LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR 10th ULLSWATER OUTDOOR FEST 2016
The line up for the Ullswater Outdoor Fest has been announced. Now in its 10th year, the 2016 festival runs from Sat 24 September – Sun 2 October. It promises nine days of guided walks, outdoor adventure and experiences, films and talks that celebrate the great outdoors in general and Ullswater in particular.
As ever, the backbone of the Ullswater Outdoor Festival is the Guided Walks by the Lake District National Park Rangers. The voluntary rangers have walked the hills for years and know the area, the people and the history like the back of their hand. Join one of their free guided walks and discover great new places, learn all about the natural history and get an expert insight into the Ullswater Valley. In 2016 there are a total of 18 guided walks along with a range of other activities and events at various locations in and around the valley.
Belinda Turnbull, Volunteer Led Activity Coordinator for the Lake District National Park commented:
“The Lake District National Park is delighted to be supporting the Ullswater Outdoor Festival again this year. Our knowledgeable and passionate volunteer walk leaders are ready to show you the breath-taking beauty of this iconic valley. There’s a variety of walks available, from the easy Wordsworth walk to classic high fell hikes including Helvellyn and St Sunday Crag. We’ve also teamed up with Ullswater Steamers to offer some stunning walks using the boats. There’s a special boat fare of just £1 with these walks too. The Lake District is also currently bidding for World Heritage Status. Our walk routes have been chosen to show people why we think this spectacular landscape deserves this global recognition.”
Guided walks aside, 11 local tourism businesses in the valley have pulled together to offer locals and visitors a range of activities and events to suit an array of interest and abilities.
From Swallows and Amazons on Rheged’s IMAX-style cinema screen to swallows and amazons’ sailing taster sessions, guided photography walks to Nic’s Nordic Walks and live music at Inn on the Lake to paddleboarding and canoe adventures on Ullswater, there are plenty of reasons to get involved later in September.
Newcomer to the festival, the Ullswater Association and owner of Nic’s Nordic Walks, Nic Merritt commented:
“Joining and becoming part of a larger group of businesses in the Ullswater Valley has been a great support, not only in helping to build my new business, but also to raise awareness for our beloved Ullswater Valley. I really hope the Ullswater Outdoor Fest will encourage more people to gather from near and far in our valley, giving the opportunity to meet other likeminded folk and joining together in activities and events supporting the Ullswater Valley. My children are the 5th generation to live in the valley and building something which means we can work and live here and use landscape around u, is so important to my family and I. Tourism has enabled different parts of the valley to stay economically viable and support from other Ullswater Association businesses has been a key thing for me.”
The Ullswater Outdoor Fest runs from Sat 24 September – Sun 2 October at various locations all over the valley. To see the full festival line-up including details of how to book the activities and events on offer, visit www.ullswater-outdoor.com