Archive for July, 2010

Group urges walkers to help Nevis maintenance project

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 30-07-2010

People who like to go walking in the Lake District might want to respond to a
plea from a group hoping to redevelop several highland rambling
trails.

Friends of Nevis has appealed to all walking enthusiasts to help
them in their efforts to maintain and repair some of the trails
found on and around Britain’s highest mountain over the weekend of
August 13th to 16th, according to Grough.

The organisation – which was set up in February 2008 and seeks
to give as many individuals and organisations as is possible the
opportunity to support one of the UK’s most iconic walking
destinations – has coincided its event with the John Muir Trust’s
litter picking activity.

A spokesperson for the group told the news source that the main
area it is targeting for this project will be “below Lochan Meall
and t-Suidhe” as it wants to get to a stage whereby all sections of
this track have been “checked and maintained by our volunteers
during 2010″.
 

Brancaster Staithe ‘is a great all-year-round walking trail’

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 29-07-2010

People who enjoy walking in the Peak District and other rambling hotspots across the UK might like to check out what Norfolk’s Brancaster Staithe harbour has to offer, an expert has said.

According to coastal warden Keith Miller, who was speaking to the Daily Telegraph, this trail is an essential route for all walking enthusiasts to take at some point as it is an ideal location for a stroll at any time of the year.

Mr Miller stated that "the delicate little terns fishing just off the quay" could be one of the many great sights to view during the walk – which is around six kilometres long – over the coming months.

However, the warden went on to say that his favourite time to walk the route is "the middle of winter", when views are unrestricted by leaves on the trees.

Meanwhile, ranger Lorna Sherrif told the publication recently that Devon’s Wembury Point is an excellent spot for a hike all-year-round.

Boy helps save grandfather after Lake District fall

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 28-07-2010

A ten-year-old boy who was walking in the Lake District with his grandfather has helped save his injured family member by guiding rescue teams to him following a fall.

Grough reports that the child and his grandfather were taking the walking route towards Ennerdale from nearby Wasdale but the elder member of the party encountered trouble along the way and fell near the top of Haycock.

The pair – who hail from London – were staying at a local hostel for their trip and the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was notified by staff there when they failed to return later that day.

The grandfather had slipped due to damp conditions on the rambling trails and was unable to walk but his younger relation trekked some three miles in order to try to get help for the injured man.

He then gave the rescuers directions, by which the male was discovered and taken to hospital.

Meanwhile, it was revealed recently that the police are to get involved in order to clampdown on the number of wild campers using certain restricted areas of the Lake District national park at weekends.

Wild campers ‘causing problems in Lake District’

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 27-07-2010

People who enjoy walking in the Lake District might be interested to note that police are currently looking to combat the issue of wild campers in the area’s Duddon Valley.

The authorities have been receiving complaints about the amount of litter and human waste being disposed of in the Ulpha Bridge and Ulpha Flats regions of the national park as people flock to the beauty spots to picnic and camp out every weekend.

And this, according to Lake District national park ranger Chris Berry, is now causing a "very worrying situation", meaning that the police are having to get involved in order to try to stamp out the problem.

He explained that the area had been visited for generations, but expressed his concern that people are now not heeding the ‘no camping’ signs there.

Meanwhile, a group of volunteers who helped maintain several walking trails in the Lake District were given a cash reward at the Marsh Heritage Awards last week, Grough reported.

Devon’s Wembury Point ‘ideal for walkers all-year-round’

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 26-07-2010

People who enjoy walking in the New Forest and other rambling hotspots across the country may like to check out the Wembury Point trail in southern Devon.

That is the view of Lorna Sherriff, a south Devon coast and countryside ranger who, while speaking to the Daily Telegraph, indicated her belief that the area offers a superb option for fans of walking and history all-year-round.

According to Ms Sherriff, Wembury Point’s "fascinating recent history" is a big attraction for visitors of all ages, as it was used as a naval gunnery school up until 2001 and has since been redeveloped by the National Trust.

"The views here are wonderful too. From Gara Point over to Noss Mayo, the Yealm Estuary, the Mewstone, Plymouth Breakwater and onto Rame Head," she added.

The ranger also advised visitors to bring some binoculars with them in order not to miss out on seeing wildlife such as dolphins on this coastal trail.

Meanwhile, Grough reported last week that people completing the Get Qualified NW Project in various outdoor disciplines could be rewarded with a cash bonus of up to £300.

The Peak District could be much more than a walking destination

Filed under Feature Walks by Heidi on 26-07-2010

The Peak District may also be ideal for holidays, as well as top class walking breaks.

Walking in the Peak District has long been one of many British ramblers’ favourite activities as the area offers some of the country’s best and most breathtaking natural scenery.

Situated in the centre of England, the Peak District was, according to its official tourism website, the first region in the UK to be granted National Park status. And it is clear when you visit the area that this award was not given out lightly, as its dramatic moorland and picturesque, rolling hills are enough to impress anybody.

However, despite its well-earned reputation as one of the leading destinations for ramblers of all ages and abilities across the country due to its wide range of different paths and trails of all difficulties, the Peak District could also be an ideal place to visit for a family holiday at any time of year.

“With a fascinating historical and cultural heritage, this unique and diverse region is home to some of the country’s finest stately homes [and] enchanting market towns,” the web page continued, meaning that the region may have something to keep everyone content and amused during a holiday there.

Any taste, budget and interest is catered for in this tourist hub at the heart of the country, which means that it could be ideal for breaks ranging from romantic getaways to fun family holidays.

For example, people who are interested in the history of the region might like to visit Derby’s Silk Mill, which is the city’s museum of industry and history and is renowned as the origin of the country’s Industrial Revolution, which changed the face of manufacturing and business across the globe in the 19th century.

The Heage Windmill could also be another unmissable attraction as the sight of it is like taking a trip down memory lane due to its status as the country’s only remaining stone towered windmill.

Castles are a prevalent attraction in the Peak District, with Bolsover Castle – which is owned by the English Heritage organisation – providing re-enactments of battles and jousts between knights for the entertainment of visitors.

For those tourists who prefer more contemporary activities, nearby urban areas and conurbations such as Derby, Buxton, Matlock Bath and Ashbourne could be perfect alternatives while the history buffs among the party soak up sights such as the Bolsover Castle.

Meanwhile, any children – or adults who are simply young at heart – seeking an adrenaline rush and a fun day out might appreciate a trip to the country’s largest theme park, Alton Towers, which is also near to the Peak District.

And walkers who might want to diversify somewhat from a normal walk around the green open spaces of one of Britain’s most renowned rambling destinations may be interested to note that there are a number of official trails that take in some of the region’s towns.

These paths offer something a bit different to just walking in the countryside and trails through locations such as Derby, Swadlincote, Bakewell and Castleton give visitors the chance to see the Peak District from a different angle.