Real-time information from environmental monitors and sensors could soon inform rangers of the conditions of footpaths and monitor the effects of climate change.

Bins could send alerts when they are full to reduce unnecessary emissions due to bin collections. Your phone could sense when you tire during a walk, notifying you of the nearest pub for a rest stop. It could even send you the menu, or make a reservation on your behalf. These are all examples of smart technologies in use across the world that are quickly changing the face of cities and open spaces, shaping new types of experiences. Now, experts suggest innovation and the ‘Internet of Things’ could be the key to better protecting the world’s National Park landscape while reducing costs and enhancing visitors’ experience.

Professor Edward Truch, a Director of the Connected Communities Research Lab at Lancaster University Management School, is the lead author of the Smart Parks: Bringing smart technologies to National Parks report, commissioned by the Lake District National Park Authority.

He said: “National Parks are under increasing pressure to deliver more for less and with population booms, visitor numbers are increasing – putting greater strain on the natural environment. This report sets out business models and revenue streams for National Parks right across the world to consider, that can help address the gaps in budgets caused by cuts in public sector spending. The Smart Park model demonstrates how a high degree of connectivity and exchange of information can benefit all - from nature conservationists, tourists, businesses and communities, through to park authorities and

emergency services. A Smart Park could open up opportunities for new types of visitor attractions, which protect rather than spoil some of the world’s most treasured landscapes.

“Visitors are already making use of intelligent connected devices through apps like Google, Ordinance Survey and Booking.com for things like navigation and accommodation bookings.

Some areas of the world are already drastically cutting traffic pollution by introducing ‘smart’ car parking systems, for example, directing individual motorists to available car parking spaces.

“Research suggests there will be exponential growth in the number of worldwide devices connected to the internet over coming years, growing from 4.9bn in 2015 to around 25bn in 2025. National Parks need to act now and seriously consider these innovative technologies to better protect the environment and keep pace with future visitor expectations.”

The new vision of a ‘Smart Park’, or a national or urban park enhanced by the effective use of the Internet of Things, identifies p o t e n t i a l solutions for the main challenge vast, rural national parks currently face - efficient and reliable internet connectivity. New and emerging networks are

Penrith

Once known as the capital of Cumbria, the buzzing town of Penrith is now filled with traditional shops and arcades acting as a large regional centre for the eastern Lake District and those just outside of the National Park.

Cumbria, and therefore Penrith, was a semi-dependent state in the 9th and 10th century and formed part of the Kingdom of Scotland and Strathclyde until 1070AD. Penrith has a rich history and was later used as a strategic route to and from Scotland, cementing its status as a military centre.

The Penrith Museum and Tourist Information Centre are housed within an Elizabethan building, recently refurbished, which was being used as a school until the early 1970’s. The museum displays the history, geology and archaeology of Penrith. The Penrith Beacon, a monument built in 1719, sits at the top of Beacon Hill and reminds residents and visitors of the numerous times the beacons were lit in times of war since King Henry VIII. The view from Beacon Hill is spectacular as views across Eden Valley up to the hills of Lakeland are able to be enjoyed.

The Penrith railway station is within close proximity to the centre of Penrith and opposite the ruins of Penrith Castle.

offered as solutions to the problem, such as cognitive radio technology which is considered to be the next frontier in wireless communications.

The report suggests developing technology with built-in intelligence and agility to adapt to the environment it is operating in, can offer ‘greener’ more sustainable options for natural spaces - optimising transmissions to preserve power.

Lake District National Park’s Head of Strategy and Partnerships, Liam McAleese, said: “This collaboration between the Lake District National Park Partnership and Lancaster University Connected Communities Research Lab creates an opportunity for us to explore innovative technology that may one day benefit our communities and enhance the experience for the

millions of visitors who enjoy the Park every year. Smart Parks is a fascinating piece of research and it has presented us with a broad range of options to consider for the future of the National Park.” Chris Mahon, Chief Executive of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Committee UK and Development Director of World Heritage UK said:

“The report offers a very new look at how designated natural areas and other green spaces, and the people that visit them, can benefit from the latest innovations in modern technology. It's about new ways of delivering conservation as well as visitor convenience and experience enhancement. Commissioned by the same organisation responsible

for the successful 2017 inscription of the UK's most recent UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 'English Lake District', this study will be of considerable interest to many people, including members of the UNESCO and IUCN networks, involved in land and people management.”

To read the report, visit: www. connected.community/smart-park

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Gin, gems and gardening…

The Holker Spring Fair attracts new

exhibitors for its second year! 19th & 20th May 2018 The Holker Spring Fair returns for a second year at the historic estate of Holker Hall & Gardens. A celebration of the arrival of spring, the May event is attracting interest from both new and returning exhibitors and confirmed so far is a fine array of all things home, food, garden and gifts.

NEW for 2018 visitors will discover Brownthwaite Hardy Plants and Beetham Nursery for all things gardening and outdoor. Gin fans are in for a treat - A selection of gins from Cumbria’s, and possibly the UK’s smallest gin distillery, Shed1 will be available! - Small batch, big gin flavours!

For something unusual, Gren’s Shed will be attending with his wild bird feeders and nest boxes made from upcycled household items. Hand made in Gren's Shed and designed to make your garden quirky and beautiful.

Not forgetting the fabulous food with Coco Baroque attending for the first time with their delicious chocolates, bakes and treats and Lakeland Mues, specialist producers of the finest toasted muesli!

For gifts and trinkets Ellis & Eliza will be showcasing their handmade colourful and fun embroidered gifts, keepsakes, card stationary, framed art, clothing & accessories.

Gates open at 10.30am – 5.00pm.

Entry is £3.00 per adult, accompanied children free of charge, and includes parking and entry to the Café, Food Hall and Gift Shop.

Finish off your day with… A Spring Evening Barbeque will take place

at The Ilex Bar and Brassiere in the Holker Courtyard following the Fair on Saturday 19th from 5pm.

A selection of local meats, salad bar and artisan breads will be available. Prebooking essential. Families welcome.

Adults £12.95, children (up to 12yrs) £8.95.

Special offer: Purchase a Hall & Garden ticket online at www.holker.

co.uk in advance for the 19th or 20th May and get free entry to the Spring Fair! If you would like to exhibit at the Holker Spring Fair, there’s still time to book a stall, telephone 015395 58328.

For more information on all of Holker’s 2018 events visit the website at www.holker.co.uk or telephone 015395 58328.

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Lake District low-carboN

initiative calls for support

The Lake District National Park Partnership has reassessed its carbon footprint and is encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to support its efforts to reduce the impact of climate change on the Lake District.

An area-wide ‘low-carbon Lake District’ initiative, which seeks to tackle climate change, has reviewed the baseline carbon footprint in the Lake District, and for the first time has reviewed business emissions too.

Sam Hagon Strategy and Partnership Adviser at the Lake District National

Park said: “Our approach is to decide what actions will deliver the largest carbon savings. We have a focus on visitor travel as transport has become more important since the previous assessment. Accommodation, food and drink are also important as combined they make up the second largest area of greenhouse gas emissions.” Residents of the Lake District can join the initiative too by making lifestyle changes, no matter how small. For example, Drinking from the tap instead of

buying bottled water can be up to 1000 times less carbon intensive.

If you swapped your bottle of imported lager for a pint of locally brewed ale, the carbon saving would be equivalent to driving one mile. Cumbria has over thirty microbreweries so there’s no shortage!

Tomatoes grown in artificially heated greenhouses in winter can be 100 times more carbon intensive than those grown locally and in season.

Keep an eye out for locally produced food and embrace the UK seasons.

Buy seasonal and local fruit and vegetables to keep yourself and your carbon footprint healthy.

If you need an excuse to keep up your January diet then how about this, a cheese burger has a carbon footprint of about 2.5 kg CO2e, that’s four and a half miles in an average car or 15 miles by train! In fact, you can eat 250 locally grown apples for the same amount of carbon.

The climate change subgroup of the Lake District National Park Partnership took a pioneering approach in 2010 by setting out the first ‘carbon budget’ for a local area with the target of reducing the emission of carbon, and other greenhouse gases, by 1 percent per year. It has now taken a look back at the learning so

far. Sam Hagon added: “It is good practice to review the methodology used in the carbon budget at regular intervals. This review, seven years since the scheme launched, allowed us to identify what may be required

to achieve greater carbon savings so that we are clear which actions make the biggest difference. “Collectively we’ve saved over 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, from activities such as sustainable transport initiatives, installing hydroelectric schemes and planting new trees. We are now saving almost 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. That’s equivalent to the carbon footprint of 5,600 people in the Lake District – or six times the population of Coniston.” The Lake District National Park is encouraging people to be efficient in their use of travel as part of its Get Fit in the Lakes campaign, which is motivating people to walk, run, cycle and even swim around the Lake District in a bid to look after themselves and the environment. To read the full carbon budget report visit www.lakedistrict. gov.uk/carbonbudget

U.Dance if

you want to

Over 1,500 young people from primary schools across Cumbria will be wowing audiences at The Carnegie Theatre tonight and again next month at The Sands Centre as part of U.Dance Cumbria – the county’s annual dance festival for children & young people.

U.Dance Cumbria is organised by Active Cumbria (Cumbria County Council) and brings together pupils of all ages from primary, secondary and special schools in Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland and Eden to perform and celebrate their achievements in dance.

Following an amazing performance by secondary schools at Theatre by the Lake last month, the event now moves on to celebrate primary school’s creativity, when pupils get the unique opportunity to perform on a professional stage to a live audience. Schools taking part at The Carnegie in Workington are: Bransty, St Herbert’s CE, Richmond Hill, Gosforth, St Bega’s CE, Grasslot Infants, Moor Row, Lorton, Orgill, Bookwell, Frizington & Flimby.

On Thursday 26th & Friday 27th April thirty nine schools from Eden and Carlisle will similarly trip the light fantastic at The Sands Centre in Carlisle. They include St Bede’s, Beaconside, Yanwath, Lanercost, Brough, Inglewood Junior and Lees Hill. New to the event this year as first-time participators are Braithwaite, Newtown, Bolton, St Herbert’s, St Bega’s, Bookwell, Frizington and Flimby Schools.

U.Dance Co-ordinator Lynn Barnes says, “U.Dance Cumbria is such a fantastic event, a real celebration of achievement. The children are always so excited to perform and give 110% on stage.”

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Community room opens in iconic Keswick Moot Hall

The completion of significant restoration work at The Moot Hall, in Keswick town centre, marks the re-opening of an exclusive workspace for local businesses, community groups and artists.

The eye-catching building, which in its current form dates back to 1813, required major construction work to its renowned clock tower in 2017, creating an opportunity to develop a new community room on the first floor. Based on the ground floor of the Grade II listed building is the hugely popular Lake District National Park visitor information centre which welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. Not only will local businesses using the space benefit from a central location and lots of passing customers, but all proceeds made through hiring the space will be put straight into caring for the Lake District National Park.

Andy McGirl, Retail and Commercial Development Manager at Lake District National Park, said: “We’re delighted that The Moot Hall is once again restored to its former glory.

It’s an adored building that is so appreciated by local residents, and the huge number of visitors who pass through the doors every year. “The first floor space offers an exciting opportunity for locals to be based in the heart of the town. As well as being available for hire as a meeting room and exhibition space, we are also offering reduced rates for community groups so that it will continue to serve as a hub for local people to enjoy.” In particular, due to the popularity of the location and the layout of the space available, local artists are said to be keen to use the room as an exhibition space. Local artist, Pat Cramer, said:

“The community room is an excellent space for an exhibition of paintings or photographs with good lighting, and display screens and hanging equipment provided.” Find out more

about hiring this space. Photo shows the iconic The Moot Hall which is home to the Lake District National Park visitor information centre and new working space in Keswick.

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Tackle the famous Morecambe

Bay Walk for St Catherine’s

Walkers are invited to uncover natural landscapes and scenic views at Morecambe Bay with St Catherine’s Hospice.

This summer, the Lostock Hall charity is looking for volunteers to take to the sands and wade through the waters of the Bay for a good cause.

All the family are welcome to take on the famous eight-mile-trek on Sunday 8 July 2018.

Follow in the footsteps of the royally appointed Guide to the Sands, Cedric Robinson MBE. Funds raised in sponsorship will go towards helping the hospice deliver vital services for people in the community affected by serious illness, enabling them to enjoy quality of life and have dignity in death.

Head of community engagement at St Catherine’s, Emma Jacovelli, said: “The Morecambe Bay Walk is always a popular event and a great day out for everyone.

“It’s a charity trek with a difference – it’s not too strenuous, but involves tackling everything from soft sands to knee-deep water.

“We’re providing return transport from the hospice, which will drop walkers off at the starting point in Arnside and collect the group from the finish line at Kents Bank.

“Funds raised in sponsorship will help us continue providing specialist care for people with life-shortening illnesses at the hospice and in their own homes.”

Morecambe Bay

The walk, which was due to take place in September last year, had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Registration is just £10 for adults and £5 for children, and the return transport is £10 per person.

You can sign up by calling 01772 629171 or visiting St Catherine’s website.

Will you be taking part in the Morecambe Bay Walk? Have you been involved with any charities recently?

Explore Morecambe Bay – a great place to experience amazing sunsets, discover natural landscapes and unearth your adventurous side with an incredible range of exhilarating outdoor activities. The Bay is one of the best places in the UK for high adrenalin outdoor activities from sailing, to powered paragliding, parachuting, windsurfing, mountain biking, horseriding, and kitesurfing.

Morecambe Bay stretches from the south west coast of Cumbria to Fleetwood in Lancashire, taking in coastal towns such as Grange Over Sands, Morecambe and Heysham. The headlands of Morecambe Bay offer spectacular, seascape views; the hardy and adventurous can experience a guided walk across the sands, taking in the wide-open vistas across the tidal sand and mud flats towards the Lake District and the Bowland Fells.

Morecambe Bay has some of the most beautiful coastline in Britain and a number of long distance walking and cycling routes start in the Bay area, including the Way of the Roses (long distance cycle route from Morecambe Bay to Bridlington Bay), and the Lancashire Coastal Way. If you are looking for something more gentle, then try cycling on Morecambe Promenade or try one of the Cycle and See routes within Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Bay also offers opportunities for a range of amazing wildlife experiences, like watching the oystercatchers and other waders march up the shore at Hest Bank, Bolton-le-Sands, in front of the advancing tides, or even looking for seals lazing around the south tip of Walney.

With golden sandy beaches, and plenty for children and adults alike to discover, Morecambe Bay is the perfect place to relax, explore and enjoy.

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Will you discover the Seldom Seen of

Morecambe Bay this Bank Holiday?

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust's

international acclaim for filling its toughest vacancies

'I've always been meaning to go there'... sound familiar? We have so many beautiful places on our doorstep and they're often on our 'to do' list, yet we never quite make it, there's always something more pressing to do.

Well now is your chance to rectify the situation... Grab one of our unique illustrated maps and head out to explore our spectacular coastal corner of England this bank holiday weekend... you're in for a treat!

With the sun (mostly) shining, and summer well and truely on its

way, Morecambe Bay Partnership's Seldom Seen maps are the perfect way to explore the treasure trove that is Morecambe Bay. The stunning series of 5 illustrated maps, inviting you to delve into the secrets that make Morecambe Bay such a special place, is available now from local booksellers, visitor centres and online.

The artist-designed maps cover the whole of Morecambe Bay, from Walney Island near Barrowin-Furness in South Cumbria, all

around the estuaries, peninsulas, inlets and communities of the Bay, to Cockerham, south of Lancaster in north Lancashire. They give a real insider’s view of the Bay, its landscapes and its communities, past and present, shining a spotlight on the area’s intriguing history and its fascinating stories.

The Seldom Seen maps are available individually, or as a boxed edition of all 5, from local tourist information centres and other local outlets and online from Lancaster Visitor Centre.

Sunderland

Point Beach Clean

Health body has featured in the prestigious Deloitte report A successful recruitment campaign launched by the hospital trust which runs Furness General has been singled out by an internationally acclaimed report.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) was commended for its six-week, #BetterWithYou campaign which led to the appointment of seven midwives, 18 registered nurses, one theatre

practitioner, 17 medical consultants, three radiographers and one mammographer .

The campaign featured a dedicated recruitment website, specially commissioned films, and social media ‘takeovers’ and was chosen as a case study for the prestigious Deloitte report, which focused on the challenges of securing a future for hospital workforces across Europe.

Of the 16 individual case studies mentioned in the report, UHMBT was the only individual hospital trust to be

singled out.

David Wilkinson, director of workforce and organisational development at UHMBT said it was “great” to see the campaign recognised.

“The recruitment and retention of clinical staff is one of the highest priorities for the trust and we have deployed many strategies to address this across local, regional and international recruitment pools,” he added.

Join us at 10am for our beach clean at the unique Sunderland Point. Meet a lovely bunch of people and do your bit for the Bay! All ages are welcome, but young people under the age of 14

must to be supervised by an adult.

All equipment is provided, but all volunteers are advised to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes.

For more information, please

contact Jean Ellis - 01524 859115 / granjean99@yahoo.com Leader: John Gilchrist Grid Reference: SD 427 562.

Postcode: LA3 3HR

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WALKING AROUND MORECAMBE BAY

EXPLORE MORECAMBE BAY

BY FOOT WITH ONE OF THESE WALKING TRAILS. The Morecambe Bay coastline, much of which is of international ornithological interest, offers an array of landscapes from the distinctive limestone scenery of Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, through glazed saltmarshes and agricultural land, the seaside resorts of Morecambe and Fleetwood, as well as well as the major river estuaries of the Lune and Wyre.

Walking can be the very best way to explore the countryside, canals, coast and towns, giving you access to stunning views, quiet lanes and rare wildlife. And Morecambe Bay and the surrounding area offers a terrain and distance to suit everyone.

From short, gentle rambles to long distance treks, you can download a whole range of walks that allow you to explore the area.

Here is a list of some that you are sure to enjoy:HEART OF BARROW WALK A one hour walk through the Barrow Conservation Area.

CHANNELSIDE WALK This walk will take you from The Dock Museum along Channelside and over the reclaimed Slagbank’s around Barrow.

ST GEORGE’S WALK A one hour walk through St George’s Conservation area in Barrow WALNEY WALK A 4 mile walk around Walney Island near Barrow with the option to extend to 6.8 miles MORECAMBE TERN TRAIL Less than a Mile.

Enjoy a stroll along Morecambe Promenade taking in the TERN series of public artworks including the famous Eric Morecambe statue CARNFORTH CANAL WALKS 4.5 – 6 mile walks The four easy walks detailed in this leaflet allow ample time and opportunity to explore the countryside which links two of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; The Forest of Bowland and Arnside and Silverdale.

Drama in

the Bay!

An exciting new ITV commission looks set to bring a tourism boost to the Morecambe Bay Area. The sixpart detective drama ‘The Bay‘ will be produced by Tall Story Pictures and written by Lancaster’s own award-winning writer and playwright Daragh Carville.

The drama unfolds the story of a missing person investigation in Morecambe.

In a recent interview with the Visitor newspaper, John O’Neill, the Morecambe Business Improvement District Manager said “The new series will help showcase what a beautiful area we live in and the unique assets we have on our doorstep” he added “Just the presence of having a film crew in and around Morecambe in summer will bring short term benefits but the longer-term benefits for the whole area in terms of tourism and greater exposure should be immense.

We are sure the town will open its arms to the film crew and actors and give them a big northern welcome.”

Filming will begin in Morecambe and the surrounding area in the summer.

WALKING FOR ALL 3-9 miles Eight walks of different ability around Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley. Walks range from 3 to 9 miles.

LANCASHIRE COASTAL WAY The Coastal Way is a 137 mile footpath following the Lancashire coastline from Merseyside to Cumbria. The Lancashire coastal walk provides spectacular views of Morecambe Bay, the Bowland Fells and the Lake District, and the opportunity, particularly in spring and autumn, to observe the large variety of waders and seabirds for which the Lancashire coast and estuaries are internationally important.

THE FOREST OF BOWLAND Offers some of the most beautiful

and remote walking in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements, woodland cloughs and river valleys. These landscape contrasts, along with the serenity and tranquility of the area make this a walker’s paradise. As well as the fell tops and moors, there are extensive opportunities for shorter and less challenging routes in the valleys, most especially riverside walks which abound in the area. Some websites that you might find helpful:www.visitlancashire.com/explore/ morecambe-bay/walkingaroundmorecambe-bay www.forestofbowland.com/WalkingInformation

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Places to Visit

LANCASTER CASTLE Stroll through Lancaster and you’ll find history on every corner. Unlock history within the castle prison walls or admire Georgian Splendour in its fine buildings. Want to take in the views? Then head up to Williamson’s Park and enjoy the views from the Ashton Memorial, one of the North’s

great follies. Lancaster really is one of England’s Heritage Cities with a big story to tell. Lancaster Castle is steeped in almost 1000 years of history, including the trials of the Pendle Witches and the Birmingham Six. Lancaster Castle is one of the most important historic monuments in the North West. Come and visit

the old cells, Shire Hall and Crown Court.

LANCASTER MARITIME MUSEUM Lancaster Maritime Museum is housed in the Port of Lancaster Custom House and warehouse buildings dating from the second half of the 18th century. Come and

discover the history of the merchants and learn about Lancaster’s exciting trade industry.

JUDGES’ LODGINGS & ROMAN BATHHOUSE Built in the centre of Lancaster against the backdrop of Lancaster Castle, the Judges’ Lodgings, an elegant, Grade I listed building is Lancaster’s oldest town house. The house (now a museum) was originally home to Thomas Covell, Keeper of Lancaster Castle and notorious witch hunter.

Roman Bath House and Wery Wall Remains is an interesting surviving fragment of Roman walling on the east slope of Castle Hill and represents a section of a bastion of the last Roman fort on the site. Adjacent to the wall are the excavated remains of a small Roman bathhouse.

LANCASTER CATHEDRAL Lancaster Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Lancaster, home to Catholics living between Preston and Carlisle. Lancaster Cathedral is a place of prayer and home to many concerts and cultural events.

LANCASTER PRIORY & PARISH CHURCH Lancaster Priory & Parish Church dates from the 11th Century, though there has been a church on the site from 630 AD. Come and discover the Church’s history and witness the impressive medieval interior, with Viking ornaments and much more.

FURNESS ABBEY Furness Abbey, or St. Mary of Furness is a former monastery located in the northern outskirts of Barrowin-Furness. The Abbey dates back to 1123 and is built entirely out of local sandstone. The majority of the current ruins date from the 12th and 13th centuries. By the 15th century, it had been completely re-modelled and has become the second richest and most powerful – as well as one of the grandest – Cistercian Abbeys in England.

ST PATRICK’S CHAPEL Of historical interest are the stone graves in the ruins of the ancient St.

Patrick’s Chapel, close to St Peter’s Church. They are thought to date from the 11th century and are hewn from solid rock. Local legend has it that St Patrick landed here after crossing from Ireland and established the chapel. However it has been established that the chapel was built around 300 years after Patrick’s death. These stone graves appear on the cover of the Black Sabbath CD, ‘The Best of Black Sabbath’. The grounds of St Peter’s Church contain many Saxon and Viking remains, and the church itself contains a Viking hogback stone. Hey sham also contains one of only three sites in Britain and Ireland that contain a pre-Roman labyrinth carving.

PIEL CASTLE Piel Castle, is situated on the southeastern point of Piel Island, off the coast of the Furness Peninsula.

Built in the early-14th century by John Cockerham, the Abbot of neighbouring Furness Abbey, it was intended to oversee the trade through the local harbour and to protect against Scottish raids. The castle was built using stones from the local beach, and featured a large keep with surrounding inner and outer baileys.

HOLKER HALL A privately owned country house located close to the village of Cartmel, Cumbria, England, a location previously in the historic county of Lancashire. It was “the grandest building of its date” and the house stands in an estate of about 80 hectares, surrounded by formal gardens, parkland and woodland.

There are many events and activities throughout the year and the house, café and local produce shop is open to visitors.

LEVENS HALL Levens Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan mansion, situated in the Kent Valley, close to Kendal.

Originally built around a 13th Century pele tower, it was expanded and rebuilt towards the end of the 16th Century. It is the family home of the Bagots, and contains a collection of Jacobean furniture, fine paintings, the earliest English patchwork and many other beautiful objects.

DALTON CASTLE Dalton Castle is a grade I listed 14thcentury peel tower situated in Daltonin-Furness. It was constructed by the monks of Furness Abbey for the protection of the nearby market town and was the building from which the Abbot administered the area and dispensed justice. The property hosts an exhibition on local history, as well as a display about local painter George Romney.

LEIGHTON HALL The ancestral home of the worldrenowned Gillow furniture family, Leighton Hall is still lived in today and is no stuffy museum – there aren’t any roped off areas here! Share the magic of Leighton Hall’s colourful heritage and unique “personality” either at a regular day visit or during one of their special themed events throughout the season.

MARSH MILL Constructed in 1794 Marsh Mill is a Grade II* listed Tower Windmill, one of the best in the UK with working machinery. Here you will get a unique introduction to milling

of a bygone era. Guided tours of the mill are available at a small charge, with exibitions, workshops and events during the year, and children’s activities during school holidays.

The mill is set in the centre of Marsh Mill Village with shops and free entertainment that are open all year.

However, the actual Mill is only open weekends from April until the beginning of November.

CARNFORTH STATION Carnforth Station Heritage Centre and the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room opened on 17 October 2003 following 3 years work to renovate the derelict buildings of Carnforth Station. In 1945 it was the location where David Lean filmed his romantic classic “Brief Encounter” starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

Carnforth Station was perfect as it was remote and safe from attack, but filming had to take place at night, so as not to interfere with daytime train operations. Visitors now come from all over the world, to enjoy the nostalgia of the station, which has been restored to it’s 1940s glory when the Refreshment Room was used as the setting for David Lean’s film “Brief Encounter”. Both the Heritage Centre and the Refreshment Rooms are open daily and this year sees the opening of a permanent David Lean ‘Life and Works’ Exhibition in the Bateman Gallery at the station.

JOHN BARROW MONUMENT The John Barrow Monument (known locally as The Hoad) is a 100 ft (30.5 m) tower at the top of Hoad Hill (436 ft/133 m), near Ulverstone and was erected in 1850 at a cost of £1250.

It commemorates Sir John Barrow who was born in Ulverston in 1764.

Sir John was a founder member of the Royal Geographic Society, and held various government posts in the 19th century becoming the Second Secretary to the Admiralty.

Whilst the monument was designed to resemble a lighthouse, it has never had a functional light. It is a Grade II* listed building and the monument stands as one of the iconic symbols of the Northwest of England.

GRANGE OVER SANDS Grange is first mentioned in the ancient Cartmel Priory Registers of the 15th or 16th century, when it was recorded as ‘Grange-withKentisbank’. It is generally believed that the name derived from the old French ‘Graunge’ meaning ‘a barn’ or ‘granary’ where the monks of Cartmel Priory stored some of their grain (or possibly from the Latin ‘Grancia’ – meaning Grain).

SIZERGH ESTATE On the edge of the Lake District, the 1,600-acre Sizergh estate is amazingly varied with limestone pastures, orchards, wetlands and semi-natural woodland, inhabited by a rich and diverse wildlife, including the rare hawfinch. With more than 700 years of history and centuries old portraits sitting alongside modern family photographs, this medieval house certainly feels lived in; indeed it’s still home to the Strickland family.

It’s surrounded by rich gardens including a limestone rock garden, where colours change with the passing of the seasons; its timeless atmosphere makes this the perfect place to relax.

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The Yorkshire Air Museum

"The Yorkshire Air Museum is perfectly poised to celebrate the forthcoming RAF Centenary during 2018, as our extensive, internationally acclaimed collection of historic aircraft covers all era’s of the history

of the Royal Air Force. From WWI bi-planes to the current frontline Panavia Tornado GR4 supersonic jet, we have it all!

Discover the history of the Royal Air Force with our recently launched

RAF100 Family Activity Trail, which is already proving popular with visitors after its launch on the 1st April, the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force!

See the only complete WWII Halifax

bomber in Europe, climb aboard the Douglas C-47 Dakota, the aircraft famed for its role in the airborne invasion of the D-Day Landings and stand up close to our examples of the famous WWII Spitfire and

Hurricane fighters. Don't miss our many events during the season, especially the "Against the Odds" Revival Weekend on 12th and 13th May, where our Halifax and Dakota will be on outdoor display, with 'air

and ground crew' re-enactors really looking the part. See our website www.yorkshireairmuseum.org or follow us on Twitter @air_museum for details of this and other exciting events during the year."

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Enjoying the delights of Cod Beck Reservoir and the popular Sheepwash beauty spot near

Osmotherley is now possible for all thanks to North Yorkshire County Council’s locality budget.

Sheepwash is a popular picnic area and was once a watering place on the ancient drovers' road over the moors to Yarm and the River Tees. Combined with a walk around the nearby Cod Beck Reservoir, surrounded by woodland, it is a picturesque and easy stroll of under two miles.

In order to make the popular route fully accessible to all, a number of partners including the county council, Yorkshire Water, the National Trust, the North York Moors National Park Authority, North Yorkshire Police, Osmotherley Parish Council and local volunteers got together to form Sheepwash Action Group to develop a project for a new disabled access footbridge at Sheepwash.

Fundraising started with £1,500 from the locality budget of Tim Swales, at that time a county councillor and now chairman of Osmotherley Parish Council. Locality budgets allow the 72 county councillors to respond to local needs and requests by recommending funding of up to £5,000 to support projects or activities that benefit the communities they represent.

North York Moors National Park

contributed £3,500 plus staff and volunteer time to construct the bridge and Yorkshire Water allowed the use of its land at no cost (and is subsequently in the process of constructing a disabled access route on its land to align with the new bridge).

The National Trust permitted the use of its land, plus staff and volunteer time to build a footpath linking the car park and bridge.

After planning permission was secured, the project was completed early this year and an official opening took place on 25 April.

Mr Swales said: “This is an excellent example of a partnership project, with everyone contributing for the benefit of the community. Volunteers are a credit to the area, collecting litter and keeping the area clean and tidy so that people can enjoy a welcoming and pleasant environment.’’

Countryside and recreation apprentice for Yorkshire Water, Philip Tennyson, said: “It’s fantastic to see three like-minded, positive organisations coming together to provide something beneficial for everyone.

The bridge is a great leap forward for accessibility and we look forward to developing the path system around Cod Beck to eliminate other barriers that prevent people from accessing the reservoir path.”

New addition jumping for joy at the Tropical Butterfly House The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre has an exciting new addition to its awardwinning Wilderness Walk-through.

A Parma wallaby baby has been born and is finally out of mum’s pouch. Parma wallaby babies stay in mum’s pouch for the first 6 months of their lives, permanently leaving the pouch at around 7 months old.

The Parma wallabies are joined by an array of wonderful wildlife in the enclosure that visitors can walk through, these include Azari’s agouti, Patagonian mara, as well as native species.

Abigail Carter is the Animal Team Leader at the popular wildlife centre, “In the wild Parma wallabies are only found in Australia, and New

Zealand, and are classified on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, therefore it’s truly amazing for our visitors to be able to see these beautiful creatures up close.”

The wildlife centre at North Anston, near Sheffield is holding a naming competition on its social media pages, head to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to put forward your

suggestion.

The gender of the baby is currently unknown, it will be sexed once it has settled in to life outside of mum’s pouch.

The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre is open daily, all year round and is located just five minutes from the M1, junction 31, with free parking.

See www.butterflyhouse.co.uk to plan your visit.

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Businesses Get Set to Thrive with Connecting Cheshire

Connecting Cheshire partners with Thrive Creative for the launch of their latest business support package - Digital+.

Available to businesses across Cheshire and Warrington, the ERDF funded programme is designed to equip businesses with up to date digital knowledge and provide financial help to businesses who wish to upgrade to a Superfast broadband connection.

Delivered via a series of face-to-face, free seminars and business support, the programme will help businesses make the most of digital technology by • Working more efficiently and profitably with digital tools

• Reducing IT costs with cloud computing • Increasing leads and sales through digital marketing and social media • Reducing admin and improving service through e-commerce platforms • Using artificial intelligence as a key business tool • Being business-ready for new online tax and GDPR rules Thrive Creative, a brand and digital communication agency based in South Cheshire, has been awarded a 2 year contract to deliver creative services. Selected from 18 agencies who tendered for the work, Thrive will provide brand development, advertising, digital marketing and event collateral.

Managing and Creative Director at Thrive, Dave Powell said, "We're

delighted to be working with Connecting Cheshire, and excited to be developing the Digital+ brand.

For ambitious organisations looking to grow, or start-ups who want to get the most from digital, this is a great initiative which offers measurable benefits – something we are keen to communicate through the Digital+ strategy."

The appointment follows a series of successful pitches for the agency in

2017, which has an enviable client roster including Iceland Foods, Manchester Metropolitan University and UHY Hacker Young.

Seminars are taking place in Chester,

Nantwich and Warrington. To find out more about Digital+ contact james. rowley@skillsandgrowth.co.uk or call 07866 158 593.

Make attractive savings in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ‘Summer Sale 2018’

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests attractive savings on over 40 ocean and river sailings from June to September 2018, in its new ‘Summer Sale 2018’, on all new bookings made from 11th April to 2nd July 2018 inclusive. Guests can save up £400 per person on ocean cruises, and up to £300 per person on Brabant river cruises. Special solo cruising offers are also available on selected sailings.

The itineraries featured in Fred.

Olsen's new ‘Summer Sale’ brochure are all offered on board its fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – along with 156-guest river cruise ship, Brabant. Sailings include all the firm favourites, from Norway and the Arctic, to scenic French river cruises and leisurely voyages along the Rhine, on a variety of durations.

The ocean cruises featured in Fred.

Olsen’s new ‘Summer Sale’ brochure depart from five convenient regional UK departure ports: Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Edinburgh (Rosyth).

Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Summer Sale’ offers a wide choice of unforgettable destinations to tempt guests, with departures from around the UK, so no

doubt there will be a cruise getaway to suit.

“Step aboard one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller, friendlier ocean-going ships – together with river vessel Brabant – and be whisked away to a range of remarkable destinations.

Lose yourself in the beauty of Norway’s stunning fjordland or seek out fascinating natural wonders in Greenland and Iceland. Head to the French region of Provence at the perfect time to see the famous lavender fields, or sail picturesque French rivers into charming cities.

Immerse yourself in the architectural highlights of the Baltic, or uncover Scotland’s unspoilt landscapes, remote islands and enchanting lochs: the choice is yours.”

Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Summer Sale’ brochure showcases the following example itineraries: - Boudicca’s nine-night D1811 ‘German Waterways with Kiel Week’ cruise, ex Dover on 21st June 2018.

Prices start from £999 per person, based on an Interior Room. Save up to £200 per person!

Combine stunning scenery and historic city highlights with the opportunity to experience the excitement of the world’s largest sailing event on this very special German Waterways cruise. Have the chance to take a tour to Lübeck from Travemünde; enjoy an extended stay in Hanseatic Hamburg; and glide along the Weser River straight to Bremen, all topped-off by a memorable sail of the Kiel Canal to Kiel, in time for the ‘Kieler Woche’ (‘Kiel Week’) extravaganza.

Ports of call: Dover, UK ‎– Kiel Canal Transit – Kiel, Germany – Travemünde, Germany – Kiel Canal Transit – Hamburg, Germany (overnight stay) – Cruising River Elbe – Cruising Weser River – Bremen, Germany – Dover, UK For more information: See 'German Waterways with Kiel Week' - Balmoral’s nine-night L1819 ‘Greatest Fjords of Norway’ cruise (adult-only), ex Edinburgh (Rosyth) on 12th July 2018. Prices start from £1,099 per person, based on an Interior Room. Save up to £200 per person!

This exquisite itinerary packs in nine of the ‘Top Ten’ fjords experiences, as voted by the Norwegian public in Fjord Norway’s 2013 survey. Experience scenic cruising of astonishing waterways, such as Hardangerfjord, Nordfjord, Geirangerfjord, Lysefjord and Nærøyfjord, thanks to Balmoral’s ability to divert from the usual sea

routes. Discover sights and highlights galore during your time ashore in picturesque Flåm, Olden, Bergen.

Ports of call: Edinburgh (Rosyth), UK – Cruising Lysefjord – Cruising Hardangerfjord – Cruising Maurangerfjord – Flåm, Norway – Cruising Naeroyfjord – Olden, Norway – Cruising Nordfjord – Cruising past Seven Sisters Waterfall – Hellesylt, Norway – Cruising Sunnylvsfjorden – Kristiansund, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Edinburgh (Rosyth), UK For more information: See 'Greatest Fjords of Norway' - Braemar’s 11-night M1820 ‘Islands & Cities of Scandinavia’ cruise, ex Southampton on 12th August 2018.

Prices start from £1,199 per person, based on an Interior Room. Save up to £400 per person!***Summer Sale Solo Cruising Offer’ – £1,279, for an ‘H’ Grade Interior Room.*** Escape to Scandinavia and experience the region’s wonderful diversity to the full, taking in remote islands and vibrant capital cities.

In Denmark, visit charming Rønne on the pretty island of Bornholm and cultural Copenhagen; while in Sweden, Braemar will guide you to Gotland Island and UNESCO-listed Visby, as well as stunning Stockholm.

Also enjoy scenic cruising of the spectacular Stockholm Archipelago and the Kiel Canal, as well as visiting Mariehamn in the Finnish Åland Islands.

Ports of call: Southampton, UK – Kiel Canal Transit – Rønne, Denmark – Visby, Sweden – Stockholm, Sweden – Cruising Stockholm Archipelago – Mariehamn, Finland – Copenhagen, Denmark –Southampton, UK For more information: See 'Islands & Cities of Scandinavia' - Black Watch’s seven-night W1820 ‘Lochs of Scotland’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 15th September 2018.

Prices start from £999 per person, based on an Ocean View Room. Save up to £250 per person!

Join Black Watch for an incredible exploration of the Scottish lochs: discover spellbinding scenery, remote towns, stunning natural wonders and a host of historic sites. Highlights include the chance to marvel at Eas a' Chual Aluinn, Britain’s highest waterfall, sail the picturesque lochs of Dunvegan and Broom, and go in search of the fabled Loch Ness Monster!

Ports of call: Liverpool, UK – Cruising Loch Dunvegan - Kirkwall, UK – Invergordon, UK – Ullapool, UK – Cruising Loch Broom – Tobermory,

Isle of Mull, UK – Cruising Sound of Mull – Cruising past Duart Castle – Greenock, UK – Liverpool, UK For more information: See 'Lochs of Scotland' - Brabant’s seven-night R1814 / R1818 / R1822 ‘Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley’ river cruise, ex London Heathrow on 5th July 2018 / 2nd August 2018 / 30th August 2018, via Düsseldorf, Germany, ending in Basel, Switzerland. Prices start from £1,299 per person, based on a Standard Room (fly-cruise package) / from £999 per person (cruise-only).

Save up to £300 per person!

This is Germany at its beautiful best.

See a medley of exquisite vineyards, forested hills, and picture-perfect historic towns, as stylish Brabant sails the Middle Moselle, Lower Moselle and Middle Rhine valleys.

Marvel at Cologne’s stunning cathedral, the half-timbered houses of Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem’s imposing Reichsburg Castle. There is also the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Strasbourg, before sailing through the Upper Rhine Valley and Grand Canal d’Alsace.

Ports of call: Düsseldorf, Germany – Cologne, Germany – Cruising Passage of Bonn – Remagen, Germany – Cruising Middle Moselle Valley – Bernkastel-Kues, Germany – Cochem, Germany - Cruising Lower Moselle Valley – Koblenz, Germany – Cruising the Middle Rhine Valley – Speyer, Germany – Strasbourg, France – Cruising Upper Rhine – Basel, Switzerland For more information: See R1814 'Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley' / R1818 - 'Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley' / R1822 - 'Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley' All prices shown above are based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded room, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port / airport taxes, flights and transfers, where applicable.

Guests can also choose to upgrade to Fred. Olsen’s ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for just £15 per person, per night on its ocean cruises, and for just £10 per person, per night for the ‘Dining Drinks Upgrade’ on Brabant’s river cruises.

For further information on Fred.

Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com. Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm), or visit an ABTA travel agent.

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Visit Scotland

Retrace Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger’s footsteps and journey through Edinburgh to the Highlands, immersing yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter through a four day tour.

DAY ONE: JK Rowling’s development of the wizarding world began in Edinburgh, so wander through the cobbled streets and winding alleys of the city’s Old Town to begin your adventure.

Visit the birthplaces of Harry’s adventures, The Elephant House and the Edinburgh Castle, and encourage your very own creative voice. JK Rowling’s handprints are set in stone at the Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile.

The Greyfriars Kirkyard is believed to be inspiration for the graveyard of Harry’s beloved and, as it’s only a short journey from The Elephant House, it has earned itself a spot on the whistle-stop tour.

JK Rowling spent her time wisely whilst she penned the final chapters of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by staying in The Balmoral Hotel.

Why not do the same?!

DAY TWO: Mimic the Hogwarts Express and witness beautiful views whilst on the train journey to Glasglow.

However, be warned: Death Easters boarded the train on the Rannoch Moor within Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. Trade your chocolate frogs on the train journey to Fort William; the train should take

just under four hours. Or, you could drive to the Bo'Ness Motor Museum where Ron Weasley's Ford Anglia can be seen, as well as many exotic owl species at the Scottish Owl Centre.

Use the accommodation search to find the perfect place for you to stay the night in Fort William!

DAY THREE:

Book a seat on the Jacobite Steam Train, which travels along the West Highland Line, and observe truly spectacular views. The steam train starred as the Hogwarts Express taking Harry from platform 9 ¾ all the way to Hogwarts. Take the very same journey as Harry and his friends over the magnificent Glenfinnan

Scotland’s events portfolio continues

to thrive with funding awarded to 12 events

• Twelve events from across 10 local authorities are to benefit from nearly £100,000 of funding from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate • Among them are five events receiving funding for the first time, including Cream o’ the Croft in Comrie Croft, Perthshire, and The Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival in Newburgh, Fife • The National Programme Fund plays an integral role in developing domestic tourism across Scotland by help grow the country’s diverse events portfolio Nearly £100,000 of funding has been awarded to 12 events and festivals across Scotland from the latest round of EventScotland’s National Programme Fund. Among them are Cream o’ the Croft and The Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival, two of five events and festivals receiving funding for the first time from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Taking place in June and August respectively, and organised by Muckmedden Ltd, the two familyfriendly mountain bike events offer more than just your average mountain bike festival. With something for everyone, including mountain bike racing, live music, gourmet food and drink, and wild camping, the two events are the perfect book ends to the summer. Both events have been awarded £5,000 each to enhance the PR and marketing support and activity around the event, including video production and online advertising.

Aaron Gray, Events Director at

Muckmedden Ltd, said: “We would like to sincerely thank EventScotland for their invaluable support with Cream o’ the Croft and The Eliminator. The generous funding we have been awarded will allow us to promote both of our familyfriendly festivals to all of the UK. The investment also gives us the freedom to significantly improve the quality of infrastructure and entertainment at both venues as we seek to attract not only mountain bikers, but young families and music festival-goers to Highland Perthshire and Fife.”

Also receiving funding is Bonfest, the three-day rock music festival that celebrates the life and music of the AC/DC legend Bon Scott. Held in his home town of Kirriemuir, and organised by Scottish charity DD8 Music, this is the third year the festival has received funding from EventScotland. Over that time the funding has helped the festival expand its offer and increase its attendance, with a record attendance of 6,000 from 27 countries turning out across the three days for last year’s festival. This year the festival has been awarded £9,332 towards increasing the capacity and quality of the campsite as well as for staging in Bellies Brae car park, next to the Bon Scott Statue, that will showcase young bands as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018.

Graham Galloway, DD8 Music Chairperson, said: "DD8 Music are delighted that Bonfest is being supported for the third year by the National Programme Fund. The fund has enabled the festival to

grow significantly over the past few years, and we would have found this very difficult to achieve without the help and support of EventScotland.

As a youth music charity, we are very excited to be one of the many amazing Year of Young People events happening all over Scotland, which are celebrating the talent and ambition of our upcoming generation."

The National Programme Fund supports the strategic development of events which occur outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, with the aim of driving tourism, delivering economic impact for local communities and generating media profile for Scotland. Since 2008, EventScotland has invested more than £3.9m into 363 events across the country. Building on existing event activities, extending marketing reach and enhancing the on-site food and drink offer are just some of the ways funding is put to use by events and festivals. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to be funding these 12 amazing events and festivals from the latest round of EventScotland’s National Programme Fund. Taking place across 10 local authorities between May and October, these events and festivals will bring real impact by attracting visitors and driving economic impact in their local area. “The National Programme Fund plays a vital role in maintaining Scotland’s reputation as the perfect stage for events and it is through events like these that we can ensure we continue to have a dynamic events portfolio that benefits everyone.”

Viaduct. Explore the small, lively harbour village in Mallaig and treat yourself to lunch!

DAY FOUR: Spend the final day wandering through some of the most beautiful scenic spots in the Highlands and feel the magical atmosphere. The short walking route at Steall Falls

is a popular choice as the waterfall is featured during the Triwizard Tournament within Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe was a filming location for Hagrid's Hut within Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The hut is no longer erected, however the landscape

remains the same! Take a welldeserved break and enjoy some food and refreshments.

Finally, you can take a trip to Loch Etive in Glen Etive – the place that Harry was dropped after escaping Gringott’s Bank! The surrounding glen is a fan favourite and is stunning.

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Take the family for a trip to the Brecon Beacons National Park whilst in Wales and enjoy a broad

assembly of attractions and activities!

STARGAZING: The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality skies throughout the whole of the UK which makes it a first choice for many to enjoy stargazing as the contrast of the stars against the beautiful dark sky allows for a truly brilliant stargazing experience. There are also many nocturnal animals that venture out in the night that you will be able to spot with your binoculars!

You may be able to spot some of the rarest creatures of the night such as barn owls, horseshoe bats, foxes, badgers, dormice, hedgehogs, moths and insects.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy beautiful views whilst cycling throughout the stunning scenery within the National Park and simultaneously participating in a healthy bout of exercise and spending plenty of time in the fresh air with family and friends. Bikes can be hired from the park where guests can enjoy a range of packages such as a modest one day bike ride to a complete set including equipment, accommodation, routes and guides.

A range of different terrains are available for guests to discover such as lanes and hillside tracks.

FISHING: Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a complete newbie, turn your hand to fishing at the National Park and experience fishing in rivers,

canals, lakes and reservoirs within The River Wye, The River Usk, Talybont Reservoir, Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, or the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. All participants are required to hold a Rod Licence.

HORSE RIDING: Horse lovers are also welcomed at the National Park as the stunning scenery spans over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing pub lunch whilst exploring as facilities also cater for the horses. Experience quality trekking, riding and hacking holidays, short rides and pony trekking.

GROUP ACTIVITIES: Experienced coordinators can help to create a package of activities including mental exercises or physical challenges for an afternoon of fun with your family and friends. Take advantage of the group activities at the Brecon Beacons National Park where a variety of activity sessions can be booked such as: water activities, i.e. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing, windsurfing; walking and riding, i.e. Hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking; nature and skills building, i.e. Navigation, bushcraft, wildlife-watching, archery, clay pigeon shooting as well as exploration activities, i.e. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, ropes and zip wires.

It is important to note that before partaking in outdoor activities, a thorough visit to the Brecon Beacons National Park’s website is recommend ensuring that all essential equipment can be obtained. Also, check the weather forecast to allow for proper preparation for the course of nature. Ensure family and friends are aware of your location and always take local advice about any natural hazards you might encounter. Contact a local guide, instructor or organised group and follow the Countryside Code and the Waterways Code.

A new way to discover the wonders of Welsh wildlife

Wales is one of the world’s best places to watch wildlife, if you know where - and when - to look. So we’ve teamed up with Wildlife Trusts Wales to create an interactive guide to help you explore Wales’ wonderful wildlife, whether it’s amazing ospreys, a feeding frenzy of red kites, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony, or the best place in Britain to see puffins and porpoises. Why not go for a relaxing stroll through an

enchanting Welsh rainforest carpeted in bluebells and daffodils? Or simply sit in a field full of orchids, or by a brilliant waterfall, and admire the view?

The magic isn’t just restricted to spring and summer – there are amazing wildlife displays in autumn and winter with seal pups aplenty, the return of thousands of birds to our estuaries, and wonderful autumnal woodland colours with

golds, bronzes and foxy reds. Wales has an abundance of wildlife hotspots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path for wildlife to, well, go wild in. Wales has it all – but knowing where to go is the key to unlocking its secrets. Wildlife of Wales helps visitors to explore Wales’s wonderful natural world

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Be Inspired to Go Wild at

our Bute Park Pop-up Garden

The Wildlife Trust debuts first ever Pop-Up Wildlife Garden in the Wildlife garden by Margaret Samuels Capital.

Did you know that there is more space managed as garden in the UK than all nature reserves put together?

Imagine what a difference we could make if everyone did something for wildlife in their gardens.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales are reaching out to Cardiff residents to encourage people to garden with wildlife in mind.

The Wildlife Trust’s ‘My Wild Cardiff’ project, funded with the generous support of the players of People's Postcode Lottery, is helping people around Cardiff welcome their wildlife neighbours into their gardens.

As part of the My Wild Cardiff project, The Wildlife Trust are creating a ‘Pop-up’ Wildlife Garden in Cardiff’s largest park. Designed by Shani Lawrence Garden Designs, the garden features a pond, a living lawn, a green roof and plenty of homes for wildlife. The temporary garden will serve to inspire visitors and give them ideas as to how they can improve their own gardens for wildlife.

Rose Revera, The Wildlife Trust’s People and Wildlife Officer who is running the My Wild Cardiff project, says “Anything that people can do in their gardens to create more habitat for wildlife in the area Creating a network of green areas them being confined to a single green educate and inspire people to help 7th August until Sunday 20th August, Come and visit us! For more will help species such as hedgehogs, will strengthen the populations that area with limited resources. We hope their wild neighbours.” The garden 10:30am – 6pm. Find us next to the information, contact Rose via 01656 bumblebees, butterflies and birds. are seriously struggling, rather than that our pop-up wildlife garden will will be open to visitors from Monday Summerhouse Café in Bute Park.

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The Gardens of North Wales Cycle

Trees planted to mark royal romances hundreds of years ago, and landscaped lawns and exotic guests. North Wales is famous for its gardens. From the National Ivy Collection to listed estates, here are a few places worth a visit.

Bodnant Garden Devotees of the Italianate vision will love Bodnant. Leading up to the Hall, the upper garden has five terraces, featuring brick paths, lily ponds, formal lawns and herbaceous plants. Below, trees and shrubs flank The Dell, passed by the River Hiraethlyn. Homegrown collections include Chinese, North American and Japanese plants.

Plas Newydd, Isle of Anglesey A touch of Aussie lushness on the Menai Strait, where this 18th century house – already the place for pristine

views of Snowdonia – is home to an Australasian arboretum, no less.

Elsewhere, there’s a spring garden, a summer terrace and colourful, massed hydrangeas to enjoy. The catkin garden is a highlight.

Plas Tan y Bwlch, Gwynedd Acres of wonderful gardens fill this research epicentre of the Snowdonia National Park. They include a water garden, a Japanese garden, a fern nursery, an azalea walk and a wildlife garden, all teeming with unusual exotic specimens. Valleys and woodlands surround this former home of an 18th century mansion.

The Great Orme, Llandudno This valley was dedicated to local residents by Lord Mostyn in 1887, and it offers splendid views of the town more than a century on. Take a sloping walk to the charming

landscaped gardens forming part of them, then lie back and relax under the ancient trees towering above.

Bodelwyddan Castle, Denbighshire There are 260 acres of parkland surrounding Bodelwyddan, and the formal garden, which is part of a site including a maze and woodland areas, was designed in 1910. The walls were the idea of 19th century baronet Sir John Hay Williams, who originally introduced many of the exotic plants here Grade I listed Ivy Collection Erddig is the place to find the National Ivy Collection, but there are also some extremely rare fruit trees within the hallowed grounds of one of the most important gardens in Britain.

Discover why William Eames’ late 18th century design has been deemed worthy of Grade I listing status.

Do you believe in love at FIR sight? You Will.

Invest in a holiday home or lodge at Fir Trees Caravan and Lodge Park on the edge of Chester and you will be transported to a place of serenity and tranquillity.

You’ll know you’ve made a good choice as soon as you enter the park in its countryside setting full of the sounds of nature.

It’s easy to imagine yourself relaxing on your veranda with a book, or simply taking in the

countryside air. You’ve discovered Chester’s best kept secret!

Fir Trees is located only 1.5 miles of Chester City Centre where you will find a wealth of amenities and facilities.

It’s also the ideal location for exploring North Wales - just a short drive from the area’s beautiful beaches and, for the more adventurous, all the outdoor activities that the region offers.

Owning a second home on a

prestigious five-star park like Fir Trees may seem like a dream, but with prices starting from £24,995, it can become a reality.

Fir Trees Caravan and Lodge Park has an 11-month holiday season making it possible to enjoy your holiday stays for longer and more often throughout the year For more information call 01244 398365 or visit www. firtreescaravanpark.com

Upgrade your lifestyle experience to a

holiday home in beautiful North Wales

Do you dream of owning a caravan holiday home in beautiful North Wales, with its luscious landscapes and captivating coastline? Or perhaps wish to upgrade to the very latest model? Roy Kellett Caravans want to help you do just that! Roy Kellett Caravans are inviting the general public to their 2017 Holiday Home Exhibition at their showground in Towyn to see the most up-to-date 2017 Caravan Holiday Homes from all the top manufacturers between Good Friday 14th of April until 23rd of April. Roy Kellett Caravan Distributors specialise in selling both beautifully sculptured and affordable holiday homes from the leading manufacturers onto privately owned caravan parks across all of North Wales and Cheshire.

The team at Roy Kellett Caravans are on hand when assisting you in making the decision of the right holiday home for you. Whether you’re after a new or preowned holiday home, or can’t decide against 2 or 3 bedrooms, the friendly staff at Roy Kellett Caravans will provide you with all the information and advice you

need to make that decision. New to ownership? Roy Kellett Caravans deal with 100’s of privately owned caravan parks across North Wales and Cheshire, from the Llyn Peninsula to the Wirral, with some park owners being at the exhibition themselves.

With park owners and staff at hand during the event, help is at hand to narrow down your park options before the next holiday season starts.

Finding you the perfect park which suits all your needs, in the most perfect location.

Roy Kellett Caravans can recommend the best parks suited to you, the area you prefer, your lifestyle, the activities you enjoy and your budget, offering you parks you never knew existed.

Roy Kellett Caravans 2017 Holiday Home Exhibition will take place over the 14th and 23rd April, where not only will the latest caravans be showcased from top manufacturers including; ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Regal, Swift and Willerby but there will be discounts on pre 2017 models!

Making sure there is something to suit all taste and budgets. Roy Kellett

Caravans, Sales Manager Jennifer Hughes, says ‘we have a wealth of knowledge and have been the leading suppliers of caravan holiday homes since 1965’, making Roy Kellett Caravans the perfect choice when looking to purchase a holiday home.

Hughes and the rest of the team are determined when looking to exceed a customer’s expectations and will do all they can to ‘offer customers with parks to suit their particular taste, budget and holiday style.’

Hughes prides herself on introducing customers to ‘parks you never knew existed’, finding hidden gems throughout North wales and Cheshire which tick all the boxes.

Head down to North Wales largest holiday home exhibition at Roy Kellett Caravan Showground in Towyn between the 14th and 23rd Aprtil to view all the latest releases from the biggest manufacturers in the industry and start the journey towards your dream holiday home.

For more information on buying a static caravan holiday home or the parks we deal with visit www. roykellettcaravans.com

across the new Brecon Beacons route

Brecon Beacons National Park, allowing visitors to take in even more of the beautiful scenery in the area. It spans all the way from Llandeilo in the west to Abergavenny in the east.

The route is divided into five sections, leading cyclists alongside a Roman road with panoramic views of the Central Beacons, gentle country lanes and a pretty tow path.

Section 1: Llandeilo to Talsarn This 13-mile journey winds through the side streets of Llandeilo town before crossing the river Towy. From here, there's a climb towards Trapp that lets users take in great views of the Towy Valley and the Black Mountains, plus a steep descent and climb either side of Pont Newydd. It's better suited for experienced cyclists who like a challenge rather than novices and families, but the views will be worth it!

Section 2: Talsarn to Sennybridge Also for confident cyclists,this 11mile section begins with open views over fields that expand into a stunning exposed area near the Roman Camp.

Continuing east through a forest with Usk reservoir to the north, the path then undulates into the army town of Sennybridge.

Section 3: Sennybridge to Brecon This 9-mile route along the north of the River Usk, is a lovely stretch for those used to road cycling. The hedge-bound route along country roads gently rises and falls, providing great views of the Brecon Beacons.

Section 4: Brecon to Llangattock/ Crickhowell This 15-mile part of the journey can be used to get to Llangattock and Crickhowell. It leaves Brecon on the towpath that runs alongside the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal,

then passes though the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk. From here, there's a climb up and over the Ashford canal tunnel and onwards to Llangynidr, crossing the canal a few times before passing the site of the famous Green Man Festival and the villages of Dardy and Llangattock.

Alternatively, you can just stick to the family-friendly towpath as long as your bike can handle the varied road surface.

Section 5: Llangattock/Crickhowell to Abergavenny For this 8-mile section, follow the towpath until Govilon Wharf, from which there is a route to the heart of Abergavenny. It's family friendly up to the village of Llanfoist, just outside of Abergavenny.

If you fancy dipping in to any part of these routes, tweet or Instagram us your pics with #Findyourepic

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Go Wild at Walby during the May Lancashire libraries Half Term. (Sat 26 May Sun 3 June) take part in Mental

Pull on your wellies and take a walk to the nature trail, where you will discover the Creature Creek! Join our outdoor Explorer and ‘Expert’ Kerry Nutkins for Pond dipping sessions at Creature Creek and see what you can discover lurking under the water at Walby!

The Ugly Bug Trail is on daily, located around the Farm Park you’ll need to find and record all the Ugly bugs, this is seriously good family fun, however we are counting on you to find the bugs, so they don’t interfere with the Professors invention!

Professor Wilbur Walby will be here to retune TBC (The Big Computer), as

we think it has caught ‘bugs’. Wilbur Walby had a real job at Easter trying to unscramble the eggs from around the farm and this time his wonderful invention is really playing up! Shows taking place each day throughout the holidays.

Have you ever sat in a Fire engine or tried on a policeman’s hat? Here at Walby we are celebrating Emergency Services Day on Wed 30 May, where we will be joined by the Police Dog handlers, Blood bikes, The Fire Brigade and Police. (emergency call outs permitting) Join in the informative talk sessions and have a sit on the blood bikes, meet the

Police Dogs and listen out for the sound of the emergency siren.

So much to do, you’ll need all day…

New Go Karts, Trampolines, Dig and play, Cheer on the Goat Racing, Meet the Rabbits, Meet the Guinea Pigs, budding farmers are invited to help us with the Lamb and Goat bottle feeding.

A huge indoor soft play and lots of outdoor space Walby Farm Park is a great day out for all the family.

Walby Farm Park is easily reached from Junc 44 of the M6 and located just outside Carlisle. The Farm Park lies in the Solway basin, a mile away from the River Eden and is built on top of the line of Hadrian’s wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open Daily 10am-6pm To pre-book tickets and SAVE online www.walbyfarmpark.co.uk 01228 573056

Health Awareness Week

Lancashire libraries and two local further education colleges will be working in partnership to promote Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday 14 May to Sunday 20 May. The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is stress and how we’re coping with it.

Activities in Lancashire will focus on the mental health of young people.

Students from Preston's College and Cardinal Newman College have been creating art pieces over the last few months. The work they have produced, based on their personal reviews of the Reading Well Books for Young People, will be exhibited during the week.

The first event, displaying the work of Preston's College students, will be held on Tuesday 15 May at 2.30pm at The Harris, in Preston.

Cardinal Newman College students will then exhibit their work on Friday 18 May at 11am, also at The Harris, Preston. The selection of Reading Well books in libraries includes collections of self-help books chosen by health professionals, covering common mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders and self-harm. The books are suitable for adults, children and their carers.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "I'm pleased that we are taking part in this national week. It is important that everyone can access appropriate information about mental health and wellbeing, and it is also vital to recognise that there are things we can do to promote our own wellbeing and increase our resilience.

"This gives us a great opportunity to focus on the range of information, guidance and support to help young people.

"I'm sure that we all know what it’s like to feel stressed.

But when you’re overwhelmed by stress it may lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse, especially for a younger person.

"Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 is a great time to think about how we can all address the causes of stress, and help to cope with it.

"I hope that people go along to The Harris to take a look at the work of the young people, and also call in at a library and see the range of information that is available."

You can call in at your local library to find out more and take a look at the resources that are available.

Anyone who lives or works in Lancashire can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person.

Membership is free and there are no age restrictions.

More information about Reading Well Books on Prescription is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/ libraries-and-archives/libraries/reading-for-health For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mentalhealth-awareness-week More information about Lancashire libraries is available at http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries www.lancashire. gov.uk/libraries, or by calling 0300 123 6703.

Historic railway officially launches

significant new steam locomotive

This weekend The Ravenglass Preservation Society are delighted to locomotive Whillan Beck. In service capable of handling the busiest of look forward to the locomotive continuing as a significant new and Eskdale Railway Preservation be formally launching and naming on the railway since March, it has trains on the railway; a remarkable delivering reliable service to the attraction for the railway."

Society will officially launch their their magnificent new Krauss steam already proven itself to be more than feat after 85 years stored in Spain. We railway for decades to come and newest addition to join the historic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway visitor attraction on the West Coast of Cumbria.

The magnificent new Krauss steam locomotive formerly known as ‘The Train from Spain’ will be officially named ‘Whillan Beck’ at a special naming ceremony at 12 noon on Saturday 5 May. During the ceremony the dedicated team who have worked tirelessly to get Whillan Beck into service will be thanked and celebrated. The locomotive has been in service since March at Ravenglass but the first public train after the official naming ceremony will depart Ravenglass at 15.10 on Saturday 5 May. The new addition to The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway would not have been possible without the innovative fundraising initiative ‘The Train from Spain Appeal’.

The locomotive was brought from Spain, where it has had a chequered history from its build in 1929.

Extensive works were carried out over two years to bring the locomotive into working order.

Mr Sam Dixon, Hon. Chairman for The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society says; "Fifty years after introducing their steam locomotive River Mite to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, the

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From garden shows to private art lessons: make an escape with Maritim Hotels, Germany

Now that the sun is out and the temperatures are starting to rise, it’s time to make the most of the great outdoors. Maritim Hotels’ latest range of packages and activities across its properties in Germany will

enable guests to enjoy a wide range of unique experiences.

Green fingers in Wurzburg From April to October 2018, northern Bavaria will showcase one of Europe’s largest contemporary international

garden design, landscape architecture and green urban lifestyle festivals.

Set on 95 hectares, the Horticultural Show will feature numerous themed gardens, including play and adventure areas. It will also examine the latest nature and gardening trends, as well as new urban gardening and mobility methods. A dedicated exhibition will lead visitors through the region’s multifaceted and diverse agriculture history.

For green fingered guests, the Maritim Hotel Würzburg has the perfect package. In addition to a one-day pass to the garden festival, visitors can enjoy a complimentary glass of local Mainmuehlenschoppen wine and three sausages on the nearby Mainbrueke bridge, which offers breath-taking views of the city.

After a day exploring the garden show, guests can unwind at the hotel, which is situated on the banks of the river Main and features 287 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Facilities include an exclusive fitness area, swimming pool, sauna and saunarium.

For a hearty start to the day, guests can enjoy Maritim’s signature lavish breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, complete with terrace view of the Marienberg Fortress.

The hotel’s renowned “Viaggio” Restaurant” offers authentic regional dishes. After a day exploring the horticultural show, guests can unwind with a drink at hotel’s Franconian Wine bar or at the ‘Mainhattan’’ bar famed for its wide range of rare

wines, signature cocktails and vintage whiskies.

The package is available from 1 April to 7 October 2018. Prices begin from €204 for two nights’ accommodation in a single room, along with Maritim’s signature breakfast buffet. For more information, please call +49 (0) 391 3053-0 or email: info.wur@maritim. com.

Munching through Munich As part of hotel’s famed ‘Taste’ event, held several times a year, foodies at the Maritim Hotel München will be spoiled with a unique blend of gastronomy, fine wines and a programme of extravagant

entertainment. On 23 June 2018, guests at the interactive “Dolce Vita 43” event can prepare Mediterranean specialities themselves by hand, accompanied by top quality liquors.

The newly renovated hotel, which is ideally located between the city’s main railway station (the site of the Oktoberfest) and Stachus square, has 347 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Hotel facilities include a panorama rooftop pool, which offers stunning views of the city centre and the historic Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). Additional features include a fitness area, while a sauna and steam bath offer the perfect

opportunity for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy Maritim’s signature lavish breakfast at the‘‘Rötisserie’’ Restaurant, which includes a wide range of hot and cold seasonal produce, including sparkling wine and fresh smoked salmon, while the hotel’s renowned ‘‘Wintergarten Restaurant’’ offers regional and international specialities for lunch and dinner. In the hotel’s beer garden, visitors can experience a taste of Bavarian culture, with a refreshing glass of local beer (Maß) and sampling platter, the adjacent Pianorbar, famed for its cocktails and rare whiskies.

The Mediterranean summer extravaganza costs €105 per person, accommodation is not included. For more information, please call +49 (0) 89 55235-0 or email: taste@maritim. com.

Learn to paint with the artist himself Budding artists can test their creative skills during Art Week at the Maritim Hotel Kaiserhorf Heringsdorf. With expert instruction by acclaimed artist Bern Maro at the hotel’s fully equipped studio, the package is available from 1 October and 2 November 2018 and includes seven nights’ accommodation in a Classic Plus room including Maritim’s signature breakfast buffet, seven evening meals as part of the half-board plan, art materials and complimentary use of the swimming pools.

With picturesque views of the Baltic sea and its white, sandy shores, the designer hotel offers budding artists plenty of inspiration in addition to its 143 rooms and suites. Set

amongst exotic palm trees, guests at “Palmengarten” restaurant, can sample a wide range of freshly caught fish and mouth watering dishes. For bibliophiles, the hotel’s comprehensive library houses over 5,000 books, while the exclusive “Vitalgarten” wellness facility offers

countless opportunities for pampering with a lengthy list of holistic health and beauty treatments. Prices start at €545 for a single room. Private art lessons by Bern Maro are available on request.For more information, please call +49 (0) 38378 65-0 or email: info.her@maritim.com.

Join a walk with a

Lake District expert With record numbers of visitors set to head to the Lake District this year, a team of seasoned walkers who guide groups across the landscape are dusting off their walking boots ready for the first guided walk of the year this weekend.

People take to the hundreds of routes around the Lake District year-afteryear, exploring mountains, fells, tarns, caves and lakes, but not all are confident enough to navigate their way through unknown territory.

In a bid to make the landscape accessible to visitors and encourage those with varying levels of experience to explore the Lake District, the National Park Authority recruits a group of expert volunteers to lead guided walks each year.

Beth Kennedy, Volunteer Team Leader at Lake District National Park said: “A guided walk gives visitors the opportunity to be led through the Lakes by a real expert with years of experience hiking across these hills. They can leave their map and compass at home and relax knowing they’re in safe hands!

“Locals also enjoy exploring the Lake District in this way as it’s a really sociable way to get outdoors. It doesn’t matter what level of walking experience you have, there are routes for all abilities.”

The Lake District, which boasts peaks topping 900 metres, lakes stretching for miles, 13 valleys and more than 200 fell tops, attracts more than 18 million visitors each year.

A new schedule of walks for 2018 will set-off this Sunday with a guided route of ‘Hills, Gills and Falls’ in Coniston, and multiple routes per month will follow until the end of October. Guided tours even include hikes to the summit of world-famous peaks Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, which was this year voted Britain’s favourite walk.

Beth Kennedy added: “We have a fantastic, dedicated and experienced team of volunteers who are extremely passionate about the Lake District.

They guide more than 2,500 walkers

each year and they couldn’t be more excited to pull on their walking boots and kick-start a new season.”

Lake District National Park volunteer walk leader, Tricia Brown, said: “Our guided walks are categorised by ‘easy’, ‘moderate’ and ‘hard’ to be suitable for a range of ages and levels of experience; from people looking for a gentle amble to those seeking an adventurous hike.

You could find yourself exploring ancient caves, staring up at wild waterfalls, exploring historical houses or of course looking onto the beautiful lakes.”

Prices to join a guided walk vary from free to £10 and all proceeds are put straight back in to protecting the Lake District National Park. To see the full schedule and book your place visit: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/the-blog/blogposts/slipped-up-planning-your-route

Don't Miss Bowland's

Spring Wildlife Events!

Whilst the weather might not have made up its mind completely yet, there's a definite feeling of spring in the air, so what better time to go on the lookout for Bowland's wildlife highlights? not join the RSPB for the first moorland walk of the season on Saturday14th April from Slaidburn and see how many upland birds you can spot? If you can’t make that date there will be another chance on the 28th.

Wyre Coast and Countryside Service will be heading off on a Tramper Trek from Claughton looking for lapwings and hares on the morning of the 21st and walkers too are very welcome. If you have a pair of binoculars make sure you pack them.

Also on the 21st, this time in the afternoon, is a ramble by the River Hodder in Newton – a great spot to look for wildflowers, birds and insects.

Back over to Wyre for an evening whimbrel watch on Wednesday 25th to catch a sight of these beautiful birds as they come in to roost and then a Sunday morning walk to search for snipes and hares around Bleasdale on the 29th.

Saturday 5th May has a choice of two events: a springtime wander

around Garstang and Barnacre in the morning, or a journey into the Langden valley looking for the beautiful Green Hairstreak butterfly and amazing Emperor moth in the afternoon.

We’ll be celebrating International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 6th May with an early start in Whitendale

followed by a well-earned hot breakfast at the café in Dunsop Bridge. If 5.30am is a little too early then a springtime walk around Nicky Nook near Scorton from 10am might just do the trick. Enthusiasts might even be able to make the first of this year’s bluebell tea walks over in Calder Vale that afternoon as well!

Full event information and booking details are available on the Forest of Bowland AONB website at www. forestofbowland.com/Festival-Bowland-Events

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There’s more to

Lancashire than hotpot!

Discover the diversity of Lancashire's food and drink on a visit to this scenic county and you won't be disappointed.

Dine on succulent seafood in

Morecambe Bay, purchase awardwinning sausages in Clitheroe's famous sausage shop and find local produce at farmers markets and farm

shops. Indulge in a gourmet feast of food and drink in Lancashire’s highly acclaimed restaurants, relax in cosy pubs.

What could be more appealing than a piping hot pot of tea accompanied by a slab of chocolate cake in a café or tea room?

You can always be confident in finding quality.

Food is now one of the nation's favourite pastimes and as the

Ribble Valley has some of the finest producers and restaurateurs in the country.

The recipe for traditional Lancashire cheese known as Creamy & Tasty is unique in Britain in that it blends the curds from different milkings which creates a cheese with depth of flavour, added complexity and a texture that gives an ideal melting consistency.

Crumbly Lancashire is the most recent addition to the family of Lancashire cheeses.

It was created in the 1960s as a lighter more acidic cheese and, unlike Creamy and Tasty, is made from the curds of one day's milking. Farmers Markets have grown in popularity over the past few years, and are noted for the quality of their fine locally produced stock, cheeses and meat products.

Lancashire's farm shops sell local produce which often has been grown, picked, reared or made on the farm where the farm shop is located.

Discover the delights of Lancashire's food at one of Lancashire's many exciting food festivals and events throughout the year. Coupled with visits to some of the most scenic countryside in the UK Lancashire has a fine feast to offer.

Dine in our out, relax and enjoy!

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