Wasdale News Archive

Welcome to the new News section on the WasdaleWeb. I intend to use this section to report on activities news and events as and when they arise. If you have a Wasdale-related news story please email them to us on

severe weather warning for Cumbria predicting heavy rain and gusts of wind up to 60mph.

High winds have already caused trees to fall over in Ingleton and Clapham, blocking roads.

29 November 2006: Police announce Christmas campaign

Police will be out in force during the Christmas and New Year party season to rigorously enforce the drink drive laws by targeting drivers they believe are under the influence of drink or drugs.

Operation Abolish 3 commences on December 1^st and will continue through to January 1^st.

It will also incorporate the Traffic Information Systems Police European Alcohol and Drug Enforcement Campaign that will run from the 18^th to 24^th December.

The campaign’s intention is to reinforce the message that driving under the influence of drink or drugs will not be tolerated and officers will be robust in dealing with defenders.

29 November 2006; Operation Christmas tree in place

Foresters at Grizedale have launched ‘Operation Christmas Tree’ to ensure that some of the regions landmarks and civic venues receive an extra touch of festive sparkle.

The Forestry Commission in the North West are carrying out the operation to fulfil orders in time for the seasonal celebration.
They will also be selling a range of more modestly sized trees at its visitor centres across the region and will give the best advice on the best tree to buy and how to care for it.
For more information on where to buy real Christmas trees visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland

29 November 2006: Deer poaching on the increase

Wildlife Groups across the region have joined forces with the Police to tackle a sharp rise in deer poaching.

The increase is thought to be driven by demand for Christmas Venison and the North West British Deer Campaign Group claims the situation is putting the areas Deer Population under increased pressure.
Despite Poachers facing fines of up to £5,000 if they are caught, carcases are being sold for a little as £150 each.

A special partnership between Cumbria County Council and Skelwith Parish Council and several local agencies teamed up, to commission renowned Furness Architectural Metal worker Chris Brammall to create a bridge to span the River Brathay at Skelwith, near Ambleside.

29 November 2006: LDNPA chief exec stands down

After 8 and a half years, Paul Tiplady has stood down as the Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority.

During his time in office, Mr Tiplady dealt with many difficult and varied issues and helped to put in place the measures needed to make the Authority fit for purpose in the 21^st century.
He said he believed it was now time, for a fresh face to take the Authority forward.
The Authority recognises the changed circumstances brought about by Mr Tiplady’s retirement and has advised Mr Steve Gallagher, that his management report commissioned by the Authority is no longer required.

29 November 2006: First fair-trade year

Cumbria County Council is celebrating its first anniversary of setting out to become a Fairtrade County with a new exhibition to be shown in libraries and other public buildings across the county.

Cumbria: Beacon of Fairtrade features panels highlighting the take-up of Fairtrade in Cumbria and explaining what Fairtrade is.
More information about Fairtrade in Cumbria can be found on www.cumbriafairtrade.org.uk – the newly launched website of Cumbria Fair Trade Network.
The network is also helping to build grassroots support for the Fairtrade cause in the county.

29 November 2006: Death by frying pan

A manuscript unearthed in Cumbria's archives has painted a vivid picture of murder, mayhem and misadventure in one 17th Century parish.

Deadly duels fought with frying pans, and drunken brawls waged with beer jugs claimed lives in the west county parish of Lamplugh between 1656 and 1663.

The record was uncovered by staff at the Cumbria Record Office and Local Studies Library, in Whitehaven.

It is being used to promote the national Archive Awareness Campaign.

The record also reveals how three women were drowned after being accused of being witches, and four people were scared to death by fairies.

Other peculiar deaths listed in the document include death by gluttony at a party and being attacked by the parson's bull.

But not all residents suffered such surprising ends - 57 residents died of traditional old age.

Anne Rowe, county archivist of the Cumbria Archive Service, said: "It's great to unearth a document like this in our collection and gives people a chance to discover a more quirky side to history.

"I'm not sure whether to attribute this list to our ancestors' superstitions or just their sense of humour!

"These were insecure social times and many folk in the 17th Century would have been scared of fairies with many a natural death being put down to the 'evil witchcraft' of a harmless old widow."

Throughout autumn there are hundreds of events talking place in archives across the UK to promote the nation's collections.

29 November 2006: New trails season announced

Following the success of the Lakeland Trails 2006 season, organisers are encouraging participants to sign up soon for the 2007 events.

Lakeland Trails 2007 event dates and locations include: 28/04/07 - Hawkshead; 03/06/07 - Garburn (Staveley to Windermere); 01/09/07 - Derwentwater (Keswick); 06/10/07 - Coniston.

The Lakeland Trails were recently awarded a grant by Cumbria Vision to help develop the events to an International standard. This will enable the events to be marketed in Europe, attracting more international visitors to the region.

Entries for the Lakeland Trails 2007 series opened a few weeks ago, and over 200 entries have already been received. The events are all expected to sell out again well ahead of schedule, and the organisers are encouraging people to enter well in advance to avoid disappointment.

All the Lakeland Trails follow a similar format - a "Challenge" for faster walkers and less competitive runners sets off first, then a "Nordic Walking Challenge" for the dedicated Nordic walker. The "Trail Race" for competitive runners sets off an hour or more later.

More information, including slide shows of the courses and online entry can be found on the website www.trailrunning.co.uk

29 November 2006 :Blood needed !

DESCENDANTS of the Border Reivers are being asked to donate blood samples to help an innovative new research project.
Newcastle University is calling on people with surnames like Armstrong, Fenwick, Burn or Robson to take part in the groundbreaking project, which aims to find out if people’s family surname can signals their genetic makeup.
Potential volunteers are being asked to attend the Northumberland and Border History Fair in Hexham on December 2 to donate blood.
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm at the Wentworth Leisure Centre.
Some of the early findings will be shown on a Channel 4 television show about the People of the British Isles project, which will be aired in the New Year.
For more information contact Dr Alix Groom on 0191 241 8837 or alix.groom@ncl.ac.uk.

23 November 2006 : Parish Boundaries discussed

It’s nearly five years since we started campaigning for Wasdale’s Parish Boundaries to be moved outwards so that the whole of the valley is included within the Parish. At the moment Wasdale Head Hall Farm is in Eskdale Parish, which doesn’t make a lot of sense; and Easthwaite Farm and other properties south of the River Irt are in Irton-with-Santon Parish. David Killick, our Parish Clerk, has been pestering the Powers That Be to make changes, and he has received a letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government saying “the likely date for the implementation of any order in this case is 1^st April 2008”!

22 November 2006: Worlds Biggest liar won by a Celebraty !

TV and radio star Sue Perkins has been named World's Biggest Liar in the annual fibbing championship.
Sue won the hundred-year-old contest in Wasdale after telling an unlikely tale of sheep in the valley 'breaking wind' and causing a hole in the ozone layer.
The judges - who included Copeland mayor Willis Metherell - unusually awarded the title to a woman. And a woman who lives outside the county.
But although there were one or two voices of dissent from the 200-strong crowd at The Bridge Inn, most applauded the choice recognising Sue had done her homework and kept true to the spirit of the competition.

21 November 2006 : CARRY on feeding the birds — that’s official.
Copeland Council has backed down over its threat to take people to court if they continued to feed the bird life on Whitehaven harbour.
A council spokesman said yesterday there would be no ban and that if harbour users wished to continue feeding birds they could do so without any risk of being fined.
The council had planned to introduce the ban under a new neighbourhood environment act designed to keep public places clean and tidy.

21 November 2006: Low Newton bypass road works change

Work on the £35.3m High and Low Newton bypass has entered a new phase, as work has began on a bridge to carry the new road over Cartmel Lane.

Part of the new Cartmel Lane junction with the A590 at Low Newton is now complete and all traffic will use this during the new phase, which will last for six months.
The High and Low Newton bypass will take 90% of traffic out of the villages and restore them to their traditional Lakeland setting, reducing noise, dust and fumes.

20 November 2006 : Another MRT incident

Another walker has fallen from Striding Edge on Helvellyn.

The 25 year old Ukranian, who is a student at Lancaster University , is recovering in hospital after falling 200ft in the snow from the notorious ridge.
After being examined by a Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team doctor, he was taken to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle with a head injury.
Striding Edge is regarded as one of the Lake District ’s most hazardous ridges

20 November 2006: Cumbria votes for World Heritage site

Cumbria County Council has voted to back a bid to make the Lake District a World Heritage Site.

Members voted 42 to 25 in favour of pursuing a bid for the area to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If the bid is successful the Lake District will joining the Taj Mahal, Hadrian’s Wall and the Great Barrier Reef , as one of almost 800 World Heritage Sites.

The county council’s backing is very significant because it is the largest democratically elected body in the county – without its support any bid would certainly fail.

20 November 2006: Speed week a success and a local councillor breaks the record !

The youngest councillor on Cumbria County Council has entered the record books at the controls of a powerboat on Coniston Water.

40 year old Ted Walsh, who is a Conservative representative for Cartmel, achieved a new national and world record with an average speed of 138mph.
Mr Walsh is a leading official of the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Boat.

20 November 2006: New university plans

Plans are underway on the proposed development of the St Martin ’s College Ambleside Campus in preparation for the new university.

At a recent meeting, the Ambleside Campus Community Liason Group heard from the College’s estate consultants Aims Ltd, on the proposed developments.

Aims Ltd has been contracted to deliver a 10 year estates strategy for the University for Cumbria looking at how they can develop certain parts of Ambleside property as well as taking a view on the viability of other parts

10 November 2006 : Eskdale School Needs your help

WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE.

PLEASE WATCH ITV BORDER NEWS ON MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER AT 6PM AND RING AND VOTE FOR OUR PEOPLE’S MILLIONS BID.

THE NUMBER TO CALL WIL BE BROADCAST ON THAT BULLETIN AND WILL BE IN THE DAILY MIRROR NEWSPAPER THAT DAY AND ON THE PEOPLE’S MILLIONS WEBSITE.

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/peoplesmillions.

WE CANNOT WIN AND MAKE OUR SCHOOL BETTER FOR THE CHILDREN WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.

PLEASE HELP US.

FOR MORE DETAILS RING; 019467 23259

10 November 2006 : Wasdale Head National Trust gets the power !

Great News for Campervanners! Electricity arrives at Wasdale.

Wasdale Campsite boasts new pitches with electric hook ups and lake views!

At the end of a hard day's slog on England's highest fells, trudging through angel white snow, descending into the remote and spectacular valley of Wasdale - a wonderful luxury awaits campervanners at the National Trust's Wasdale Campsite - electric hook ups!

The beautifully located site at the northern end of Wastwater, Cumbria can now offer six pitches with hard standing and electric hook up - four of which boast a stunning view of Wastwater. The pitches are suitable for campervans and small motorhomes . Unlike the 'tenting' pitches which are occupied on a first come, first served basis, the hard standings are now bookable in advance.

Wasdale Campsite is situated in a remote location and is ideal as a base for walking England's highest mountains. Large motorhomes are not recommended at Wasdale due to the nature of the narrow twisty lanes which have to be negotiated.

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the friendly 'no frills' nature of the campsite which offers well-maintained facilities. The on-site shop, although small, sells a good selection of provisions including some mouth- watering locally produced meat from nearby Wasdale Hall Farm whilst the renowned Wasdale Head Inn is a short walk away for those who prefer some pub grub. It should be noted however that during the winter months, the shop is open during the weekends only.

Jo Haughton, Marketing Assistant at The National Trust explained 'In the past the site has accepted campervans without making special provision for them. By providing these new pitches, we are able to offer more choice to campervanners and improve the quality of their camping experience'

Wasdale Campsite is open all year round, so winter mountaineers may well appreciate the luxury of a pitch with electric hook up. To book one of these pitches, you can call the Campsite Warden on 019467 26220 or email wasdale.campsite@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Wasdale Campsite operates a quiet site policy and there are restrictions on numbers. For more information, visit www.ntlakescampsites.org.uk

For more Information: Contact Jo Haughton, The National Trust, The Hollens, Grasmere, LA22 9QZ

Tel 015394 63831

Email jo.haughton@nationaltrust.org.uk

www.ntlakescampsites.org.uk

10 November 2006: Your thoughts required

Should Cumbria have one Council?

I wonder if you can help out with the latest survey for the Regenerate Cumbria website please, it’s to see what people think of the proposal to have a single council for Cumbria instead of the six different District Councils and the one County Council that we have now. The survey is really short and can be accessed via the “Hot Issues & News” page of the Regenerate Cumbria website. The link to the page is http://www.regeneratecumbria.co.uk/hot-issues.html

Also please feel free to use and forward the link onto your contacts and colleagues. This is the first survey to tackle this potentially hot issue and by kicking this off now we can have the results gathered in time for people’s views to be published professionally and aired before the consultation deadlines kick-in.

There is also a survey for businesses on the website should you wish to share your thoughts on the kind of support you would like to see in place for Cumbria’s businesses.

Thanks for your help, your time is appreciated and any feedback that you want to give about the survey or the site itself will be gratefully received.

Best Regards

Tom Bell

09 November 2006: WasdaleWeb Ltd recovers from disaster and relaunches the WasdaleWeb

Well after a period of inactivity caused by a major systems crash and destruction of Data, we are finally back up to full steam and today can announce that not only have we crashed through the two million visitor mark, but we have today relaunched the Wasdaleweb site with further LakelandWeb sites to follow soon. Watch this space !

09 November 2006: Local DVD Company announces new titles

Made in Cumbria firm and member of the WasdaleWeb 214fells ltd have announced a further two DVD titles and 2 more CD-Roms to there rapidly expanding catalogue. Recently voted as best new website by the ATRAS association of web designers 214fells designs and sells DVDs online and in local shops

Stuck for a Christmas present then why not visit www.214fells.com

09 November 2006 :Learn how to stay safe in the fells

MOUNTAINEERS can learn how to stay safe in the hills this winter at a special talk by climbing experts.

The talk, to be given by experienced mountain guides Martin Moran and Mike Turner, is part of the British Mountaineering Council's winter essentials lecture series and takes place at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal on November 13.

The lecture aims to help walkers be aware of the skills needed to operate safely in winter conditions and covers topics such as clothing, navigation and avalanche awareness.

09 November 2006 : Footpaths upgraded

Four Footpaths have been upgraded to bridleways in the Lake District thanks to a partnership working between the National Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority.

The routes, on National Trust land, are mainly in the south of the park with the exception of one near Buttermere and will give greater choice of routes to walkers, equestrians and cyclists.

Many of the routes will take people away from narrow roads used by vehicles as well as offering spectacular views of the Lakes District Fells.

A map detailing the new routes will soon be available at www.lake-district.gov.uk.

08 November 2006: LDNP Improves

The Lake District National Park Authority is improving and changing its management and public image at an almost unprecedented rate according to a new independent report.

18months after an initial report branded the LDNPA a poorly led organization with passive relationships, a team of local government experts, say that many of the previous areas of weakness have now become strengths- particularly in the area of vision for the National Park.

There was also no evidence of the previous lack of trust between members and senior management and the investigation team discovered an environment of ‘mutual respect and support.

08 November 2006: Railway Boost

Cumbria’s economy could receive a boost thanks to a disused railway line linking Tebay and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Plans to transform it into a 40 mile cycleway get financial backing then the staff at Sedbergh Tourisms Office believe people would flock from all over Europe to travel the scenic route.

During the past decade the Wooden Spoon Great Lakeland Challenge has generated well over £1m, that is helping to make a huge difference to the lives of the disadvantaged children and young adults up and down the country.

08 November 2006: Wooden spoon announce dates

The 11^th Annual Great Lakeland Challenge take place in the Lake District on Friday May 18^th 2007 and the organisers are already on the lookout for people who are ready to tackle England ’s longest, steepest and highest outdoor charity event.If you and your friends, family or work colleagues want to join in the fun next may, then call the wooden spoon challenge office on 01889 582889 or visit the website www.woodenspoon.com

08 November 2006: Grizedale face lift announced

The Visitors Centre at Grizedale Forest Park is to get a £5million makeover.

Funded through UK and European grants, the work will see a revamped visitor’s centre and improved facilities for businesses based in the forest.
More than 200 jobs which the forest supports will be safeguarded, and eventually new jobs will be created.
The funding will improve the experience for the visitors to the forest and provide a legacy that local people can be proud of.

05 October 2007: More people need to get into the outdoors

Cumbria’s Countryside Access board has told DEFRA that more thought is needed to get more people into the great outdoors.

Cumbria County Council together with Cumbria Local Access Forum has responded to a consultation with DEFRA saying that issues such as rural transport and school trips to the outdoors have not been properly thought through.
The comments are in response to the governments draft ten year plan aimed at increasing the opportunities for under represented groups to participate in countryside access.
Being able to use accessible rural transport is vital to many of these groups reaching their countryside destination in the first place.

05 October 2007: 4x4 Bans come into force in the Lakes

New powers preventing motor vehicles using footpaths and bridleways across the Lake District National Park, have come into force.The regulations are particularly aimed at 4x4 off roaders and motorbikes using paths.
The council for national parks said the public should now be able to enjoy the ‘peace and quiet’ of parks.

05 October 2007: Wear Yellow and help the air ambulance

People in the South Lakes are being asked to wear yellow on Friday October 13th in support of the region’s air medical emergency service.

The North West Air Ambulance helicopter Katie, which helps with hundreds of accidents each year, is yellow.
The NWAA is encouraging people to dress in the colour and donate £1 for yellow balloon races being held at schools.
The need for donations for Air Ambulance’s was highlighted last week, when Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond was in a serious crash at an airfield in Yorkshire and was airlifted to hospital.

05 October 2007: Marrtime festival saved by Stobart

WHITEHAVEN international Maritime Festival has been saved by a massive private investment from Eddie Stobart.
At a special announcement at Carlisle Airport at 11am the Festival’s board of directors said that the company had come to the rescue with an £80,000 funding package.
This together with the sponsorship already secured means that the 2007 Festival will go ahead.
Andrew Tinkler, chairman of WA Developments International, the parent company of Eddie Stobart, said: “The international Festival is a great event for Cumbria and we are very pleased to be able to help out financially.”
He added: “We do quite a lot for the community already. When you have businesses in Cumbria it’s good to give something back.
“I have been to the Festival before and know it’s always a great event and it would be a shame to lose it.
“Brian Watson, chairman of the Maritime Festival said the board of directors were “all terribly relieved” by today’s announcement.
He said that it had been definitely ‘touch and go’ and the future of the Maritime Festival had been in real doubt.
He said: “We were just financially short and it would have been very, very difficult to proceed. We could not have proceeded with an event that was not funded.”
Planning for the event which will take place on June 15, 16 and 17 next year (Fri-Sun) will now continue.
Andrew Lennie of Worldwide Events said the Maritime Festival is its flagship event “It is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK and I don’t think people realise the sheer size of the event compared to others in the UK.
“It will be bigger and better in every way with more people and more attractions.”
Mr Watson added: “The Maritime Festival Company has a big role to play in the Cumbrian tourist industry and we in turn recognise the value to that industry of WA Developments International’s proposal for Carlisle Airport.
“They have our full support for their plans and we hope that support will increase.”

05 October 2007: Marra the Dolphin injured

MARRA the dolphin has been injured by a boat propeller for the second time.
Experts are urging people to keep away from the animal before he suffers a fatal accident.
Volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called out to reports that Marra had been injured at the weekend.
Vet Vicky Temple, from the Millcroft surgery in Maryport, was called in to examine Marra on Saturday night and Jenny Watkins, Cumbria co-ordinator of the BDMLR, was involved in the examination. She said: “We examined Marra and found some cuts which were probably from a collision with a propeller.
“Vicky discussed the injuries with our specialist vet, James Barnett and decided to leave the wound to heal naturally.”
Marra, who was first spotted off Maryport last year, was already being monitored for an injury she received from a boat propeller during the summer, with the final examination carried out two weeks ago.
Vets found the wound was healing well and that no further treatment was required.
Ms Watkins and other members of BDMLR now fear that it is only a matter of time before Marra sustains a fatal injury due to the increasing contact she is making with humans.
She said: “We are concerned that when people interact with the dolphin she enjoys it so much she comes closer to people, boats and shallow water.
“By all means look at the dolphin and enjoy her but interaction puts her in danger. If she has another serious accident it could be a bad outcome.”
Marra can regularly be found hanging around local boats and recently spent some time following the Workington inshore lifeboat, but a recent close encounter

04 October 2007: Scafell Pike Charity walks goes ahead

TWENTY-FIVE intrepid walkers enjoyed a well-deserved slice of cake and a glass of wine at the summit of England's highest mountain on Saturday, September 16 after climbing 3,208 ft help raise vital funds for people with disabilities.

The participants made the arduous hike to the top of Scafell Pike in the Lake District carrying the cake and wine as supporters of national disability charity, which is celebrating its 140th birthday this year.
One of the walkers who took part in the challenge is John Chamberlain, Director of Fundraising and Communications at John Grooms.
His success in climbing Scafell Pike means that John has now reached the peak of the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales – something he has always wanted to do.
He said: "It was one of those perfect days when the spectacular views
and company of fellow walkers made what is a tough challenge very enjoyable.
"I was exhausted but had a real sense of satisfaction when I reached the top."
New
The participants came from around the UK and included experienced walkers as well as those new to mountain trekking.
Each walker raised a minimum
sponsorship of £395 to join the expedition and the sponsorship fee included full support from fully qualified
guides, two nights accommodation in The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge, and
all meals.

22 September 2006: Tallest Wind Turbines in Cumbria go up

Cumbria's tallest wind turbines are due to be erected today. They're at the Eastman factory in Siddick, near Workington. The two turbines will stand more than a hundred metres high and will be twice the height of the existing turbines used at Siddick and Oldside windfarms. They'll supply about a third of the energy needs of the factory.

22 September 2006: FRED arrives in Cumbria

AT this year's FRED outdoor art festival in Cumbria, people will have the chance to see some really tasty art, go in search of the fairies and help some lost souvenirs make their way home.

The artists taking part in Europe's biggest outdoor art festival are making their final preparations for this year's event, which will take place in Cumbria from September 30 to October 15.
In total the festival will feature 35 projects at sites stretching from Carlisle in the north to Morecambe Bay in the south and from Whitehaven in the west to the Pennines in the east.
Artist Sally Barker will be exhibiting Roast Lamb Over Wastwater, recreating one of the most famous Lakeland scenes using Herdwick lamb sourced from the valley
The images will be seen during FRED on the back of Mountain Goat buses, which take tourists to see some of the highlights of the Lake District including Wastwater itself, England's deepest lake.
Artist and Festival director Steve Messam, from Kirkby Stephen-based arts organisation, Fold, is also taking part in this year's event.
Millions of people visit the Lake District every year, following signs in search of tourist attractions and other places of interest.
At Low Sizergh Barn Farm, Steve will be inviting people to go in search of the fairies. About half way along a two-mile walk visitors will come across a series of road signs and information boards marking a fairy nature reserve on the edge of the farm.
Other projects include a giant wild boar on the side of a fell, a huge field of fluorescent tubes and an installation made up of 686 toy windmills.
Full details of all the projects are available on the FRED website: www.fredsblog.com.

22 September 2006: Cumbrian History goes online

Cumbria Local History Federation founding chairman Jill Wishart, of Cumwhinton, highlighted developments, including their new website at www.cumbrialocalhistory.org.uk (link below)at their annual meeting.

Jill, who had been Chair for much of the time since the Federation's birth in 1992, noted the growth of the Federation to include over fifty local history and heritage societies representing thousands of individuals in Cumbria.

She recognised the enhanced publications and activities that had been achieved and were anticipated.

She also welcomed the election of new Chairman Richard Brockington. A keen and experienced local historian, he pledged the Federation would be led by the interests and needs of its members and would work with other organisations to promote local history and heritage studies in Cumbria.

22 September 2006: Emergency communications boost on Hardknott

LAKE District National Park planners have given the go ahead for more antennae to be mounted on a radio mast on Hardknott Pass, which will boost phone communications for emergency services in the area.

O2 applied to install two antennae on the existing radio mast in Birks Ridge Forest on Hardknott Pass.

The 11 metre high mast lies in a remote upland location on the lower slopes of Harter Fell just within the eastern edge of a plantation.

22 September 2006: Maritime festival future in doubt

NEXT Thursday is D-Day for the 2007 Whitehaven International Maritime Festival.
The organisers have decided that, unless fresh support is found urgently, the present risk of an £80,000 shortfall means they would have to make the catastrophic decision to cancel the festival.
Chief executive Gerard Richardson is dreading “potentially the saddest day of my life” in seven days’ time when his group of eight volunteer directors face pulling the plug on the event.
Despite pledges of £50,000 apiece from British Nuclear Group and Copeland Council, plus £25,000 from Cumbria County Council, the costs of running and underwriting a festival likely to attract a quarter of a million visitors mean there is still a potential £80,000 hole in the accounts.
An Extraordinary Board Meeting will be held next Thursday, September 28, at which any representations from past or future funders will be considered before a final decision is made.

22 September 206: Oops , car gets stuck at St. Bees

A COUPLE of water-skiers hadn’t allowed for the fast incoming tide that swamped their 4 x 4 vehicle on the sands at St Bees on Friday.
Though the seafront was packed with people enjoying the good weather only two or three men rolled up their trousers and waded in to try and help.
Eventually a farmer with a tractor was summoned and the ruined vehicle, towing a speedboat, was slowly hauled up the slipway to safety.
One onlooker said: “The car was swamped right up to the bonnet and the engine would have been ruined.
“They had probably took it out too far on to the sands. A big wave swamped the speedboat tipping its front end up.
“A Copeland environmental lady tried to help with her white van but the rope – which was one the lads had been using for waterskiing – just kept snapping, the load was too heavy.’’
It is thought the two water sportsmen were in their 20s and from the Allonby/Silloth area.
The incident occurred around 3pm and it was two hours later before the 4 x 4 and speedboat were dragged ashore.

22 September 2006: Ospreys leave Cumbria

The Five Ospreys that nest near Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve, have left Cumbria for their wintering grounds in Africa .

A pair of adult ospreys has nested in the Lake District every year since 2001, and this summer they raised three chicks for the first time.
This season has been another success by the Lake District Osprey Project Team- a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the RSBP, as more than 91,000 people have visited the osprey viewpoints near Keswick, while many more have followed the progress of the family online.
This years Osprey diary and images from the nest can be viewed at www.ospreywatch.co.uk

22 September 2006: WMRT hits out at three peakers

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has hit out at walkers ‘draining its resources’ after being called out 5 times last weekend to rescue groups attempting the Three Peaks Challenge.

Their criticisms have been backed by The Institute of Fundraising who say it is vital that people taking on mountain challenges for charity are fully prepared.
Walkers are compromising the teams ability to fully respond to serious incidents, said a spokesman for the team

08 September 2006: Wasdale Mountain Rescue draw national attention to the growing three peak event problems after 6 rescues in 3 days

Wasdale MRT had a hectic weekend last weekend (I should know I’m a member!), Over the course of Friday night, Saturday and Sunday we were called out 6 times. A mixture of Bad weather and unprepared groups meant that a steady stream of Mobile phone instigated call outs kept coming in.

Advice then remains the same, if you must do the challenge, do it over 3 days not 24 hours, prepare and train for the event, and learn to navigate in the worse conditions. Scafell Pike in the middle of the night is no place to learn to read a map and compass, and straying off the path can change a fun charity walk into a difficulty and potentially fatal nightmare.

Mountain rescue in the UK is a charity based volunteer institution and many of the people taking part in the 3 peak events don’t seem to realize this. Rather than relying on a grounding of good and practiced core mountaineering skills it is all to easy to pick up a mobile phone and ask for help when they find themselves in situations they could easily have avoided or got themselves out of with a little bit of preparation.

Over last weekend the 38 members of the Wasdale MRT didn’t manage a descent night’s sleep or leisurely weekend, climbing Scafell Pike 3 times each in the search for lost eventers. Of course Mountain rescue is offered willingly and freely, but it would help if the less prepared of the eventers thought about this charity before trying to raise money for another in this manner. It’s no good raising a thousand pounds for one good call if in doing so you have to mobilize the MRT which is also a charity funded organization. It costs us 15,000 just to stand still for one year, without replacing goods and equipment, if you factored all the costs involved in just one rescue the price would be in the thousands for each call out.

The weekend looks set to be a good one and we are all looking forward to a more relaxing time than last weeks.

08 September 2006: Griff Rhys Jones spends the week filming in Wasdale

Actor Griff Rhys Jones left the Wasdale Head Inn yesterday after spending the week filming for his new TV series. The famous actor has been spending time in the mountain areas of the UK, and enjoyed the delights of Scafell in Wasdale as well as being guided up the dangerous Broad Stand.

The actor was tracing the antics of Coleridge who is believed to have been the first person to use Broad Stand on Scafell as a descent route. Members of the Wasdale MRT along with other professional guides helped the actor ascend and then descend via an abseil.

The program is set to be released early next year.

08 September 2006: Come and see us at the 140^th Eskdale Show on Saturday the 30^th Septmeber 2006

The LakelandWebs will be at the Eskdale show on the last weekend in Septemeber if you would like to call round and see us. We will be there under the guise of our sister company 214fells ltd but will happily talk about the expanding networks of sites.

The event looks set to be a great success, further details can be found on

www.eskdaleshow.co.uk

August 31 2006: Mountain Rescue start a publicity campaign

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue association have launched a campaign today to make people aware of the organisations.

Highest number of Mountain Rescue Fatalities on record in the Lakes – How can we halt this trend?

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) has taken the unusual step of running a poster campaign throughout Cumbria to raise the public awareness of mountain rescue….what mountain rescue is and what it isn’t.

Do you know how many teams there are within Cumbria serving their communities?
Did you know that the 450 team members within those 12 teams covering the Lake District are all fully trained but unpaid volunteers?
Did you know that it costs between £30,000 and £50,000 each year to cover the cost of running a single team? Collecting boxes are your way of keeping the service going and improving it.
Did you know that team members are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and most have full time jobs?
Did you know that we are all quite happy to be purely volunteers and on call?
Did you know that this year 57% of all calls were made via mobile phones? In many cases we struggle to get back to the informant as they move from their location or switch it off?

Even today, many people who walk the fells on a regular basis still believe that mountain rescue is a fully paid, full-time professional service funded by taxpayers.

In addition to the public’s limited understanding about what mountain rescue is and isn’t, or how they should call out a mountain rescue team, we are also concerned over the growing number of incidents and particularly fatalities. The poster campaign is a response to this and also to concerns within the mountain rescue community over the numbers of agencies that are becoming more and more involved in mountain rescue. This could be either as a support role i.e. Air Ambulance in preference to road ambulances; or the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) taking over co-ordination of rescues on the four public access lakes; or the Fire and Rescue Service with swift water rescue and cliff rescue on the horizon.

With so many different organisations in the frame, the public can be forgiven for being confused as to who to call in the event of an off-road incident. In addition to all this confusion there are the extra demands being made on funding with different groups trying to meet their own particular funding needs.

How do we plan to increase public awareness and what will you see that is different? There will be posters located in every single outdoor shop, outdoor centre, hotel and community centre throughout the region. Also when you buy an item in a shop there could be a small credit sized card placed in the bag along with your purchase. This card will advise you on exactly what to do in the event of needing the mountain rescue service. This will hopefully lead to fewer delays in getting the correct emergency resource and equipment to you. This is especially important in life threatening circumstances where the team needs to get to you within that golden hour. If the team needs a helicopter then they will ensure you get the correct type of helicopter for the job.

The following accident statistics for 2005 in the Lake District have shown some worrying trends and LDSAMRA would like to reverse this trend.

Of the 395 incidents attended by the Lakes’ Teams in 2005, 19 fatalities were reported in mountain related activities, the highest figure on record. 10 were reported as 'collapsed' with medical problem, mainly heart related. It is interesting to note that in only two cases did companions attempt CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This must surely act as a wake-up call to hill users to learn basic life support; it is no use saying 'it will never happen to me'. Major trauma claimed 6 victims. Two rock-climbing deaths resulted from leader falls, one caused by a large rock fall on a popular crag. Both of these incidents occurred within eight days! The other four deaths resulted from falls on steep, rocky ground while hill walking. These occurred toward the end of the day, consistent with other accidents reported when people are becoming tired. This must be taken as a sign to improve people awareness that fitness levels are important in safe movement on difficult ground.

If you would like to know more about this voluntary service provided to your community, then it is worth paying a visit to the regional website which has links to all your local teams www.ldsamra.org.uk/ . There you find virtually anything you need to know about mountain rescue. Thank you for your support in the past and hopefully, your continuing support for the future.

This publicity campaign is being supported by the Cumbria Tourist Board and HSBC in the Community. We are extremely grateful to HSBC who have fully supported the project as part of their commitment to supporting the community.

John Dempster MBE

Chairman LDSAMRA

YOU CANHELP SUPPORT WASDALE MRT BY CLICKING THE DONATION BUTTON TO THE RIGHT

August 31 2006: Book launched with a signing on the summit of Scafell Pike !

THE GREAT CAT EXPEDITION DEPARTS AGAIN WITH BOOK REPRINT.

ABOUT THE BOOK

With the increasing popularity of mountaineering novels we are proud to announce the forthcoming reprint of Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition written by Molly Lefebure.

This unique and intriguing account of the first ascent of the H.K.P., the Highest Known Peak in the Kingdom of Catland, originally published in 1968 with illustrations by the well-known Lakeland guide book author and topographer, A. Wainwright, is seriously in the tradition of classic mountaineering stories and over the years since its first appearance it has built-up an enthusiastic readership amongst the mountaineering fraternity.

Mountaineering club members, dedicated fell walkers, Wainwright fans and Lakeland devotees of all ages and persuasions have followed the adventures of Scratch and his fellow climbing-cats, his high-altitude terrier sherpas, his twitchy low-level rabbit porters and his free spirited adversaries, the foxes, emerging from their borrans amongst the crags to waylay these expeditionary-offcomers. Such are the colourful and keenly observed characters, making this book witty and gripping reading; not to mention Manx Scoop and Whiskey Bylines, ace reporters for the Cat Times and Cat’s Courier and Manx Scoop’s fighting mad mongoose ever keen to sink his teeth into anything that vaguely resembled a snake.

When Molly asked her old pen-friend A. Wainwright to illustrate Scratch and Co. he was all enthusiasm until he met the mongoose, “The cats I can draw with my eyes shut. But a mongoose? I’ve never as much glimpsed one!” he said. Fortunately a stuffed mongoose was discovered in Kendal Museum, where he worked as Curator. When reporting the good news A.W. confirmed “I’ve spent a couple of days with the little chap and I think I’ve got him!”

The Great Cat Expedition was ready to start. Readers have been joining it ever since.

On sale from 2 September 2006

Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition

- Molly Lefebure & A. Wainwright.

New Edition.

ISBN 09547213-1-4

Hardback - 160 pages.

17 line illustrations.

£11.99

-------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly Lefebure is author of books in various fields. Starting with her experiences as Medical Secretary to Keith Simpson, the famous Home Office Pathologist, she followed this with a biography of John George Haigh the acid bath murderer, after which came books on the Lake District, two more novels and writing for radio and television. She is also author of acclaimed biographical studies of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas Hardy. She is at present finishing her third Coleridge study Private Lives of the Ancient Mariner.

-------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE LAUNCH

BRITAIN’S HIGHEST BOOK LAUNCH

Not just another book launch…..this one’s on top of a mountain!

No doubt considered as the most unlikely location for a book launch, the roof of England is, however, the obvious choice for this mountaineering novel. Scafell Pike (3210ft / 978m), better known in Scratch & Co. as the H.K.P., has been host to many strange ceremonies over the years. This event will add to the mountain’s list of credentials and will be a complete contrast to those booklovers used to launches in stuffy, overcrowded rooms. This will quickly become apparent as the walk from the car to the event will be a little further than usual, but the fact that complimentary red and white wine and a cheeseboard are on offer is a good enough reason for anyone to join in.

The event is set to be Britain’s highest ever book launch, so a fair level of fitness will be required to reach the summit. Clothing and footwear should also be suitable for the weather and terrain, so unfortunately the white stilettos and brown brogues must be left at home.

All are welcome, see you on top!

Copies will be available on the summit.

Scafell Pike Summit Cairn

9th September 2006

13.00hrs-15.00hrs

August 30 2006: The WasdaleWeb gets an RSS Feed.

RSS or (Really Simple Syndication) is a method of receiving constantly updated links to your chosen websites. Once you have set up a connection to a website you will receive a list of all the stories currently shown on a certain page or section of that site.

How can I receive RSS feeds?

There are several ways of receiving RSS feeds, but the technology is moving forwards and adapting very quickly. The main method is to download a program called a 'News Reader'. You can then set up this program to receive RSS information from whatever websites you wish that offer it, and browse headlines and story summaries that link through to the full story on the website.

There are several News Reader programs available for all platforms, many of which are free. See a list here.

Alternatively, some newer web browsers offer similar functionality already built-in which will detect whether the website you are viewing offers an RSS feed and will then let you create a constantly-updated list of links in your 'bookmarks' menu.

The Firefox browser (Windows, Mac OSX, Linux) will let you do this, and will alert you to an RSS-enabled page by displaying an icon in the bottom-right corner of the window . Apple's Safari browser (Mac OSX only) offers an even fuller service, and other browsers will probably follow

August 30 2006:Hunting pack set to survive as breeding once again begins

ONE of Cumbria’s oldest hunting packs is restarting its breeding programme as much of the “doom and gloom” surrounding the hunting ban has been dispelled.
Hunts in Cumbria, and across the country, faced an uncertain future when the Hunting Act came into force in February last year.
Some expressed concern that they would have to close, resulting in the slaughter of hounds and the loss of hundreds of jobs for hunt staff.
The Blencathra hunt, whose hound breeding lines date back to John Peel, fulfilled a complete fixture list last season, claiming that hunting to a drag had enabled them to continue meeting while staying within the law.

August 30 2006:Red arrows put show on in Cumbia

This Bank Holiday weekend in Cumbria offered attractions ranging from the Red Arrows to show jumping and a feast of music and continental foods.
Up to 50,000 arrived in Silloth on Monday to see the Red Arrows .Roads into Silloth were closed from 10am to 6pm as about 3,000 tents will were pitched on the 39 acres site The Tarns, near Aspatria, as the Proclaimers, the Selecter and 200 other live music performers attracted 5,000 music lovers to Solfest festival.
People were turned away after tickets for the third annual Solfest sold out in 100 days, with some being posted out to the USA, Canada and Japan.

August 30 2006:Another Owl goes missing from Cumbrian center

A RARE owl has been killed or stolen just a week after two of its breed were mutilated and their heads mounted on poles.
Steve Jones, owner of Furness Owls Breeding and Quarantine Centre, received a phone call in the early hours of this morning after staff disturbed an intruder.
The 53-year-old today said he was at a loss to explain why he was being targeted.
On August 20 two female African Marsh owls were killed and their headless bodies left in their aviaries at the Sandscale Park, Park Road site, Barrow.

August 30 2006:Pedal power on the M6 attracts police attention !

PEDAL power was taken to new levels after a Scottish cyclist was caught competing with traffic on a busy stretch of the M6 motorway near Penrith.The 30-year-old man, from Kyle of Lochalsh, was pulled over by police after he was spotted riding along the southbound hard shoulder of the M6, about half-a-mile past the Penrith Interchange at Junction 40.Following a stern warning from police officers, the rule-breaking rider made his way to the A6 to continue his journey.

August 30 2006:Pensioners are taking to the hills

PENSIONERS are pulling on their winter walking boots and making great strides up England's highest mountain, according to a new survey.The survey, which looks at the number of and type of people climbing the 964 metre peak Scafell Pike, shows that during the winter months more than 50 per cent of walkers on the mountain were over 60.The research, which was carried out by Lake District volunteer Peter Flynn, also showed that one of the biggest fans of the mountain was a retired octogenarian minister who has reached the summit on several hundred occasions.

August 30 2006:Pine Martin makes a comeback

The Vincent Wildlife Trust at Grizedale Forest is hoping that the pine martin will break cover by creating a series of treetop hideaways. The ferret like animal was thought to be extinct in England but regular sightings prompted the trust to get the Forestry Commission Wildlife Team to instigate a search for the presence of the animal. Twenty specially designed pine martin boxes are being installed into the forest canopy in an effort to create a retreat for the creature

August 30 2006 : Made In Cumbria success at local shows

A food revolution has been taking the county’s show fields by storm this year with the creation of the Made in Cumbria food court. The Food Court has been an overwhelming success offering the show goer a delicious selection of locally made snacks and meals to eat on the day.
For many years the shows have relied on the large catering companies to provide their takeaway food and Made in Cumbria , has shown them that Cumbria ’s local producers could compete and be able to keep up with demand

August 30 2006:Cumbria Tourist board rebrands

Cumbria Tourist Board, which spearheads the county’s £1.1billion a year tourism industry, begins a new era next month when it updates its name to become Cumbria Tourism and moves to new headquarters in Staveley.

It is the first time since the organisation was first established over 30 years ago, that the county’s tourism industry and Cumbria Tourist Board’s members have had modern office accommodation.
Cumbria Tourism’s 39 full and part time staff will transfer from Ashleigh in Holly Road in Windermere at the end of August, to a two story purpose built office complex in Windermere Road in Staveley.

August 30 2006:Bookings in Cumbria rise as terror threat hits

It has emerged that in the wake of terrorist alerts and airport delays, holiday bookings in Cumbria are booming.

Lakeland Holiday Park has revealed that bookings are up 10% on last year, particularly for August Bank Holiday which is traditionally tough to sell.
Cumbria Tourist Board says it has been inundated with inquiries and accommodation bookings are up 13%

August 30 2006:Sheepdog trails completed in Cumbria

A West Sussex man came out on top in this year’s English National Sheep Dog Trials over the weekend.

Shepherd Ray Edwards and his 5 year old dog Jim were crowned champions for 2006, scoring 199 points out of a possible 220 at the event held at Underley Hall Estate in Kirkby Lonsdale.
It’s the first time Ray has won the trials, but he has qualified on 12 other occasions for the International Trails and was a winner at last year’s driving championships at the Internationals.

August 30 2006:Cumbria is now an Icon !

The Lake District has been declared a national ICON of England in a new list published this week.

The Icons Project announced its third wave of national icons which include The White Cliffs of Dover, The English Oak, Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood not to mention the Lake District .
The project which was launched in January has definitely caught the public imagination and you can view the nominations or vote at www.icons.org.uk

16 August 2006: Show day goes well

For more info and for photos click here

16 August 2006: Strands Hotel nomintated and needs your help !

The Strands Hotel in Nether wasdale have been nominated as a local food hero as part of UKTVFood's current campaign and we only have until 21st August to get as many votes as we can! If we are able to get enough, we will be on the shortlist of 80 who will be entered into the regional heats to be filmed for a TV series!

Could we ask you to put a message on Wasdale Web asking for everybody's help and perhaps a message sent out to everyone on the website You need to go to www.uktvfood.co.uk follow the link, register - which only takes a minute- find us and vote!

July 31 2006: Local History event

WASDALE FESTIVAL

LOCAL HISTORY

Saturday and Sunday

26 th/27th August 2006

10.30 a.m. - 4.30p.m.

Nether Wasdale Church and

Old School Room

Refreshments served all day

Saturday 26th August

2p.m. Walk with Jack Wakefield

7.3.0 p.m. Talk on ”The Tysons of Nether Wasdale" by Norma Hughes

WASDALE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Wasdale Festival of Local History

The Local History Group is planning the first Wasdale Festival of Local History on Saturday and Sunday 26^th and 27^th August 2006 which will comprise an exhibition, and on the Saturday only a walk led by Jack Wakefield and a talk on the Tyson family by Norma Hughes. Refreshments will be served on both days. The Festival will take place in St Michael and All Angels Church and the Old School Room in Nether Wasdale, see the programme below.

This is a Festival of History of both Wasdale Head and Nether Wasdale parishes. The exhibition will include photographs, recordings, news cuttings, postcards, books and a small display of household items and farming or occupational tools.

Help is needed from local people to provide interesting old photographs, documents, books and household/occupational items or tools. If you have any of these which you are willing to loan us for the weekend please contact either Norma Hughes on 25366 or Joyce Hughes on 26076. In addition we would welcome any help on the weekend to provide cakes, biscuits and/or serve refreshments to visitors for an hour or two on either day and to talk to the visitors about our interesting valley, offers please to Norma or Joyce.

We do hope that you will spread the word about this festival so that we attract many visitors to the valley that weekend and please come along and support us yourself. You may be surprised at what you learn about the history of our valley.

Programme:

Saturday and Sunday 26^th and 27^th August 2006

10.30 am to 4.30 pm

Exhibition of Photographs, news cuttings, postcards, books, etc.

at Nether Wasdale Church and Old School Room

Refreshments served in Old School Room

Saturday 26^th August

2 pm Walk with Jack Wakefield meet by the Maypole on Nether Wasdale Village Green

7.30 pm Talk on ‘The Tysons of Wasdale’ by Norma Hughes in the Old School Room

27 July 2006: GosforthWeb launcehd by LakelanWebs

The latest edition to the Lakelandwebs went live in testing today in the form of the GosfrothWeb. We have long had gosforth business as part of the WasdaleWeb as they work very well with visitors to the area, however, it has become time to give them their own site as well , which has now arrived.

to take a peak go to www.gosforthweb.co.uk

27 July 2006: Winners of the Lingmell dash announced

The Lingmell Dash fellrace took place this Saturday on a very hot day. The runners left the Head on the MRT's main fundrasing day and the fees went towards the days total which is looking set now to top Nine Thousand pounds !

Photos thanks to Tim Brooks

27 July 2006: National Trust Welcome the volunteers

This summer, the Lake District is getting ready to welcome hundreds of volunteers who will undertake various conservation tasks for the National Trust.

They offer a wide range of holidays aimed at individuals to become part of a team, where they will learn a variety of rural skills and get involved with various conservation projects around the county.
One of the trusts working base camps is High Wray in Ambleside, who are preparing to welcome the Youth Service, CSV Millenium Volunteers and environmental studies students.

27 July 2006: Learn to be a fool at Muncaster

Next month children in the area are being given the chance to take part in a fool school for junior jesters at Muncaster Castle .

Six places are on offer at the summer school which takes place on Saturday 26^th August.
Youngsters will be taught some of the tricks of the trade by Muncaster’s very own fool Maynard Flip Flap

25 July 2006: The Ospreys fly !

The three osprey chicks hatched this year in the famous nest near Bassenthwaite Lake have successfully taken their first flights.

The chicks, believed to be a female and two males, decided to take the plunge over the weekend. It’s the first time that three chicks have fledged from the nest.
The adult ospreys and their chicks have become a star tourist attraction in Cumbria , and tens of thousands of people have visited the two public viewing sites run by The Lake District Osprey Project.

24 July 2006: Red squirrels battle on

The battle to protect the county’s red squirrels from a contagious virus, is being won say wildlife experts.

More than 200 grey squirrels, who carry a virus harmless to them but deadly to their red counterparts, have been humanely destroyed in five years.
Rangers from the Lake District National Park say they are confident that the measures are having an effect.

24 July 2006: Authority warns to be carefull in heat wave

The North West Ambulance Service received 152 emergency calls on Tuesday compared to average calls of 101 last week.

The increase of emergency calls is said to be linked to the rise in temperature.
Cases of people reporting breathing difficulties, falls, excessive exposure to sunshine and unconsciousness all up.
The Ambulance Service highlights the need to be extra careful in the hot weather and to drink plenty of water, cover up and use a high factor sunscreen.

24 July 2006: Heat wave leads to risk of fires

The current heat wave spreading across the countryside poses serious fire risks to farmers.

The record heat makes heavy machinery, crops and personal safety at high risk of being in danger.
The public is also urged to take extra safety measures as the temperatures bring danger to grass, hedgerows and open countryside.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual is warning farmers of the cost linked to the loss of heavy machinery.
Farmers are being told to carry a couple of gallons of water to cool down engines in the soaring heat and to spray vulnerable crops with water to reduce the risk of fire.

24 July 2006: Dog rescued from Scafell Pike

A LABRADOR had to be rescued from near the summit of Scafell Pike on Sunday after he badly cut his paws.
Prince was stretchered down the mountain by members of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team – who interrupted their fundraising weekend when the call came in.
In extremely hot conditions, it took 13 team members almost five hours to complete the rescue.
Team member Richard Warren said: “It was obvious when we arrived on the scene that the rescue wouldn’t be as straight forward as we first thought.
“We had a lightweight stretcher and the dog weighed 6½ stone so we had to take turns carrying it.
“It wasn’t easy in the heat but we got there in the end,” he said.
The owners of Prince were camping in Borrowdale on a visit from the North East.

24 July 2006: Red arrows set to hit the area

THE skies above Bowness will be the setting for a spectacular flying display featuring historic aircraft during this weekend’s sixth Windermere Air Show.
The Rotary Club of Windermere is joining forces with the RAF for the annual flying spectacular based on The Glebe on Saturday and Sunday.
The show opens on Saturday with a range of attractions including helicopter displays featuring a Puma and Chinook, and a flight simulator to enable visitors to experience flying conditions.
Also taking to the skies will be the Red Devils parachute team and a demonstration by the police dog display team.
The RAF Regiment Band will be playing in concert at the new bandstand in Bowness and, weather permitting, on the lawns of the Belsfield Hotel during the evening.
Before touching down in Bowness the regimental band is appearing in a concert on Friday evening at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall.
In addition there will be exhibits, stalls and games provided by local organisations plus a fun fair.
On Sunday, July 30, further attractions will also be held including an RAF flying display which is hoped to include a Tucano trainer, a Tornado GR4, a 100 Squadron Hawk trainer, a Merlin helicopter, a Sea King search and rescue helicopter and a Harrier GR7.

July 13 2006: Spend a weekend with Wasdle Mountain Rescue Team

Meet Wasdale mountain rescue A weekend for 2 that money can’t normally buy! When you’re next asked “Doing much at the weekend?” you can grin – for you and a mate could be hanging out with the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team. You get to meet the guys, ask zillions of questions and have a tour round their patch in a rescue vehicle. You’ll stay for two nights in a local hotel (dinners included) too. Plus you get a 4 hour canyoning trip exploring the Eskdale Valley. Sounds fun? For full details of the prize see eBay, and start bidding. Money raised from this auction goes to Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team NB: The date is to be arranged. We’ll give you the contact details of Wasdale MRT so you can arrange with them a weekend that suits you both. You’ll arrive on the Friday and get put up in a local hotel and have a meal. On Saturday you’ll meet the team, ask zillions of questions and have a tour round their patch in the rescue vehicle. You’ll get shown round the Wasdale MRT base and see all the kit they use. In the afternoon you’ll be taken on a 4 hour canyoning trip in the Eskdale Valley with a fully qualified guide. You’ll have a meal for two in a local restaurant before going back to your hotel for the night. Photographs of the weekend will be put on the team’s website, and you and your companion will become team supporters too. Please note that this is dependent on call-outs. If the team does get called out the winners won’t be able to attend the incident, but they could observe. You would also need to arrange your own insurance for the weekend.

for more information please click here

July 12 2006: MAN DROWNS IN RIVER DUDDON FALL

A YOUNG man drowned in a Lake District river after drinking heavily on a camping trip.
Paul Keegan, 22, from Birkby, Huddersfield, was killed in the River Duddon in April.
A Barrow inquest heard the West Yorkshire electrician fell into the river at Seathwaite, near Broughton, and hit his head on rocks.
Mr Keegan was staying at the beauty spot with about a dozen friends. Members of the group told the inquest the last time they saw their friend he was sleeping on the grass at the side of the river.
Postmortem results showed Mr Keegan had cannabis and amphetamines in his blood.
Ian Smith, Furness and South Cumbria Coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

July 12 2006: HOLLYWOOD actress Renee Zellweger stayed in Workington over the weekend.

The Bridget Jones star is filming a new Beatrix Potter movie in the area and was in Whitehaven to shoot some scenes on Friday.
Miss Zellweger stayed at the Washington Central Hotel in Workington and shopped in the town’s Marks & Spencer and Superdrug on Sunday.
Only a few people recognised the star, who was wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap.
Bernadette Tubman, who served her at Marks & Spencer’s food counter, said: “She was lovely, really down to earth.”
The actress signed an autograph for her two sons, who are in their 20s.
Miss Zellweger, accompanied by her bodyguard, bought fruit, salted peanuts, magazines and pasta.
She told staff that filming had been postponed because of the rain and that was how she had time to go shopping in the town.
She also said she was staying at The Washington Central Hotel and thought Workington was very nice and quiet.
Sharon Storey, Superdrug’s assistant store manager, said: “Renee was in the shop on Sunday but the people who served her didn’t realise who she was.”
Renee was one of four actors who came to West Cumbria with a 60-strong film crew.
On Friday night, they filmed scenes at the Jefferson office at Whitehaven’s Rum Story, which was used as the Hawkshead office of William Heelis, Beatrix Potter’s solicitor husband played by Lloyd Owen, of TV’s Monarch of The Glen.
Filming moved to Loweswater at the weekend and featured a horse cart provided by Dearham farmer John Ashcroft. But bad weather meant some of the scenes had to be rescheduled.

July 12 2006: Holidaymaker dies while walking

A HOLIDAYMAKER has collapsed and died while walking in Great Langdale.

The 60-year-old man from Reading had been descending Stickle Ghyll with his wife when he collapsed yesterday afternoon.

Members of the Langdale Mountain Rescue team were called to the scene shortly before 4.50pm.

But members of the Glossop and Edale Mountain Rescue Team, who were enjoying a walk in the area at the time, reached the man first.

Paramedics from the Great North Air Ambulance administered emergency treatment but the man died at the scene.

July 12: Something fishy going on at the lake

THE ornamental lake full of its beautiful carp has always been popular at Lamberlea garden centre at Nethertown.
But now the fish have proved too tempting to rare and secretive night visitors – otters.
And because the elusive mammals are a protected species it leaves centre owner Margaret Alderson with a problem.
She said: “Since Easter we have noticed we have been losing carp and some mutilated bodies were on the shore.
“One night our CCTV cameras briefly picked up the face of an otter. Since then we have detected otter footprints.”
She said the ornamental lake had housed almost £1,000 worth of colourful fish but now there seemed little incentive to restock.
Margaret added that they hoped to capture film of the rare visitor and show it to visiting children.
In the United Kingdom otters occurred commonly as recently as the 1950s, but have now become rare due to the former use of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides and as a result of habitat-loss.
Numbers reached a low point in the 1980s but, with the aid of a number of initiatives, by 1999 estimated numbers indicated a recovery to just below 1,000 animals.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan envisages the re-introduction of otters by 2010 to all the UK rivers and coastal areas that they inhabited in 1960.

12 July 2006: An operation to protect Lake District plants has seen one of England’s highest ever stone airlifts.

Rare heath vegetation on the summit of Helvellyn, had fallen victim to the 250,000 walkers a year that climb it.A helicopter lifted 100 tonnes of stone from down the fellside to cordon off the plants and help protect plants.
The operation was part of the ongoing Fix the Fells scheme.

30 June 2006: Beatrix Potter rides launched

THE story of the Beatrix Potter in the Lake District will be unravelled for cyclists this week thanks to innovative cycle tourism specialist Country Lanes.

The Windermere-based company has developed a gentle ride to Hill Top via the shores of Lake Windermere and Hawkshead, before free-wheeling back to the cross-Lake ferry.
The ride takes place in the afternoon of Sunday, June 25 at 1pm and is free to anyone with a bike. Those without their own cycle can hire one at discounted rates from Country Lanes – just £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children. The ride will take around three hours and cover about 10 miles.
Guy Fitzgerald, manager of Country Lanes Windermere, said: "We wanted to celebrate National Bike Week with something special that might tempt new or returning cyclists onto two wheels.
Pace
"So many times we just pass by the delights of Cumbria in a car, but being in the countryside on a bike at a gentle pace is the ideal chance to really appreciate the beauty on our doorstep.
National Bike Week is the annual cycling extravaganza aimed at bringing cycling to the nation. "From June 17-25 we're running FREE 'Dr Bike' sessions where anyone can bring their bike for a safety check to make sure it's in tip-top condition for the summer."
Anyone interested in discovering the Lake District on two wheels or taking advantage of the FREE safety check should contact Country Lanes on telephone number 015394 44544.

30 June 2006: Ulverstons Carnival taking place this Saturday

ORGANISERS of this Saturday's Ulverston Carnival have moved to quash rumours of the event's cancellation.
The Carnival is set to go ahead with a parade at 1pm as planned.
Confusion arose after Barrow dance troupes announced their withdrawal from the event.

30 June 2006: Tall ship arrives in Whitehaven Habour

The tall ship Matthew has arrived in Whitehaven harbour.
The original ship was designed and built in Bristol over 500 years ago. This replica, 70ft long, gives the crew an idea as to what life was like all those centuries ago.
The lock gates were opened to welcome the ship at about 2pm on Wednesday. A crowd of about 50 people were gathered to watch her come in. People were also gathered to watch around the harbour-side, including 26 Beckstone Primary School pupils.
By the time the ship had docked a crowd of around 150 people had turned up to show their support.
The cameras were out in force with many people taking photographs with their digital cameras. A film crew from Border TV was also present to document the ship coming into the harbour. They also filmed on board the ship itself.
The International Maritime Festival committee arranged for the tall ship to come in to promote this weekend's carnival. According to Gerard Richardson: “It is important to keep Whitehaven open, as an industrial port, fishing spot, marina and tourist harbour; the tall ships are part of this”.
This is a view shared by Gordon Thomson, harbour commissioner. “It’s always nice to welcome a new vessel to the harbour, it illustrates what an important harbour Whitehaven has become.”
He was joined in welcoming the ships current crew of ten (although it’s normally 19) by the mayor and the town crier.
The ship while smaller than previous tall ships, something commented on by on-lookers, nevertheless still had only about five feet on either side as it passed through he lock gates. The ship is docked on the Sugar Tongue for the next four days.

30 June 2006: Westmorland Show set to have Roses

All fans of flowers should head along to Westmorland County Showground next weekend.

The Lakeland Rose Show is returning to Crooklands, where there will be many exhibiting their flowers.
Also there will be craft marquees with stalls and displays, trade stands, live bands and Falconry and Dog Agility displays.
You can also have your queries answered in Gardeners Question Time.

30 June 2006: Ambleside sports steps up speed

The ever popular Ambleside Sports will be taking place a month today at Rydal Park.

The Sports are a traditional event, now in its third century, and include a number of events such as running, cycling, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and Hound Trailing.
There are also plenty of children’s events which take place in a separate arena.
The event is on July 27th.

30 June 2006: Leave your car at home and enjoy the lakes by bike

You can leave your car at home and discover the Lake District by bus, boat, bike or foot, thanks to some new travel guides.

New leaflets in the popular ‘Give the Driver a Break’ series are designed to encourage motorists to leave cars behind and enjoy stress-free days in some of the country’s best scenery.
Six leaflets cover the ‘honey-pot’ areas of Windermere, Langdale, Grasmere, Coniston, Grizedale, Keswick and Buttermere and Borrowdale.
With vouchers offering discounts on journeys, bike hire, attractions and meals, hopes are high that people will jump onboard the environmental bandwagon.

30 June 2006: Ambleside Rush bearing this Saturday

The annual Ambleside Rushbearing Ceremony takes place this Saturday.

The traditional ceremony remembers the custom of bearing rushes to church when they had earthern floors and rushes were strewn for warmth.
Ambleside is one of the few towns in Britain, along with Grasmere that still celebrate Rushbearing.

30 June 2006: The Healeys on tour in the Lakes

A popular North East folk group are to tour the Lakes in early August, and raise money for charity at the same time.

The Healey’s will be putting on a show featuring traditional songs and Durham mining stories.
Profits from these shows will be going to help the children’s charity SUSIE in Ethiopia.
The Healy’s will be playing in Windermere on July 30^th and Grasmere August 1^st. You can see their show at Grasmere Tithe Barn on August 2^nd and Hawkshead Market Hall on August 3rd.

30 June 2006: Famous Coniston boat house up for sale

How do fancy buying a piece of film history?

The Brown Howe boathouse at Coniston which appeared in the film Swallows and Amazons, based on the book by Arthur Ransome has gone on sale.
A guide price of between £250,000 and £350,000 has been set down for the property which starred Virginia McKenna.

25 June 2006: The Strands joins the WasdaleWeb with new owners

The Strands Hotel

The Strands Hotel : Under New Ownership

The Strands hotel was built around 1800 by the Tyson brother, James Tyson. It was recently taken over Mark & Lesley Corr and is managed by Becky Lister with Head chef Jon Fell
There is a main bar with a log fire, a snug bar with log fire, a dining room , a small residents lounge and 11 letting bedrooms ( all of which are different ), ample parking spaces and a great beer garden
With an extensive menu to choose from , using the best of local produce, it is the ideal location for those who want holidays that focus on fine food, fine wine, beautifull scenery, walks to suit all abilities and most importantly a warm and caring environment
See our website for other interesting possibilities during your stay , and don't hesitate to get in touch should you like any further details

To visit their website click here

5 June 2006: Striding Ahead joins the LakelandWebs !

Striding ahead Walking adventures

Are you ready for a real walking adventure? One that will take you off the beaten track to the peaks and plains of Britain's wonderful countryside?

Striding Ahead offers fully organised walking adventure days ranging from the rugged to the breathtakingly beautiful and for all levels of walking experience. So you can now take yourself, friends, family, staff, customers or suppliers on a fully organised day out that will blow away the cobwebs

For more information please click here to visit their Website

5 June 2006: Muncaster fool wins

A real Fool walked away with the big prize at the International Jester Tournament at Muncaster Castle .

Maynard Flip Flap now becomes an Honorary Fool of Muncaster and the latest successor to Tom Fool, who was the Castle’s jester more than 400 years ago.
Each of the would be jesters, had 15 minutes to show the judges just what they could do. The five contenders tried to win the support of an enthusiastic crowd with madcap performances that included acrobatics and comedy.
Maynard Flip Flap’s winning performance including balancing shoes on his nose as well as flipping eggs and catching them in a crash helmet.

5 Juene 2006: Cumbria safe to live and work

According to new statistics we reside in a county named as one of the safest places to live and work.

The new crime statistics show a drop in burglaries and vehicle and alcohol related crime in Cumbria .
In South Cumbria vehicle crimes have dropped from 901 to 698 in the past year, and household burglaries have dropped from 398 to 352 over the same period.
Chief Superintendent Dee Collins said that the figures represented good news for South Cumbrian communities.

4 June 2006: Book awards for Cumbria

25 books featuring the Lake District and Cumbria have made it onto the ‘long list’ for the prestigious Lakeland Book of the Year 2006 competition.

Having poured over more than 50 entries for this year’s competition, judges have now whittled it down to a long list before deciding which 18 will make it through to the final shortlist.
Authors to make the long list include Cumbrian food personality Annette Gibbons and late Wordsworth Trust director Robert Woof.
The competition is now in its 22^nd year and attracts entries from a wide range of established and new authors.

2 June 2006 : Ospreys doing well

Thousands of people have flocked to see the Ospreys at Bassenthwaite Lake this year, and the numbers are expected to rise following news that three chicks have now hatched at the nest.

A recent RSPB report said that Ospreys are the UK ’s top bird tourism species and that the Lake District Ospreys are attracting twice as many visitors as any other nesting site.

Around 90,000 visits are made to the Osprey viewpoints near the Lake each year, contributing as much as £2million to the local economy.
The Ospreys have been nesting near Bassenthwaite since 2001.

2 June 2006: Need a new sheep ring tone?

They have recorded a version of ‘Land and Hope Glory’ as a World Cup anthem for the England team to inspire its players and fans to glory this summer.

The video shows a lookalike of famous Italian referee Pierluigi Collina, struggling to control a game between herds of sheep, as a football is pursued over mountains and down streets.

The single is available free from www.golakes.co.uk/worldcupsheep

25 May 2006: New members join the WasdaleWeb

The Westlakes Hotel , Gosforth

Located just outside the village of Gosforth the Westlakes hotel provides superb hotel accommodation in a great lcation. Ideal for the business trip or for the fell wanderer

For more informtation please click here to visit their website

Bleng Barn Self Catering cottage Gosforth

situated just outside the vilage of Gosforth the Bleng Barn self catering cottage can sleep from 6 to 10 people in this newly converted barn at the foot of the Blengdale Valley. The Farm also offers courses in a wide range of topics.

For more info please click here

18 May 2006 : Learn about old ratty !

WILDLIFE enthusiasts will have the chance to learn more about one of Cumbria 's rarest mammals in May.

The Cumbria Water Vole Project, administered by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Eden Rivers Trust, is running a series of training days to teach people how to search for this endearing creature.
The water vole, immortalised as Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's tale The Wind in the Willows, has become Britain 's fastest declining mammal. The population decrease is thought to be due to the combined effects of predation by mink and widespread habitat loss.
The Cumbria Water Vole Project has been working since 2003 to help this species and carries out a range of conservation activities including education, habitat enhancement and survey work.
Although water voles are active in the daytime, sightings are not always a guaranteed way of detecting their presence. Trainee surveyors will learn about the tell-tale signs the voles leave behind – including their distinctive burrow holes and nibbled vegetation. Funded by a £24,349 grant by the Local Heritage Initiative, the Training Days are aimed at raising awareness for the plight of this threatened species.
The training days will take place on Sunday, May 14 and Saturday, May 20, starting at 10.30am and finishing around 3pm. The morning session takes place at Melmerby Village Hall, followed by a field session in the afternoon near Alston.
Please telephone Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 01539 816300 for details or to make a booking (£5 charge for the day). Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis

18 May 2006 : Thomas makes a splash in Eskdale

YOUNG and old flocked to Eskdale at the weekend for the arrival of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway held one of its special “Day Out With Thomas” progammes.
The official Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive was transported by road from its home in Norfolk to take part. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is featured in two of the famous Thomas the Tank Engine stories.
David Jenner, station manager at Ravenglass, entered into the fun by playing the part of Sir Topham Hat, the Fat Controller.
Another “Day Out With Thomas” weekend will be held in Ravenglass on September 30 and October 1

18 May 2006: Marra the Dolphin rescued again

THE dolphin stranded on a Cumbrian beach this week was Marra, the mammal rescued from Maryport marina earlier this year, experts say.
Photographs from the rescue this week compared with images captured during January’s dramatic rescue in Maryport allowed the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) to identify markings on the creature's dorsal fin and back.
WDCS director of science Mark Simmonds now has concerns about what impact a controlled explosion of pre-World War Two shells nearby has had on the bottle-nosed dolphin.
Ministry of Defence bomb disposal experts were called out to Beckfoot just hours before the dolphin was found two miles up the coast.
It is now feared the friendly dolphin’s life could be at risk if it has more contact with humans although blood tests rushed through during Monday night’s rescue showed it to be in reasonable health.
More than 20 people took five hours to get Marra back out to sea after he was stranded just south of Silloth.
It was first thought to be another dolphin because it appeared smaller.
The WDCS and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue now want people to avoid any further interaction or feeding of the bottle-nosed dolphin.
Mr Simmonds said: “The more social they become, the more risk they are in. We have to quickly persuade people not to interact with them but only observe them.
“I am 100 per cent sure that it is Marra from photos taken on Monday night compared to ones at Maryport. There are at least six identical markings on his dorsal fin and back.
“We don’t know why he got stranded again but the chances are he was looking for food or he was wandering on his own. His natural instincts are becoming overwhelmed and he is becoming more vulnerable. We are also concerned about the impact the controlled explosion may have had on him.”
Mr Simmonds believes that Marra possibly belongs to one of two known dolphin populations or is part of a splinter group of dolphins in the Solway Firth .
Trevor Weeks, from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: “Bottle-nosed dolphins are a coastal species, not deep water like the whale in the Thames . Dolphins in the Solway Firth will become a natural tourist attraction but we just hope that people do not abuse that. We need to respect them as wild animals.

17 May 2006: Off duty rescuers lend a hand

OFF-duty mountain rescue team members rushed to the aid of a 60-year-old woman who fell, damaging her arm and neck n Brown Howe on Saturday, (May 13).

Members of the Search and Rescue Dog Association, who were not on duty but were near by the incident, went to help the woman.

They were then joined by members of the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team and Kendal Mountain Rescue Team, who stabilised the woman and took her from the valley bottom to Ambelside Ambulance station and then to hospital.

17 May 2006: Adders need watching

Residents in the South Lakes are being asked to track the progress of Britain ’s only venomous snake through the area.

The Herceptological Conservation Trust charity has started an Add An Adder project to improve understanding about how the reptile is faring.

Adders are not aggressive snakes and will only use their poison as a final means of defence usually if they are caught or trodden on.

17 May 2006: Ambleside voted the most romantic place

If you want a romantic picnic, then you are in the right part of the country.

Jenkins Crag, a short walk from Waterhead in Ambleside, has been named Britain ’s most romantic picnic spot by Country Life Magazine.
The spot is perfect for a cliff top picnic, with views over Windermere.

17 May 2006: Photography competition launched

Open Spaces, Green Places Project, a joint venture between Friends of the Lake District and Cumbria County Council have launched a new competition to photograph the county’s weird and wonderful village greens.

The project has produced a map of the county’s Village Greens, which the public can view online and now the project team is looking to bring life to the map through photographs.

The winners will win a meal for two at two of the county’s best pubs on the green, The Old Crown Pub at Hesket Newmarket or The Britannia at Elterwater.

For more information visit www.fld.org.uk and follow the links

16 May 2006: Farmers worried about sheep

Sheep farmers in the area have been growing increasingly concerned for the safety of their lambs, since the ban on hunting with dogs came in.

Its thought foxes are costing farmers thousands of pounds a year following the introduction of the controversial ban.

Legal methods of fox control are proving ineffective in upland areas where foxes are thriving.

03 May 2006: Challenge returns

The tenth annual Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge takes place later this month...

The charity challenge will see 28 teams canoeing the length of Lake Windermere, cycling over Hard Knott and Wrynose Passes , and climbing England ’s highest peak Scafell Pike on May 19th.
The event raises money for Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish rugby.
It helps disadvantaged children and young adults

03 May 2006: Speedboat crashes in Keswick was over loaded

The speedboat which crashed in the Lake District over the weekend was overcrowded according to coastguard officials...

The accident happened near to Friars Crag on Derwent water on Sunday morning when the vessel collided with rocks.
Eight people were injured in the accident, 4 were were taken to hospital, 1 person with head injuries was helicoptered from the scene.
The Coastguard has said that the boat was designed to carry just four people.
The initial alarm was raised by Cumbria Police at 3:20am, when Liverpool Coastguard scrambled the Maryport and Derwent rescue teams, along with units from Cumbria Ambulance Service and Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.

03 May 2006: everyone being asked to help in the bloom

Tourism businesses across Cumbria are being called on to demonstrate their flower power and enter this years Cumbria in Bloom competition.

Cumbria Tourist Board is again supporting three awards for tourism business in the county.

Visitor attractions, tourist information centres and self catering businesses can vie for the CTB Rose Bowl, bed and breakfast and guesthouses battle for the CTB Chairman’s Trophy.

While, the Jackie Sanderson Trophy will go to the best Hotel.
Any tourism businesses in the country can enter the three categories by writing to Cumbria Tourist Board, Ashleigh, Holly Road, Windermere, LA23 2AQ, or call 015394 44444 for an entry form, or by emailing ldicicco@gocumbria.org

28 April 2006: Wasdale View joins the WasdaleWeb

Wasdale View Self Catering in Holmrook

Situated in the village of Holmrook , Wasdale View is a newly converted barn with fantastic views across the Wasdale Fells and ideally situated for access to the Wasdale and Eskdale valley's as well as great evening strolls on the beach.

The cottage sleeps 5 to 6 people, 1 Double Room, 1 twin Room and a single with a pull out bed and is furnished to a high standard.

For more information and for a photographic tour please tour our site by clicking here

24 April 2006: Rescue team issues warning

MOUNTAIN rescuers have warned climbers to be extra vigilant after a 19-year-old man plunged to his death from a Lake District crag because harsh winter weather has loosened boulders.
A loose boulder is being blamed for the death of Daniel Metcalfe, from Morley, Leeds , after he fell nearly 250ft from Dow Crag, Coniston. A mother and her two children watched in horror as the teenager fell on Wednesday.
His brother, who had to be rescued from the crag face by RAF helicopter, was unhurt in the incident.
Rescue teams have now warned the public to take extra care. They believe a harsh winter may have loosened boulders and footholds on the climb.
Tony Robinson, deputy leader of Coniston mountain rescue team, said: “People should be aware that after the winter, rocks and boulders that have been used for many years as hand and foot holds could have been loosened by weather conditions.
“There is no reason to advise it should be closed down. We are just advising people to take proper precautions.”
Mr Robinson believed a boulder which Mr Metcalfe was using to pull himself up had loosened.
He said: “The dangers are always there and people should be aware of them.”
Mr Metcalfe was with his brother on the well-known scrambling route known as Easy Terrace next to Coniston Old Man at the time. The area, described as a diagonal sloping ramp, is used by climbers to come down from the crag. Although the two teenagers were not roped, experts said this was normal procedure.
Climbing expert Tony Greenbank said: “Easy Terrace is steep. You are just inches away from a tremendous drop.
“It is an official scramble. You do not need ropes unless it’s icy, windy or very wet.
“Dow Crag is a huge crag, the rock is very good and climbs are of a very high quality.”
Coniston mountain rescue team leader Roy Cooksey said the woman and her two children were walking down from Coniston Old Man when they witnessed the fall.
The brothers are believed to have been 150ft from the summit of Dow Crag when tragedy struck.
Coniston mountain rescue team brought the body down into the valley.

24 April 2006: Roman dig sparks debate

EXPERTS are pouring scorn on the findings of an archaeologist who says he has discovered a Roman fort in Furness.
Eight specialists wrote a joint letter to the magazine British Archaeology rubbishing Steve Dickinson’s claims about his dig at Urswick.
One of them, archaeologist Ben Johnson from Newcastle University , was site manager during last year’s Furness dig and has not been paid his wages.
Mr Johnson said: “There is no evidence that there is a Roman fort on the site at all. There are no walls, trenches or ditches — nothing.”
Mr Dickinson says his finds are significant and are still being processed.
But other experts signing the critical letter, include Cumbria ’s county archaeologist Dr Richard Newman and Lake District National Park Authority’s chief archaeologist John Hodgson, brand Mr Dickinson’s claims as “fanciful”.
Mr Dickinson, who runs the First Light Heritage Agency in Ulverston, organised the dig at Urswick’s Glebe field last year.
As well as claiming to have found a Roman fort he said the site could be Bannaventa Berniae, thought to be where Ireland ’s patron saint St Patrick was born.
In the damning letter, published in the current May/June issue of British Archaeology, the experts say: “We do not lightly criticise a colleague’s work, but our passion for the archaeology of the North West has left us with little choice.
“The site has produced very few Roman or other finds, and there is no evidence of Roman structures or military presence.”
They add that the St Patrick theory is currently without substance.
The letter states: “We cannot accept a situation in which the public is being misled by somewhat fanciful interpretations, rather than informed by solid evidence derived from reputable fieldwork.”
Mr Johnson revealed Mr Dickinson owes him more than £3,500 for unpaid work.
An employment tribunal in Newcastle last December gave Mr Dickinson until February 24 to pay Mr Johnson £3,509.34 in outstanding wages or face paying interest.
The money is still unpaid and Mr Johnson is considering taking the matter further.
He said: “He owes me £3,500 and counting. I feel like I’ve been taken for a ride.”
University students and local volunteers also helped on the dig.
Mr Johnson said: “He charged students £100-a-week plus accommodation.
“I know the volunteers also felt let down.”
Mr Dickinson maintains that the dig produced some worthwhile finds.
He said: “We showed about 1,000 visitors — many of them local — around the 2005 excavation.
“Of course not everyone had, or will have, the same take on the Urswick site and project as myself. But the majority of visitors were intrigued, asked thoughtful questions, and were very supportive of our work.
“Large archaeological projects produce large amounts of evidence — all of which takes a lot of time to process through scientific analyses, illustration and writing.
“We aim to produce a report on our 2004/5 projects later this year, or in 2007.
“Our income from UK student volunteers amounted to approximately £4,500. This sum was spent on project administration, equipment, and services, including food for students.
“As part of their training we completed personal assessment forms — confirming their tuition and their capabilities — for their university departments. If their departments were not satisfied with our tuition we would have received a rocket from them.”
Despite the tribunal judgment, Mr Dickinson denied that he was late in paying Mr Johnson.
He said: “Ben Johnson worked for us last summer, having first signed a contract agreeing that his salary would be paid in installments in arrears.
“The balance of his outstanding salary will be paid by mid June.”

24 April 2006: The Lakes is the best for walkers, its official !

THE RAMBLERS Association have this week named Cumbria as the best place in the UK for walking.
The award ceremony took place at the Outdoors Show at the NEC, Birmingham .
Cumbria – home to more than 200 rugged peaks and thousands of walks – beat off competition from across the UK .
The poll was conducted among members of the Ramblers Association in its membership magazine, Walk.
The award also compliments Cumbria 's reputation as a destination for lovers of outdoor adventure, like mountain biking, rock climbing, off-roading, sailing and canoeing.
Alex McCoskrie, market development officer for Cumbria Tourist Board, along with Cumbria Tourist Board commercial member, David Waugh, were presented with the award from world famous mountaineer Alan Hinkes.
Sheona Southern, marketing director of Cumbria Tourist Board, said: "The award is great news for Cumbria and the Lake District . We are one of the UK 's leading outdoor activity destinations and this recognition demonstrates the nation's increasing passion for walking in an inspirational and varied landscape like Cumbria ."
This year's Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show also saw the public launch of Cumbria Tourist Board's ROAM accreditation scheme.
ROAM (Registered Outdoor Activity Member) aims to become a byword for quality and safety across Cumbria 's adventure industry.
The assessment scheme aims to help visitors choose professional outdoor activity providers who offer the highest quality experiences.
Activities covered by ROAM registration range from fell-walking to climbing, from rowing to white water kayaking and many others.
Part financed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, ROAM is managed by Professional Services Outdoors, based in South Lakeland and run by Malcolm Campbell, a highly-experienced outdoors professional.
James Berresford, Director of Tourism at the NWDA, said: "Outdoor activities have long been synonymous with the outstanding landscape of Cumbria – The Lake District.
This innovative scheme gives well-deserved recognition to leaders in this field, and instils confidence in consumers that they are experiencing the best. "
The ROAM scheme will involve Mr Campbell examining what the business does and compare it to national codes of good practice.

24 April 2004: Ospreys lay first eggs

Just two weeks after arriving back in the Lake District, the female Osprey at the nest at Bassenthwaite Lake has laid an egg...

Following their arrival back in the Lake District earlier this month, the pair of ospreys have wasted no time in settling back into the nest that they have used since 2001.
The first egg is thought to have been laid late on Monday night and the female bird has been clearly seen incubating her precious ‘Easter’ egg.
It is hoped that further eggs will be laid in the coming days, as ospreys normally lay a clutch of three eggs.

20 April 2006: A busy time for Wasdale MRT

Two Lake District mountain rescue teams were called into action last night after a family of four became stranded.
The Wasdale and Keswick teams had to stretcher a man and his two teenage sons to safety after the father suffered a diabetic collapse. The boys were treated for the effects of cold. Their mother managed to walk down unaided

A WALKER in her early 60s had to be rescued from Netherbeck, Wastwater, after she slipped and broke her leg on Saturday.

The lady was in a group of six local walkers and was taken to West Cumberland Hospital by ambulance after being carried by stretcher down the fell.

20 April 2006: Filming in Cumbria

If you are out and about in the Lakes today then keep an eye out for some Hollywood stars...

Filming starts in the area today on the film ‘Miss Potter’, a film about Lakes resident and author Beatrix Potter.
Starring in the lead role is Oscar winning Bridget Jones star Renee Zellwegger. Starring opposite is British actor Ewan McGregor, who plays Norman Warne, Potter’s publisher and fiancé.

20 April 2006 the Ospreys return

Just two weeks after arriving back in the Lake District, the female Osprey at the nest at Bassenthwaite Lake has laid an egg.Following their arrival back in the Lake District earlier this month, the pair of ospreys have wasted no time in settling back into the nest that they have used since 2001.

The first egg is thought to have been laid late on Monday night and the female bird has been clearly seen incubating her precious ‘Easter’ egg.

It is hoped that further eggs will be laid in the coming days, as ospreys normally lay a clutch of three eggs

20 April 2006: MRT online appeal reaches £435.00

Well after a good start the pledge a pound online campaign has now reached a total of £435.00 and rising so a big thank you to all the WasdaleWeb users who have clicked and dontated. However , our total goal is still a long way off so please if you've not already done so, clcik on the pledge button which can be found on the right hand side of every page and use you card or paypal account to give some money to a good cause !

30 March 2006: UIverston Walking festival launched

The Ulverston Walking Festival...
The programme for the 2006 Ulverston Walking Festival has now been printed.
Each walk is lead by a volunteer and a donation of £1 is requested to cover our costs.
The diary of 2006 events is on this website.
To get information please contact Steve or Jean Povey at The Walkers Hostel, Ulverston, LA12 7LB, or phone 01229 585588 or email at povey@walkershostel.freeserve.co.uk.
Brochures are also available at the Ulverston Tourist Information Centre - 01229 587120 from February 2006

28 March 2006: New additions join the WasdaleWeb

Today Littleground House joined the WasdleWeb

Little Ground House is a large Victorian house, built for a “Statesman Farmer” after the adjoining cottage and barn became too small for his family.

It has magnificent views towards the Wastwater Screes and views up the valley to Scafell and Great Gable.

Equidistant from the village of Gosforth and the head of the valley, it is ideally placed to explore the delights of the Western Lakes by car or the Wasdale valley on foot. The house is laid out to operate as a self catering house for those visiting the area, please browse this site for more details

to see more click here

Keneth Leech a local artist has also joined the WasdaleWeb today with his website offering many Lakes inspired pieces of work. In his wown words
"have a great love of the countryside and particularly enjoy observing the changing landscape and the wonderful variety of moods associated with it.

My work has evolved through a number of influences ranging from the free, expressive brushwork seen in the oil sketches of Joseph Mallord William Turner and John Constable, as they anticipated the Impressionists, through to Abstract Expressionist Art developed in New York in the 1940s.

The screenprint and giclee galleries show a range of work from contemporary figurative landscape to abstract works based on the landscape. Each approach informs and influences the other."

To View Kenneths website please click here

21 March 2006: The LakelandWebs launch another new webcam

Today we launch another webcam in our network, this one will be part of the EskdaleWeb and will be looking at Harter fell and Hardknott pass.

If you would like to view it why not check out the site

www.eskdaleweb.co.uk

This camera also has an exciting new addtion in the form of a java based web applet ! or in English it has the possibility to watch the camera update itself every 6 seconds so you can for the first time get a real time view of the fells . The webcam will be live later today

21 March 2006: RAF based at the Wasdale Head this week

An RAF seaking helicopter is to be based at the Wasdale Head Inn this week on training exercises. The big yellow helicopter and its crew will be performing daily flying sessions around the valley and surrounding area and will be landing next to the famous inn

21 March 2006: New report warns of erosion

Climate Change May Make Lake District Suffer

A report has said that tourist areas such as the Lake District may have to be restricted in future, as the impact of climate change takes effect.

The study, by Sustainability Northwest and the University of Manchester , warns that the strain will grow over time.

It said footpaths in upland areas such as the Lakes could become unusable due to erosion caused by climate change

21 March 2006: Cold spell has huge effect on the new born Cumbrian lambs

THE big freeze has taken its toll on the lambing season in Cumbria with farmers reporting huge losses.
Dead animals were dug out of deep snow drifts after winter weather swept across the county last weekend.
Farming leaders’ said farmers throughout the county were working overtime to round up their lambs to bring them inside.
In the Eskdale Valley one farmer was forced to dig out 20 sheep after they were stuck in snow.
Ravenglass farmer, Alistair Mackintosh said he lost around a dozen lambs overnight on Sunday, with neighbouring farms also reporting lambs that had perished, buried under snow and unable to get to their mothers.
Once lambs are born it is vital that they are fed by their mothers within six hours.
Mr Mackintosh, of Muncaster Home Farm, said: “Everything born on Monday night did not survive the night. We have had a good winter up till now but it seems to have dumped its horrible conditions in the last few days.”
Trevor Wilson, chairman of NFU Cumbria, said: “There will be many more deaths than normal. I just hope this weather improves, it is just abysmal. There could be shepherds out there doing 20 hours a day.”
In north Cumbria, many farmers have been forced to bring lambs inside, with an increased risk of disease spreading.
Mr Mackintosh said: “Lambs are having to be housed inside otherwise they will perish, but farmers can only house so many and then we can get a build-up of disease.”
It is not just sheep farmers who are struggling – arable farmers are also having difficulty because of waterlogged fields.

16 March 2006: Irton Hall Self catering cottages joins the WasdaleWeb

Irton Hall is situated at the foot of the Wasdale valley with superb views and great access to the valley and the coast. It consists of two, two bedroomed cottages a built in traditional style and set within the grounds of the magnificent Irton Hall.

Each cottage enjoys the full benefits of this peaceful parkland setting, itself located in a quiet, yet particularly beautiful area of West Cumbria. Each cottage has been tastefully constructed to reflect traditional style with use of stone and rendered walls under tiled roofs. Internally the modern comfortable accommodation is well appointed and furnished.

For more information please cick here

16 March 2006: Police issue weather warning

Weather warning for motorists

FLURRIES of snow were forecast for across Cumbria today.

Light snow showers were blowing across the M6 early this morning, but not causing any major problems for motorists.

Forecasters predict the weather across the county today will be mostly cloudy with some flurries. Temperatures will reach a high of 4C and a low of -1C. Sleet showers are expected tomorrow.

Police were reporting no weather-related problems on the county’s roads, but motorists were urged to take care in areas where visibility became poor.

15 March 2006: Cumbrian explorors are attacked by Polar bears

THREE Cumbrian climbers were attacked by a polar bear 2,000m up in the Arctic mountains - as they played Trivial Pursuit.
The bear poked its head into their tent as they sat playing the game and the group then had to scare the huge animal off with flares and making continuous noise for 10 hours.
The eight polar explorers, including John Starbuck, 52, of Egremont, were recovering after completing the first successful winter ascent of the Arctic ’s highest mountain when the bear appeared.
It ripped three of their five tents apart before the adventurers scared it off by setting off rocket flares and banging pans.
The team maintained an all-night vigil, making noise continuously for 10 hours until dawn, to ensure the bear did not come back.
They had just entered the history books by becoming the first people to climb the 3,693m mountain Gunnbjorns Fjeld in the punishing Arctic winter, when temperatures drop as low as minus 60C.
Expedition co-leader Paul Walker, 40, from Kendal , Cumbria , raised the alarm on Saturday night after the polar bear slashed its way into his tent.
As half the team played Trivial Pursuit in another tent, the bear peered in through the tent door of the expedition’s other leader, Baz Roberts who is from Staveley near Kendal.
He and his tent mate Adrian Pedley, 44, from Oldham , shouted and threw equipment at the animal in an attempt to scare it off.
Mr Roberts, 44, from Kendal , Cumbria , said: "The bear attack was the most frightening face-to-face encounter of my life with a killer animal and you just react on gut instinct to survive.
"The team all pulled together and we are relieved to have got out alive. This very well could have ended in tragedy.
"It doesn’t take away from our magnificent achievement of making the top of Gunnbjorns Fjeld and all the team played their part in completing one of the last great Arctic challenges.
"But we are still wondering what the bear was doing in the Watkins mountains in the first place."
The other members of the North Face-Tangent Roof of the Arctic expedition are Doug Gurr, 41, Hugh Mackay, 45, James Wheaton, 42, all from London , John Burness, 49, from Marlow, Bucks, and Lucy Makinson, 35, from Derbyshire.
They were airlifted from their base camp on Sunday and are due to fly back to the UK tonight

15 March 2006: Windfarm goes live on the Cumbrian coast

Cumbrian offshore wind farm starts to produce

THE first electricity has been produced from the offshore wind farm development off the coast of Cumbria

The 30-turbine complex is being built by Centrica Energy and Dutch-based energy group Dong, 7km south west of Walney Island , near Barrow.
Around half of the turbines are complete and the first commercial energy production began at the weekend.
The project, called Barrow Offshore Wind (BOW), will comprise four rows of 120-metre high turbines, each capable of producing three megawatts of electricity.
A special offshore electricity sub-station has been constructed to link high-voltage power cables to the shore.
When complete, the complex will provide power for about 65,000 homes.
John Freeland, the deputy project manager, said: "This is the ideal place for a wind farm, but an area like this has its own challenges in construction."
The complex is due to be completed later this year.
Last week, ministers threw out a proposal to build England 's largest land-based wind farm at Whinash, near Tebay

03 March 2006: Snow and Ice hit Wasdale but in lesser amounts than elsewhere

The snow and cold snap that is gripping parts of the UK at the moment has arrived in the Wasdale valley, all be it in a small way. We don't have feet or even inches of snow on the ground (as yet) but it is very cold with figures below zero and snow and ice on the fells.

Conditions high up are very cold indeed with a high wind chill factor and some very tricky conditions under foot on the high fell. Advice is to take full winter kit with you if venturing on to the high fells this weekend

21 Feb 2006: New members galore for he WasdaleWeb providing some great local facilities

Ready for the new season the WasdaleWeb welcomes three new members to its ranks

The Gosforth Hall Hotel is situated in Gosforth just 9 miles from the Wasdale valley and provides great hotel accommodation, superb meals and a friendly bar in one of the oldest historic buildings in the village.

Click here to visit the Gosforth Hall website

Adjacent to the Gosforth hall we have another new member business in the form of the Barn and Pine Lodge a converted barn now providing top quality self catering accommodation with a touch of class and a great location.

Click here to visit the Gosforth Barn website

And finally in the heart of the Wasdale valley we have Sundial cottage, Galesyske joining the site. The cottage provides self catering facilities in a wonderful location and again ideal for anyone looking for a base from which to explore the locality

Click here to visit Sundial Cottages website

21 Feb 2006: Some web cam problems

The webcams are currently undergoing some maintenance and so may be off for a couple of days while we update the software, apologies for any problems this causes

Updated 2 Feb 2006: Marra the dolphin ( as its been named ) is moved and finds love !

The authorities finaly removed the dolphin from the harbour following fears of its health, however it went out to see and met up with another dolphin, and both of these have been seen swimming togehtor outside the harbour walls. More news as and when

22 January 2005; Bottle nosed dolphin makes home in Cumbria !

A bottle nosed Dolphin has arrived in the Cumbrian harbour of Maryport, much to the pleasure of the gathered crowds. The Dolphin appeared a couple of weeks ago and has made home in the section of the harbour used by small fishing and sailing vessels.

The Dolphin seems to like the crowds that gather daily to watch it and surfaces every two or three minutes for a second or two before disappearing once again.

However, the powers that be are worried that while there is plentyfull supply of fish in the harbour, there may be too much pollution from all the boat engines, and so have been trying to persuade the Dolphin to return to the sea.

The dolphin however, has other plans, and while the RNLI and harbour authorities, helped by the Police yesterday tried their best to scare the dolphin out of the harbour , or to have it follow their boats out, the Dolphin waited until the boats had done their bit before popping up somewhere else !

The authorites were still trying when we left yesterday , so we don't know if the dolphin stayed or went, and we will report back when we have more news.

It might be for the best though if it does leave, as while the majority of the huge crowds marvelled at the beauty of this creature visiting our area, there has been reports of total morons throwing things at the dolphin. Why such humans are allowed to walk the streets is beyond me, and I wish the police well in their hunt to find them, when they do they should throw them into the harbour and then pelt them with rocks and bottles.

Anyway, apart from the very sad minority there was hundreds of people gathered to watch he dolphin and we wish it well during its visit to Cumbria

20 Jan 2005; Wasdale Parish meeting notice

17 January 2006 : Home to Home exchanges with a french rural community

Wasdale Parish meeting and Eskdale Parish Council are jointly exploring the possibility of a link up with a rural community in Central France. St.Martin d'Auxigny is about 10 miles north of the medieval city of Bourges. See www.ville-saint-martin-auxigny.org.

Anyone interested in participating should phone David Killick on 019467 26258 or John Bromage on 019467 23201

17 January 2006 : Wasdale's success in "Village of the year " Competition.

After winning the title of Calor " Cumbrian Village of the year" representatives went to an awards ceremony in London and were congratulated as North of England Regional winners in the "Environmental Category". In the Information Technology section this website received an honorable mention as one of the runners up

17 January 2006: What's got 600 legs, mends cars and films in Wasdale?

Well the answer is the AA filming a new advert on the banks of Wastwater last week. In some of the wettest weather to hit the lakes in a long while a film crew, a catering crew and 300 extras arrived to film the AA's new advert on the shores of Wastwater. The gangs of extras dressed as AA men and women walked arms outstretched towards a broken down car sing , "I'll be there", well I'm not sure about you but that would scare the pants off me if I had broken down !

I braved the weather and took some rather wet photos shown below of the gang in action

9 Jan 2005: road works begin

the valley road works have now started with some problems arising

for more information please click here

7 January 2005: The Strands and Screes in Nether Wasdale announce some winter specials

The two public houses / hotels in Nether Wasdale the Strands Hotel and the Screes Inn have announced some exciting winter breaks to tempt you out this Winter !

more information can be found here

4 January 2005: Wasdale Road works start and businesses stay open !

The long awaited road repairs tot he Wasdale valley road have starte this week. The work on the main valley road will cause some disruption between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday but the valley head businesses will remain open as normal.

It had been feared that some businesses would need to shut, but all will now remain open.

The Wasdale Head Inn which was due to close mid week will now be OPEN as normal thorughout the road works

more news as and when

13 December 2005: Jim & Jo get married !

A great day was had by all this weekend when Jim , who runs the Barn Door Shop (and has done since before time began !) got married to Jo . They had a lovely wedding in St.Olafs , followed by great food and cheer in the Wasdale Head Inn.

Jo of course looked radiant all day long

On behalf of the WasdaleWeb I would like to wish them a great married life and long years of happiness together

Photo thanks to Brian Sherwen

13 December 2005: Valley road still open

Despite the roadworks that are going on in the valley the road still remains open. The only section from the lake to the YHA is currently diverted around Nether Wasdale but the route to the head is open and working fine

05 December 2005: Wasdale Road open as normal

The road works which were due to start on the 14 November 2005 have failed to arrive or to cause the problems anticipated. The section of road between the YHA and the lake is out of action but is easily avoided. The main valley road is open as normal till after the Christmas and New year break.

18 Novemebr 2005 : Wasdale road works postponed till the 28 November

The road works planned on the wasdale road to start last Monday will now not begin until the 28th November

18 November 2005: Mike Nayor wins the World Biggest Liar competition for the second year running

The Worlds Biggest Liar competition was held last night at the Santon Bridge Inn sponsored by Jennings Brewery. The competition is a traditional one dating back from the original landlord of the Wasdale Head Inn Mr Will Ritson who was well known for his tall stories. The competition this year was between 10 people with stories ranging from under water monsters, Giant mole hills and email fruad.

Mike Naylor who is a Wasdale resident born and bred and who works as a brewer at the Wasdale Head Inn, won the prize for the second year running returning the trophy to the Wasdale Head Inn once again

For more info and to listen to audio of the winning stories visit our Liar page by clciking here

The worlds Biggest Liar Click here

14 November 2005: Great Gable Rememberance day service a huge success

Great Gable at 11.00am on rememberance day 2005

The annual rememberance day service was once again held on the summit of Great Gable by the FRCC.

The day dawned clear and bright and remained so throughout the day as over a thousand people walked to the summit to listen to the brief service and two minute silence.

Further info including a podcast (audio link) can be found by click here

Great Gable 2005

08 November 2005: The WasdaleWeb goes Mobile !

As of today the Wasdaleweb is available in a limited form on your mobile phone.

You can now view all the webcams live on you WAP enabled phone as well as scrolling through a list of all the member business telephone numbers and viewing any urgent breaking news

all you need to do is point your phones browser at www.mobilewasdaleweb.co.uk and away you go !

And dont forget to save it in your phones memory to view again later

www.mobilewasdaleweb.co.uk

1 November 2005: Litter Pick day announced for Saturday 5 November 2005, can YOU help?

Saturday 5th November 2005.

As part of the National Volunteering Make a Difference Day, I've arranged for a litter pick to take place at Wasdale on Saturday 5th November. Please come along and help out. We'll be meeting at Nether Wasdale Green at 10.30 pm and we'll finish by 12.30 pm. You'll need your car to travel about the Parish, waterproofs, warm clothing and stout footwear. We'll provide gloves, litter pickers and bags.
Hope to see you there.

Contact Chris Berry on 01229 716091 if you need further details

31 October 2005: Official Wasdale Head Shepherds meet / show day photos added to the site , with Video !

Well to complement my own pictures and some other donated ones we now are happy to post the official Wasdale Show day photos from 2005, and as an extra feature this year we have Streaming video of the Terrier races as well. These videos work best on a broadband connection and provide another great dimension to the recording of the day.

For more info click here

28 October 2005: The Wasdale Head Inn announces its revised opening times during the Winter Road works

From November 14 2005 when the roadworks start in the valley the Wasdale Head Inn will be closing mid week, this means that from 16.30 hours on Friday through to 9.30am on Mondays they will be open as normal, but during the week they will be closed including the bar. They will also be completely closed on the weekend of the 10 & 11 of December.

The Hotel will also be open as normal over Christmas between 22 December to the 8 January 2006.

Normal service will be resumed once the road works are completed, dates to follow

28 October 2005: The Screes Fell race results arrive

NETHER WASDALE

CUMBRIA

22^ND OCTOBER 2005

RESULTS

1.	Ricky Lightfoot – Ellenborough AC	42:15
2.	Martin Amor – CFR	44:09
3.	Christopher Smale – Todmorden Harriers	45:07	V40
4.	Brian Thompson – CFR	45:11	V40
5.	Brian Taylor – Ellenborough AC	46:41
6.	Peter Pollitt – CFR	47:04
7.	Haydon Keith – Ellenborough AC	47:42
8.	Neil Wrigley – Horwich RMI Harriers	47:48	V40
9.	Steve Swarbrick – Bowland FR	47:53
10.	Andy Beaty – CFR	47:59	V40
11.	Jerry Dawson – CFR	48:15	V40
12.	Peter Crompton – CFR	48:27	V40
13.	Colin Valentine – Keswick AC	48:38	V40
14.	Nick Hewitt – Bowland FR	49:04	V50
15.	Jackie Winn – CFR	50:21	V50
16.	Dave Ward – CFR	50:44
17.	John Boyle – CFR	51:14
18.	Wayne Jackson – Ellenborough AC	51:22
19.	Andrew Bradley – CFR	51:40	V40
20.	Olly Fielden – Helm Hill Runners	51:43
21.	Russell Cannon – Helm Hill Runners	52:04	V40
22.	Brian Kennedy – Settle Harriers	52:22	V40
23.	Robin Guy – Newport & District	52:26
24.	Ian J Robinson – Clayton-le-Moors	52:37	V50
25.	Steve Steele – CFR	53:01	V40
26.	Ronnie Mossop – Ellenborough AC	53:28
27.	Steven Park – Ellenborough AC	53:35	V40
28.	Kate Beaty – CFR	53:41	L - V40
29.	Ian M McDougall – CFR	54:02	V40
30.	Larry Abel – CFR	54:04	V40
31.	Stephen Smithies – Calder Valley Fell Runners	54:33
32.	Richard Bellaries – Clayton	54:40	V50
33.	Matthew Hulley – Dark Peak	55:11
34.	Elliott Lorimer – Horwich RMI	55:30
35.	David Fell – CFR	55:43	V50
36.	Gary Lynch – Ellenborough AC	55:50
37.	Peter J Ferris – U/A	55:57	V40
38.	Chris Cripps – CFR	56:08
39.	David Ralphs – Newbrough Nomads	56:22	V40
40.	Jackie Casey – Barrow Striders	56:22	L
41.	Andrew Bennett – Helm Hill	56:30
42.	James Goffe – Blackcombe Runners	56:30	V40
43.	William Helliwell – U/A	56:56	V50
44.	Jamie Rausham – U/A	56:58
45.	Martin Wood – CFR	56:59	V40
46.	Howard Rooms – Ellenborough AC	57:01	V40
47.	Paul Johnston – Ellenborough AC	57:18
48.	Kevin Walker – U/A	57:40	V40
49.	Mike Troup – St Edmund Pacers	58:02	V50
50.	Guy Brooke – Eden	58:25
51.	Les Stephenson – Keswick AC	58:31	V50
52.	Martin Allen – U/A	58:39	V40
53.	Julie Carter – Keswick	58:52	L
54.	Ben Mitchinson – CFR	54:10
55.	Roger Whitaker – CFR	59:25	V60
56.	John Edwards – CFR	59:31	V50
57.	David Parminter – Black Combe	59:35	V50
58.	Mhairi K Cameron – Hoad Hill Harriers	1:00:25	L
59.	Robert Davis – CFR	1:00:47	V50
60.	Gail Tombs – Ackworth Road Runners	1:02:57	L – V50
61.	David Shorrock – Darwen Dashers	1:03:00	V50
62.	Jo Taylor – Lancaster & Morecambe AC	1:03:13	L – V40
63.	Barbara Haywood – CFR	1:03:38	L – V40
64.	Howard Jones – CFR	1:04:24	V40
65.	Jane C Greening – Durham Fell Runners	1:04:28	L
66.	Mel Bradley – CFR	1:04:39	L – V40
67.	Jan Atkins – Chorley Harriers	1:04:56	L – V60
68.	Peter Billington – Achille Ratti	1:05:26	V50
69.	Lindsay Buck – CFR	1:05:33	L – V40
70.	Peter Ward – U/A	1:05:50
71.	Michael Simpson – CFR	1:05:56	V50
72.	Ali Strafford – CFR	1:06:13	L
73.	Martin Walsh – Lytham St. Annes	1:06:19	V50
74.	Debbie McGee – CFR	1:06:29	L
75.	Paul Walsh – Lytham St. Annes RRC	1:08:43	V50
76.	Karl R Fursey – Black Combe Runners	1:08:56
77.	Polly J Lander – CFR	1:08:95	L
78.	Stephen Watson – CFR	1:09:33	V50
79.	Richard Kirkham – Blengdale Runners AC	1:12:20	V40
80.	Rob James – CFR	1:12:31	V50
81.	Philip Hawley – CFR	1:12:36	V50
82.	Jack Escritt – CFR	1:12:55	V70
83.	S M Silverwood – CFR	1:13:30	V40
84.	David Powell-Thompson – U/A	1:16:31	V50
85.	Sarah Mitchell – U/A	1:17:14	L
86.	Judy Howells – U/A	1:17:15	L

Retired - Terence Lowden – CFR

C E Beryl Graham – U/A

Sponsors:

The Screes Inn, Nether Wasdale, Coors Brewery, Yates Brewery, House of Townend Wine Merchants

24 October 2005: The Valley Road works restricted access announced

Anyone who has visited Wasdale this year will no doubt have noticed that the valley road is beginning to show definate signs of wear and tear. Because of this the council will be working on the valley road to resurface it.

The road works will begin on the 14 November 2005 and continue till January 2006. During this time there will be access restrictions between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

The road will not be closed but during these hours expect some major disturbances and delays. The road will NOT be affected during the weekends or over the festive period.

The businesses in the valley will be trading as normal allowing for the roadworks delays. For more definitive news we suggest you contact the businesses directly. We will of course keep monitoring the situation here on the site

10 October 2005: The Wasdale Show is a fantastic success

Well show day dawned wet and dreary and it looked set to be a wash out, but as the day progressed the sun started to glimmer and the people came out. All in all the day was a great one and plenty of peope came to cheer it on.

For more info and to l ook at the photos click here

06 october 2005: Success story ( in a round about way) from a three peaker

Well always wuick to report on the negative side of te three peaks race I thought I would include here an email from a 3 peaker showing the sensible side of the equations

Hello there,

Just a quick note on When To Say No!

Last Saturday at 5am myself and two friends set out at the base of Ben Nevis to attempt the 3 Peaks challenge. 5 and half hours later we were on our way to the lovely Wasdale area and Sca Fell Pike. Major traffic problems meant that we arrived at Wasdale at 7pm and started to climb at 7.30pm .

The clouds closed in, the rain started and in an instant it was dark and scarey. YES we lost the path and upon seeing the head torches of 5 other climbers behind us decided to wait until they joined us and see if they could help. No luck, just as lost, they decided to continue with my two friends and i made that decision. I WENT BACK TO BASE.

Thoughts of failure at first then of joy as i realised that "I HAD" made the right decision.

30 minutes at the car park and i looked up to see two head torches meandering down the Pike. Sure enough my two friends joined me soon after and with a hand shake declared "I was right to get off the mountain". The other 5 lads however ploughed on into the night as we left for Snowdon .

On the way back down from Snowdon , smiles on faces and stories of walks gone by we came across 4 of the 5 lads from Sca Fell.

They had reached the top, well done, but promptly found themselves lost at the top and in need of guidance down. The 5th member had suffered shock during this experience and did not attempt Snowdon .

Last weekend I climbed a total of 12 miles across the 3 Peaks, i had some great company, good food and brilliant stories, i felt tired but elated at the end. That 5th lad climbed half the distance, now has a horror story to tell and i am sure felt far from elated.

RESULT = Sca Fell Pike 1 Climbers 0.

"Never be afraid to make that decision, you can always go back again!"

And i will! (In the daytime)

Steve BARWISE

2 October 2005: HELP NEEDED. Were you in Seathwaite Borrowdale on Saturday 1 October 2005?

A camera was left on a car roof which drove away and the owners would really like the camera or memory card back, so they can have a record of their day out. If you found it or know where it is please let us know and we can put you in touch with the pwners

28 September 2005: Site refresh takes place

We are currently as you may see carrying out a site redesign to make the site clearer to use and easier to view. Please bear with us while this completes and some new additions are added. If you spot a mistake or would like to see something on the site that's not already there please do drop us an email

28 September 2005: Wasdale Head Show approaches

Well only a couple of Saturdays to go till the Wasdale Head Shepherds meet and show takes place. We will of course be there with a stand in the barn next to Row head farm. So if you fancy a chat or want a sticker just pop along and say hello.

For more info on the show click here

28 September 2005; Mobile phone coverage in the valley

After a steady stream of people asking about mobile phone coverage I've put maps up showing the coverage available from the four main networks. I will update the section once a month to reflect any changes.

28 September 2005: WasdaleWeb gets radio !

The WasdaleWeb now has streaming radio broadcasts live on the site. Now as you browse through the site you can listen to the local radio station at the same time simpley by clicking on the link in the left hand menu. The radio stream will open in a separate screen and play while you surf

15 September: Gable and Pillar Webcams to go broadband!

The Great Gable and Pillar webcams on the WasdaleWeb are to go broadband in a week or so in a move that will see the images updated every 5 seconds, so the images you see will no longer be updated every ten minds or so , nor will they be restricted by the line problems which beset the dial up connection we currently use.

The two cameras will be live 24 hours a day and will show real time images

The best webcams on the internet are getting just a tad bit better !

15 September 05 The WasdaleWeb gets fame and fortune in Trail magazine

The UK's leading outdoors magazine has this month done a double page article in association with the WasdaleWeb. Trail magazine ran an article on webcams in the fells and used ours as an example. They also listed 8 Must see webcams for mountain lovers everywhere and four of the eight are ours!

Little do they realise there's a fifth one lurking in the background ready to go live very soon! More info to follow , watch this space

06 September: Mountain Images Joins the WasdaleWeb !

www.mountainscenes.co.uk

Cumbria's leading photographic web site , mountain images has joined the wasdaleweb this month.

A little more imaginative than most photographic gallery sites, the inspirational images that are shown offer an alternative and more involved view than the many sites dedicated entirely to scenic photography.

Jon Allison who runs the site says

"it gives me pleasure to believe visitors to this site will undoubtedly share more than just a passing interest. However, many will arrive here by pure coincidence or out of curiosity. Whatever your reason to visit, please linger a while and enjoy the scenes, and if you find time, let me know what you think!

I hope that when you leave my images will have left a lasting impression and you may have chosen to take one or two with you! "

To view the site and maybe even make a purchase click the photo above or click

HERE

01 September 2005: Your photographic help required !

At the moment we have gathered over 1500 individual photographs of the Wasdale fells and surrounding areas. As this number keeps on growing daily we have decided to make use of this resource and offer it up for all to appreciate by compiling a catalogue of Lakeland views and fells.

The catalogue will take the form of a collection of indexed thumbnails leading to full quality photographs which can be downloaded.

The aim is to compile a true photographic collection of the whole of the Lakes , not just Wasdale.

The only stipulation is that any images sent must be yours to distribute and not subject to any copyright restrictions.

So get snapping and send your photographs along with a short description of where it is and when it was taken and we will put it live on the site www.lakelandcamera.co.uk which will be accessible through the WasdaleWeb or direct

Photos should be sent to admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

31 August 2005: Photos of the runners in the Lingmell dash published

If you raced in the Lingmell dash fell race reported on below you very likely were photographed by the WasdaleWeb! To see the full pictures and to download a copy if you want one click below

Click here for the photos

31 August 2005: Success for the Lingmell dash fell race

The fourth annual Lingmell dash on Saturday 27 August 2005 went well . This year we had 20 runners which we hope will gain again next year as the race becomes more established as a permanent fixture on the fell running fra calendar.

This years clear winner was Mike Robinson of Dark Peak runners in 46.46, a well earned victory for Mike who is a regular supporter of the race. Yet again CFR blues and whites were out in force and second place went to Brian Thompson in 51.24, followed by Rossendales Brendon Taylor in 53.53. Rob James of CFR had a good race (54.37), followed by team mate Irving Block in 54.55 knocking a great 4 mins of last years time.

Lindsey Buck was first lady in 69.45, a new course time for Lindsey who is in good form. Second lady was R Murray from Howich who had an impressive run.

It was good to see runners supporting this fund raising event for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue team from all over the country including, Liver pool, Amble side, Arsenical as well as from Cumber land fell runners.

This year the race was started by mountaineer Simon Yates, who stayed and gave an interesting lecture and slide show on his last expedition to the Yukon. The talk was attended by over 100 people and was widely enjoyed in the atmospheric barn of Row Head farm. Two of Simons books were auctioned raising 60 which was contributed tot he valuable fund raising day.

The total raised from the day was 800 and a big thank you goes to Simon Yates, Howard and Kate of the Wasdale Head Inn, Tim of Lingmell house, Jim of the Barn door shop, Guy of the Wasdaleweb and Heather and Andrew from Row Head Farm for all their support.

See you next year on the 22 July 2006 for the next Lingmell dash

Jen Fraser (race organiser)

31 August 2005: 3 people arrested over campsite thefts

A series of thefts occured over the bank holiday weekend with items being stolen from campers tents while they were out. The police were called to investigate and have announced today that they have now arrested 3 people in connection with this crime. Lets hope that's the end of these awful crimes.

27 August 2005 Lingmell Dash race results

1. Mike Robinson, Dark Peak, M, 50.46

2. Brian Thompson , CFR, mv40, 51.24

3. Brendon Taylor, Rossendale, M, 53.53

4. Rob James, CFR, MV50, 54.37

5. Irving Block, CFR, MV50, 54.55

6. Ken Taylor, Rossendale, MV50, 56.35

7. Chris Waters, Ambleside, M, 58.02

8. David Atkinson, CFR, MV40, 58.04

9. Ian Bell, u/a, MV40, 59.41

10. Larry Abel, CFR, MV40, 60.32

11.Bernard Murphy, Liverpool Harriers, M, 63.17

12. K Rutherford, Blackcombe, MV40, 64.10

13. G Edwards, CFR, MV50, 66.28

14. Mike Cottrill, u/a, M, 68.56

15. Lindsey Buck, CFR, LV40, 69.45

16. Roger Whittaker, CFR, MV60, 70.42

17. R Murray, Howich rmi, L, 72.01

18. Andy Fletcher, CFR, MV45, 76.48

19. Nicky Croft, Blackcombe, LV45, 77.53

20. James Baker, u/a, M, Retired

22 August 2005: Want to work in Wasdale ? The Strands have the answer for you !

Looking for a new direction and want to work in the Wasdale area, then the Strands Hotel in Nether Wasdalele could help, they are currently looking to fill two positions.

For more info please click here to go to our Job pa ge

18 August 2005:New rock fall in Lords Rake

There has recently been another rock fall in the Lords Rake on Scafell, this time it caused a mountain rescue call out by the Wasdale team.

Two walkers were in the rake when a rock fall occured , the walkers managed to get to safety but then found they were unable to continue. Just before the rescue team arrived with them some nearby climbers helped them down safely.

It appears that this is another general rock fall which has been happening since the orignal rock fall two years ago. The message remains the same in that you are advised to give the area a miss and find an alternative route

I will be going into the rake this week and so will post back with new photos then

08 August 2005: The Scafell Pike webcam returns with a new even better home at the Strands Hotel in Nether Wasdale

Launched today the Scafell Pike webcam makes a welcome return , this time at ta new home on the Strands Hotel in Nether Wasdale. Once again the image looks at the summit of Scafell Pike as well as that of Scafell and updates each and every day.

For more information and to view the only web cam that looks at the summit of Englnds Highest mountain click below:

06 July 2005: Fell race dates announced and a celebrity will be in attendance !

On Saturday 27th August the LINGMELL DASH will be held, this will be the 4th annual race and will start at 2.00pm

Details

4.5m/2500'
from the wasdale head inn carpark (GR 18700875) £3.50 entries on the day
records Tim Austin 46.02; L - A forrest 65.00.
All proceeds for Wasdale mountain rescue team.
This year mountaineer Simon Yates will present prizes, and contribute to a
day of fund raising - more details to follow!

05 July 2005: the sticker competition continues

Well we are starting to get some more entries in the sticker competition now, with the most recent ones to come from far flung places, so if you are planning to go away this year or have a good place to stick one of our wasdaleweb stickers then please do get in touch

More info can be found here

05 July 2005: 3 peaks continue to cause problems in the valley

The three peak race season is once again well and truly underway in the valley and once again there has been considerable disruption in the valley, so this is a simple plea to anyone who is planning to attempt the event for a good cause. Please could you take away your rubbish and keep the noise down during the night to minimise the disruption that has occurred recently.

23 June 2005: A strange event reported, can you help?

The following email landed recently regarding some strange goings on in the fells, has anyone else had a similar experience or can anyone cast some light on this one? Answers please to the normal email

HELLO wasdaleweb

I love the site keep up the good work

I know this is gonna sound crazy, but has there been any reported funny sightings up the top just before scafell pike

I dont mean of the ghostly type/ the reason for this is we did the walk last august and see something we couldnt explain

me and my father in law dont realy know how to find any information on this wacky subject, but at the same time how could we explain a 10 - 12 foot stone henge looking object appear on the way back down from scafell pike that wasnt there on the way up?

when we turned round thinking we were lost and walked a couple of hundred metres back up the hill thinking weve come down the wrong way .we came across a sign telling walkers about restoration to the walk way. it was at this point we knew we had not got lost as we passed it on the way up.so we looked at each other took a deep breath and walked back down to the sighting ,but when we reached it , well it was not there anymore..i know it sounds crazy and no we had not been drinking or taking drugs.

any information would be welcome.

by the way we walked was along the road 1/4 mile from the stickle barn way up to scarfell and the sighting was about 3/4 up not far past the four cornered peble wall you can sit against for a quick break which is good for gaurding you against strong wind and rain

10 June 2005: The Wasdale Head Inn open again as normal after the fire

Howard Christie reports that the Wasdale Head Inn is now once again open after the recent fire shut it down for a few days. The Hotel and the Public bar are back to normal as of today.

Thanks go to the Staff and local busineeses who pulled out all the stops to help get it cleaned up and operational in such a short time

06 June 2005: Help needed by local historian

Sheila from Gosforth has asked if I could ask of the WasdaleWeb readers if they have any inofrmation on the following. She write

" Does anybody have any information on the alledged scuttling of three Catalina Flying boats during WW2 in Wastwater? I have been told that some local Wasdale folk witnessed the event. I am researching Cumbria during WW2 for a web site and would welcome any information on the Catalina incident or any other information on Wasdale during this peroid."

You can reach Sheila throught he WasdaleWeb by emailing me on

Admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

05 June 2005: Fire causes temporary closure of the Wasdale Head Inn

A fire which broke out last night in store room of the Wasdale Head Inn has caused damage to the building which will mean it will remain closed for 4 or 5 days, the owner Mr Howard Christie hopes to be operational again by next weekend, but wil post reports as and when they are available here on the WasdaleWeb

This means that the Hotel and the BAR will not be available this week, however the Barn Door shop and the campsites will remain open for business as usual.

More news to follow

19 May 2005: the Scafell Pike wall of fame gets a face lift

As of today we are giving the popular I've climbed Scafell Pike page a make over and a change. From now on as well as being able to send me your photos for us to put live on the site you will also be able to post your own pictures in the new user database.

for more info check here

The Scafell Pike Wall of fame

19 May 2005: Jeannie ramblings join the site !

Well as of today you get the chance to read our very own Jeannie's thoughts on life the universe and everything. Hopefully she will be writing a piece each month alongside my own witterings in the Wasdale Gazette which will be firing up again very soon

to see Jeannies rambling click HERE

11 May 2005: The Lutwidge Arms Hotel in Holmrook joins the WasdaleWeb

The Lutwidge Arms is a Victorian roadside inn with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Dating back to around 1850, and taking the family name of the Lutwidges of Holmrook Hall (who included Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame) it combined the roles of working farm and inn for many years. The hotel looks out over the River Irt, containing Salmon and Sea Trout, to the high Lakeland Fells.

The hotel, which has been owned and run by the Kelly family for almost seven years, now provides comfortable accommodation and good food to a mixture of business clients and holidaymakers.

Click here or on the image above to view their website

11 May 2005: Aprils Sticker competition won by Andrew Race

The Wasdaleweb sticker competition has been won for APril by Andrew Race from Burnthwaite farm at WasdaleHead for his sponsored sheep picture. The prize will be going out to him very soon, and don't forget as well as a monthly prize we also offer a yearly grand prize so get snapping !

11 May 2005: Whitehaven Rotary club annouce a charity talk

ROTARY CLUB OF WHITEHAVEN

Presents

TWO EVENINGS of AWARD WINNING INTERNATIONALFILMS from the BEST of the KENDAL MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 2004 at the ROSEHILL THEATRE, MORESBY, WHITEHAVEN (in aid of local charities)

PROGRAMME 1 - SUNDAY 22^nd May at 7.30 pm

7.30 Welcome and Introduction

7.35 Psicobloc - Spectacular limestone climbing in Mallorca

7.45 Twice upon a time in Bolivia - 3 no-hopers from Burnley on 6,000m Cordillera Real

8.35 African Fly By - French climbers on sandstone towers and walls in Mali

8.45 Le Cheval 2.1 - Brilliant piece of the absurd 8.50 Break

9.10 Never Say Nevis Again - Exciting kayaking on River Nevis

9.20 Your Himalayas - Beautiful tribute to a Basque climber who died on Gasherbrum 2

10.00 Lakeland Rock - Dovedale Groove - Don Whillans ascends a Lakeland classic route 10.30 Close

PROGRAMME 2 - SUNDAY 5^th June at 7.30 pm

7.30 Welcome and Introduction

7.35 Alone Across Australia - 2,000 mile solo south to north continental crossing

8.30 Tom Crean: Antarctica 's Forgotten Hero - an indestructible Atlantic hero

8.55 Break

9.15 Tom Crean Part 2

9.40 The Hardest Way to the Pole - Attempted first solo walk to the Geographic N Pole

10.25 Das Rad (The Rocks) - Clever animation - a different way of looking at cairns !

10.35 Close

Tickets: £10 (£8 concession) or £18 (£16) for both Obtainable from ROSEHILL BOX OFFICE: 01946 62657

03 May 2005: New priest in Charge of Church and Parish announced

The Bishop of Carlise has appointed the Revd Jonathan Falkner at present team rector of the Solway plain Team Ministry as Priest in charge of Gosforth with Nether Wasdale and Wasdale Head and Team designate and leader of the proposed South Calder mission unit

This appointment replaces the Bert Galloway who has retired from the post, no set date for the commencement of the post has as yet been fixed. But from everyone in the valley and the visitors alike I would like say a big Welcome !

26 April 2005: Roan Wood Self Catering Cottage Greendale joins the WasdaleWeb

Explore the grandeur of the Lake District from your own self contained property situated only half a mile from the shores of Wastwater and the magnificent Screes.

For more information on this superb property please browse their web site by clicking here or on the pictures above and below

26 April 2005: Ex Wasdale residents get engaged on Gable !

The below landed in our inbox from a couple of well known ex staff members from the Wasdale Head Inn. On behalf of the Wasdaleweb may I offer our congratulations !

Please find attached a photo of an ex Wasdale resident, Liz Ashman taken by Simon Withey, another ex Wasdale resident, just under Kern Knotts Crack on a very wintery 15th April 2005 at approximately 12:30 just after Liz had accepted Simon's proposal of marriage, hence the bottle of pink Champagne.

It's not as sunny as all of the other photos on the WasdaleWeb, but we don't have the benefit of living there anymore and waiting for the good weather.

18 April 2005:WoodHow self catering cottages, Wasdale join the WasdaleWeb

Situated in the Wasdale valley on the quieter side of the Lake District, Woodhow Cottages are part of a traditional working Lakeland farm.

Wasdale itself boasts England's deepest lake (Wastwater), England's highest mountain (Scafell), England's smallest church (St Olaf's) and England's biggest liar (home to the biggest liar competitions).

There are hundreds of walks right from the door of Woodhow - the pictures above show the start of two walks that are right from the entrance to the farm. The lake is about five minutes walk away or you can go high up on the fells and mountains. Wastwater is also the playground of rival diving clubs - gossip has it that each club has gnomes on the lake bed, one of whom has a noose around his neck resulting from an argument between two clubs. Wasdale is also the birthplace of british climbing with excellent climbs of all grades. There are also plenty of bridleways if you would like to bring your horse with you. Horses can be stabled at Woodhow Farm - please ask for further details

for more info Click Here

14 April 2005: The WasdaleWeb online data base goes live, lets keep a record !

Well as of today we have started a little experiment! We have put togethor a data base which visitors to the Wasdleweb can add their own days out on the fells or in the vallies and upload their thoughts and photos were it can be viewed by all.

It is designed to run alongside the very popular Scafell Pike wall of fame, but with no constraints, if you've been to Wasdale and had a good or bad time, then tell the world.

We will run this database for a trial peroid before we decide wether to expand or abandon the idea

for more info click below

12 April 2005: The National Trust re-open the Bracken close Bridge. Car park and vehicle access no back for the National Trust campsite.

The National Trust have now reopened the bridge from the Wasdale road to the NT campsite and car park at the bottom of Brown Tongue. This means that the campsite now has vehicle access and the car park is back open.

Could we remind everyone that the area marked Mountain Rescue behind the car park is not for general use, and not for three peak mini buses !

12 April 2005: Great Gable brewery anounces a new beer

The Brewery at the Wasdale head inn has brewed a new beer in honour of the landlords mum ! the beer is called Jeanne's 80th Birthday and is on sale now at the pub. So if you in the area call in and help them celebrate!

7 April : Murt camping barn gets a little Cheesey !

Murth camping barn in Nether Wasdale has gone a little cheesey. They launched their new website in association with the Wasdaleweb and included details of their great selection of Wasdale cheeses.

For more info click below

1 April: Brand New Mega Pixel Camera goes live on the WasdleWeb in conjucture with the Strands Hotel and the Scree Inn Nether Wasdale

Well as of today we have a fourth webcam live on the WasdaleWeb site. We have joined up with the nice people at the Strands Hotel and Screes Inn in Nether Wasdale to provide a 1 mega pixel externally based webam.

The state of the art camera looks out through the village looking at the famous Screes (Whinrigg and Illgill) and of course The most famous fell SCAFELL.

The camera will update through out the daylight hours and will be found both on the WasdaleWeb site and on the Strands and Screes brand new joint web site which will be available very soon.

We are currently focusing and angling the camera so be prepared for the image to change over the next week or so, we may even install a zoom lense as well, more news as and when.

to view the cam click Here

for more info on the Strands Hotel and the Screes in click the images below

1 April 2005: Brand New WasdaleWeb shop open and online.

We have joined forces with Equisto Europes biggest merchandise printer to offer a range of goods from T-shirts to mugs all with the Wasdaleweb logo . The site we have created togethor is secure for online trading and there is a turnaround of about 7 days.

So why not have a look and get yourself a limted edition Wasdaleweb T-Shirt. Click the logo below to open the shop in a new page

1 April 2005: Timne lapse photos of Great Gable added to the Wasdaleweb

Each and every day the WasdaleWeb cams record what happens every 10 mins, well it seemed a shame to keep these images to myself and so I have now combined them into a number of movies.

So download the movies and sit back and watch the days slip away!

1 April 2005: Photos added to this years biggest liar report

Some photos have now been added to the report on this years Biggest Liar competition. I'm still waiting for a full text report as I was not able to attend myself , but in the meantime have a look at some of the nights picture

1 April 2005: More ghostly goings on reported in St.Olafs

Following on from the Wasdalewebs publication of an orb on a photo of inside the church ( an orb being what some believe as the first stage of a ghost and other a camera fault) , we have no received another story of ghostly goings on

Both stories can be found by clicking the orb below or here for the original news story here

21 March 2005: National Trust annouce the campsite WILL BE OPEN FOR EASTER

Much to everyones relief the National Trust camsite in Wasdale will be open in time for Easter despite earlier fears it would remain closed following emergency repair work to its access bridge.

There will be no vehicle access to the site but there will be car parkinf provided within walking distance.

So come to Wasdale everything is open!

21 March 2005: Road closure plans changed much to every ones relief!

Last week the council announced that it had decided to carry out the much needed road repairs to the valley road by resurfacing it and closing it for 8 weeks during the middle of the tourist season !

Needless to say everyone was amazed at the lack of thought and common sense this showed over the timing, but after a worrying week they have now announced that these plans will be shelved until the off Winter season when the impact will be minimal.

So if you have heard the worrying rumours and feared you would not be able to visit us then rest assured all is now well. The WasdaleWeb will of course give you more info as and when it happens but Good news the valley is still open and will be !

14 March 2005: Nether Wasdale Mountainbiking event 10 April

1^st Cross Cumbria Cyclists (XCC) Trailquest of the 2005 Series

Nether Wasdale

10^th April 2005

Cl ick here for page 1 of entry form

C lick here for page 2 of entry form

Advanced notice to those of Nether Wasdale about a forth comming Mountain Bike event. I held it last year in March with no problems & thought this year it might be worth a mention...........

A few words of encouragement for people to enter the XCC series,

I would realy appriciate it if you could help me advertise my event on your web sites. I have attached a entry form for enquiries & can send some hard copies to the shop if you are interested

The XCC trailquest season starts here……No mud this year! the weathers’ going to be great in April on the West Coast of Cumbria for the 1^st event in the Cross Cumbria Cyclists 2005 Series.

New routes, 80% off road all East of the B595, fantastic scenery Demanding & fun routes can be chosen, friendly atmosphere run from the Screes Inn.

Event Details

Organiser: Dave Hughes-Tel: 019467 25176

Start: The “Screes Inn” Nether Wasdale

Grid reference: (OS Out Door Leisure 6, GR 124 040)

Time: 09.00 hrs until 11.00 hrs

14 March 2005: The WasdaleWeb crashes through the Half a Million unique visitor mark !

Those of you who watch the counter will see that we have recently crashed through the half a million unique visitor barrier. A big thank you to all of you who visit and recommend the site. You can check out the stats by visiting our stat page

14 March 2004: site rewrite complete !

You may have noticed that with the exception of the weather and the webcams the site has been a tad quiet for the past few weeks, well this was due to a sever update and code rewrite which is now complete. The Wasdaleweb now sits on a brand new dedicated server with much improved access rates and a 24/7 back up system. Now this is complete the updates which have been gathering and the photos of peoples fell ascents will also be uploaded along with a host of new pages and some very exciting time lapse photography of the valley taken over 3 months.

Watch this space

11 March 2005: News update on the National Trust Campsite closure

The National Trust has announced that the work currently being undertaken on the bridge at the sites entrance will NOT be completed in time for Easter

The campsite and the NT Car park at the bottom of Brown Tongue will now open on the 1st April 2005

NATIONAL TRUST CAMPSITE WILL BE CLOSED OVER EASTER

28 Jan 2005: 350 people join the Scafell Pike wall of fame!

The number of people sending in photos and asking to be included on the Scafell Pike wall of fame hs climbed to 350!
If you would like to join them, visit the Scafell Pike page by clicking here or if you want to claim the summit of another fell in Wasdale click here

28 Jan 2005: Back by popular demand the free Wasdaleweb stickers and a great new competition

So popular were the free stickers last year with thousands being sent out, we have decided to produce a new run with he updated logo, so if you would like one just email us with your details and we will send them out BUT there's more.........

If you can send us a photo of where your sticker is displayed (old stickers or new ones) we will put it on the site and draw a winner each month for the one we like the most and send the winner a load of outdoor gear as a prize! So put one on your car and park it somewhere interesting or stick one to the Eiffel Tower - it's your choice!

for more info click here

28 Jan 2005: The Webcams back in working order (fingers crossed)

Regulars to the site will know we have been having problems with the webcams; well finally we hope to have solved the problem. The Great Gable cam is now mould free and the Mosedale cam will now upload pictures when the Gable Cam isn't. So enjoy and watch out for a new cam coming soon thanks to a local business!

28 Jan 2005: Could this be a ghostly image captured in St.Olaf's?

For those of you who haven't seen the Most Haunted show on TV, there is much talk at the moment about Orbs. These are strange orb-shaped images that are only seen when using a digital camera, and are taken to be the first stages of a ghost trying to make themselves visible.

Believe it or not there does seem to be a lot of sightings of these at haunted locations and there is no other explanation given as yet and their presence on photos when they appear on no other pictures taken by the same camera has as yet only been given this one explanation.

Well, one has been spotted in St.Olaf's church in Wasdale! There have, over the years, been many stories about hauntings in the smallest church in England with figures being seen standing in the graveyard and dogs refusing to walk past it in the night. There have even been lights seen during the night when no lights were on and mysterious ringing of the church's one bell. However this is the first time an orb has been captured.

Shaun Thomas was visiting the church with his family and while his wife signed the visitors book he snapped a picture of the church and the family, Shaun describes what he captured on the image himself:

"My wife and two children have just returned from a holiday in the Lake District during which we visited Wasdale church. I took two photos of the inside of the church and on transferring all the photos on my memory card to the computer discovered that one of the photos of inside the church has a ghostly orb hanging from one of the beams.

The photo was taken on 17th August, from inside of the church whilst my wife was signing the visitors book situated near the entrance. My two daughters are in the foreground. The orb is clearly visible above their heads directly below the beam

I did not know what this was and assumed it was an anomaly with the picture until a friend who is into spiritual stuff saw it and said it was one of the best orbs he had seen.

I have since looked for this stuff on the web and this does appear to be as good as anything on the sites i have viewed."

The pictures are below, ghostly image or not, you decide..

Click the image above for full size picture

27 Jan 2005: National Trust Campsite announces opening date

The National Trust have today announced that the campsite at the head of Wastwater which is currently closed for essential bridge repairs will reopen on the 21 March 2005 in plenty of time for the beginning of the season.

Mark it on your calendar and see you there!

13 Jan 2005: New Nether Wasdale low level walks added

Thanks to the nice chaps at the Strands hotel and Scree Inn in Nether Wasdale we now offer a selection of low level walks based from the pubs available to download as a Word document.

For more info please see the Nether Wasdale section of the site, or follow the link in the main menu on the right hand side

13 Jan. 2005: National Trust announce that the campsite will have to close until March 2005 for bridge repairs

Following the problems with an unsafe bridge at the entrance to the NT campsite it has now become necessary to close the site while repairs are carried out. Camping in a more basic form will continue at the Barn Door Shop's site next to the Wasdale Head Inn.

More news as and when

It is also worth noting that this closure means there is no longer vehicle access to Brackenclose or to the NT car park. Parking continues to be available at the Green near to the Wasdale Head Inn, but please note their car park is for the use of patrons and people visiting the Barn Door Shop so please do use the Green a few yards away.

10 Jan 2005: Storms hit the valley

Well as it did everywhere - huge storms hit Wasdale this weekend with trees down and power off for days.

Luckily we escaped the flooding and everyone banded together to create a great atmosphere.

The power continues to be disrupted from time to time so bear with us with the webcams and lets hope for some nice weather for the next few weeks.

4 Jan 2005: The WasdaleWeb expands and gets help

Well it's a new year and so time for fresh thinking and ideas and as a result the Wasdaleweb is expanding. Instead of just being run by myself, I will now be joined by fellow Wasdale devotee Jeannie Conley ( see her prison, sorry passport shot above). Jeannie is well known to many of you for her membership and active involvement with the online walking club www.outdoorsmagic.com

She is a mountain leader like myself and can often be found camped in and around the Wasdale Head.

She joins the WasdaleWeb to expand it and give it that feminine touch! She will be adding new sections, and competitons as well as helping with the routine updates.

So, take care next time you shout at me for deleting your favourite bit or not adding a new picture fast enough - it may just be Jeannie.

Jeannie can be contacted on her own Wasdaleweb email which is found on the main contact page and also on any page which invites feedback or participation.

Welcome Jeannie

4 Jan 2005: Can anyone help?

I have a plea from a Wasdaleweb member who took some photos of Anthony Green pictured below while out on a walk up Scafell, the bad news is they forgot to get his address! So if this is you or if you know who it is please do get in touch and I will forward the details.

16 December 2004: Campsite bridge still closed but access to the valley not affected.

I have been asked to clarify the situation regarding the National Trust campsite bridge. The bridge has been condemned as unsafe and is at present closed, meaning there is no vehicle access to the site which remains open.

It is important to note that this only effects the campsite and not general access to the valley not the head which is as normal

1 December 2004: The newest addition to the WasdaleWeb arrives: Fern Bank self catering in Nether Wasdale

Fern Bank in Nether Wasdale becomes the latest addition to the site, joining on the 1 December. The house is situated just up from the Screes and the Strands pubs and can sleep up to 8 people in award-winning accommodation. Welcome aboard !

Click the image above or here to visit their site

1 December 2004: Photo request. Do you have any pictures of this years memorial service on Gable?

I was unable to attend the service this year but it would be nice to continue to compile a record of the year's happenings so if you have a photo, thought or story you would like to share please email them to me on:

admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

This year Gable looked like this on the day taken by the webcam on the 11th hour of the 11th day ( the cam says 10.00am but it has not been reset since the change !)

1 December 2004: The Mosedale web cam is fixed! (at last)

The long-troubled webcam looking at Mosedale has finally arrived fixed from the States. The mildew has been removed and it is on its way for an installation later this week.

Watch the site for a new sharp image, and also take a peak look at the new webcam which will shortly be installed. More news on that as and when............

The biggest liar competition won by the Wasdale Head Inn staff for the third time !

The annual world's biggest liar competition held in memory of the first landlord at the Wasdale Head Inn, Will Ritson, who was reknowned for his tall tale has once again returned to its original home.

Held each year at the Bridge Inn in Santon, the title has been won by Howard Christie the landlord of the Wasdale Head Inn, by one of staff Abri Kruge last year and as of last Friday night by another member of the staff Mike Naylor!

Mike who is a born and bred Wasdale resident and former farmer, triumphed over a packed house with his tall stories.

Campsite bridge closed!

The main vehicle bridge giving access to the National Trust campsite has been closed as unsafe for vehicles.

The site is still open but only on foot, so be prepared to either walk in carrying stuff from your car parked on the green, or choose to stay at the smaller Wasdale Head site

More news as and when

Remembrance Sunday

Just a note to let you all know that on Remembrance Sunday this and every year there is a non-demominational service on the summit of Great Gable at 11.00 am. This is open to everyone with large groups going up from Wasdale (allow 2.5 hours) and larger from Honister (allow 2 hours)

For more info on past years click here

See you there, but bring a flask!

25 October: new event announced in Wasdale

Saturday 13th November 2004; 10am to 1pm and Sunday 14th November 2004; 1pm to 5pm
Tearcraft & Traidcraft Christmas Fair (Gifts, cards and foods for sale and to order; free tea and coffee served)
at Foulsyke, Nether Wasdale (019467 26076). Ample parking.

Traidcraft and Tearcraft exist to benefit craft workers and food producers from some of the world's poorest communities, by helping them to create and market products of the highest standard and at a fair price. Through Tearcraft and Traidcraft we can all make a difference to the lives of others so come and doing your Christmas shopping.

25 October 2004 new screensaver added

A new screensaver has arrived on the Wasdaleweb, and this time it's one a little different.

The new screensaver is made up of old archive photos of Wasdale.

for more info click here

25 October 2004: Wasdale show day photos added

With thanks to Rob Steele I have now added some photos from this year's shepherds meet. The event was as normal very well attended and the new attraction this year was the classic car event which went down very well indeed

For more photos and news click here

20 October 2004: Well after a break away on hols we are back and some great new additions to site are planned.........

Suitably refreshed after a break we are back again to do some work on the site and bring some great new updates and additions. The Wasdale Show pictures are here and will be live over the next few days.

We have some more clues for the photo comp, loads of 'I've climbed Scafell Pike' pictures and some new fells to add to the 'I've climbed' section

SO WATCH THIS SPACE !

10 October: The WasdaleWeb show was another great success

Welll the 2004 Wasdale Head show / shepherds meet was a great success with lots of new sections and events. Photos and news to arrive here very soon, although I was not not able to attend being bed-ridden with flu, I did have some reporters there to take pictures and keep me informed

10 October 2004: Broadband looks set to arrive in Wasdale

Well believe it or not, broadband internet connection is set to arrive in Wasdale. Yep, the valley that has only had electricity for less than 20 years will have 1 meg broadband interent connection, but not until May 2005.

So there is a wait but the good news is that once it arrives the webcams will become a streaming video cam Great! So watch this space

Thanks to Darren for letting me know about this story

03 October 2004: Pillar and the Mosedale Horseshoe added to the wall of fame section

The fells info and walls of fame section has had Pillar and the Mosedale horseshoe added to it today, why not have a look. You could also have another fell or indeed rock climb added just by sending me you pictures and stories, Go on what are you waiting for............

Been to the top pages click here

02 October 2004: WebCam problems continue but Gable is back online!

Well I went today to install the new camera to replace the broken Gable unit and guess what, it didn't work! All the way from the USA and it's faulty so back it goes. However, I have replaced the Gable cam with the Mosedale one so it is back up and running, however the Mosedale one is now blurry! but I thought it would make a change to have the Gable one back up. I am on the case and hope to get everything back up and running in the next week.

Watch this space !

30 September: Lander Mason go down a storm at this year's beer festival

'Multi instrumental' songwriting duo 'LANDERMASON' came over from Northumberland to perform at this year's Wasdale Head Inn annual Beer Festival. This was a first for the pub and proved to be a very successful evening. Complete with PA, lights and a wealth of instruments, Fiona and Paul entertained the friendly crowd in the back bar with a mix of songs and tunes, mostly self-penned. Several of their songs have been based on the lyrics written by Wasdales' very own Mike Naylor (a poet of the highest quality!) and it was through their close link with him that the evening was set up.

Landermasons' latest CD (a contemporary folk album) has been inspired by their recent return to the North. For further details see the pictures below or their web site by clicking HERE

21 September: HAVE YOU CLIMBED ANY WASDALE FELL AND GOT A PICTURE?

If the answer is YES then send me your photo so we can start a wall of fame for all the fells and see which one has the fondest place in our hearts.

Photos please to

Admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

I would prefer a width of 400 but am happy to convert if that is not the case

21 September a new screensaver for all those who have climbed Scafell Pike

Added today to the site is a new screensaver showing all the people who have joined the Scafell Pike wall of fame by sending me a picture of themselves on the summit. So if you have been to the top and sent me a picture have a look you will be on it!

And if you haven't have a look anyway and see the many moods of the Pike.

This is only the first in a few volumes as time progresses and I plan also to produce screensavers of all the other Wasdale fells' halls of fame as and when they expand, so get sending those pictures in !

20 September: the webcam is heading for Wasdale

Well the replacement unit which is to stand in for the Gable Cam while the original unit is away in the USA for mould removal is now heading towards Wasdale thanks to the Royal Mail, so fingers crossed clear pictures will be restored in no time at all!

19 Septemebr 2004: more walls of fame added !

As of today there will be a chance to get your photo shown on any of the Wasdale fells. Instead of just being confined to those who have completed Scafell Pike, you can now have your picture put live of yourself on any of the Wasdale fells. Follow the links in the main menu for more details

19 September 2004 Wall of fame grows

51 new photos of people who have climbed Scafell Pike have been aded to the wall of fame today! For more info and to see if you're there follow the link in the main menu or click

HERE

18 September 2004: Lots to report !

Well September has indeed been a busy month, I (Guy) have been moving house, dismantling computer equipment and starting new work, so I've been out of the loop for a while and not had as much time to update the site as I would have liked however things are now back to normality and so on goes the site and indeed the news:

A HUGE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC

The web site now stands at 213, 144 visitors which means that we now officially one of ( if not THE) busiest Lake District web sites on the web. This is down in the main to all of you, so thanks very much and also to an increased interest from the States.

I will be starting to include on the news or maybe in its own section a list of site stats so that people can see for themselves the way the site stands. This is mainly as I have received loads of request for such a section.

The Photo Quiz

This seems to have died a death of late and so I am now trying to breathe some life back into the section, check out the new and improved quiz and PLEASE do let me have photos and questions for inclusion.

The Web Cams

As yo may have seen he Gable cam has become infested with mould, but the replacement unit has arrived from the States and will be programmed this weekend for inclusion on the site next week. We shall I hope have great images once again very soon

The Scafell Cam

Wasdale followers may have noticed that I have lost the site for the Scafell Pike cam, I am currently trying to find a new location to mount the cam but so far to no avail, if you now of somewhere that has power and a phone socket that would like to house the camera please do let me know, Failing that I will have to think of a new location for the unit which is at the moment sitting on my office desk looking unloved :(

The quest goes on.

The 3 peaks web site

I know that some of you are followers of the 3 peaks diary that I have kept, this has now come to an end, but if anyone has any reports or observations they would like to have published please do let me know and I will happily put them up (good or bad)

25 August 2004: Can you help? A message from Chris Berry the National Park warden for the valley

I thought I'd try your community information service and ask you to tell people that on Saturday 28th August, I'll be meeting anybody who cares to come along at 11am in front of The Screes pub in NetherWasdale to do a litter pick around Wasdale.

We'll provide bags and litter pickers but if people can bring along old gloves that would be a help.

This is the first event of the Wasdale Environmental Group which was set up following the Parish Plan consultations.

Any help would be much appreciated !

19 August 2004 time warp

Apologies for anyone who looked at the site today and saw all the dates saying September, this is because I was in a different universe for a short while and got my months confused (must be my age)

19 August 2004: 3 peaks lessen and the fire service talk out but not directly

As the year goes on the rush of three peakers in the valley has slowed down, however it must be said that there is still an awful number of events and a lot of problems. This year's worst culprit was the Fire service event, and despite a whole array of emails, I have heard nothing. They did however talk to the the press and said that they were being persecuted in Wasdale where they had broken none of the guidlines. Well just for the records the guidelines say:

Do not start the events from Wasdale

If you do, do not park on the Green

Do not use the Lingmell shoulder path

Do not bring more than 200 people on one go

Do not arrive during the night

Do not use the water tap at the Head (it is from a limited private well)

Do not make noise or sound reversing sirens on minibuses.

Drive carefully

Take all litter home.

The fire service broke all of the above, it would be nice to be able to publish a reply to this but I doubt it will come. In the meantime click here to see the report in the Whitehaven News

Three Peak events cause more trouble

19 August 2004: Old photos needed!

In an effort at collating some sort of Wasdale archive I am trying to collate as many old photos of Wasdale as possible and then store them to share on the site. If anyone has any old photos please do send them in to be archived and used. Modern history is just as important as old black and whites or Abraham pictures, lets try and get some sort of rolling record of Wasdale through the ages.

Pictures to the normal email.......

03 August 2004: The Gosforth Show fast approches..

Wednesday 18 August 2004

Situated on the opposite side of the A595 from Gosforth. Easy access from main road.

Plenty of attractions for the whole family, sheep, cattle horsejumping and a local taste of Cumbria tent. Local History, a large horticulural tent, handcrafts and produce, dog show and much much more

For more info call Allan P Lowrey on 019467 25213, mobile 07785 117030

More info here on the WasdaleWeb very soon plus photos after the event

03 August 2004: the Gable cam gains a ghost !

The WasdaleWeb Gable webcam seems to have been taken over by a plaugue of ghost smoke! The smoke on the image has been there for a few days when there appears to be none in the way.

Research into this porblem is under way, but at the moment its got us stumped!

28 July 2004: Wasdale Head gets an AED Heart start machine

The Wasdale head community have now got themelves a vital piece of life saving equipment which will be stored at the Wasdale Head Inn in the reception. The heart start machine is capable of saving the life of a person who has suffeered a heart attack, and can be the link that saves the life in the first few minutes of the attack itself.

There are a number of people at the head trained in its use and it will be available 24 / 7

The unit was very kindly donated to the community from the manufacturer of the machine itself.

26 July 2004 : OM Gathers in Wasdale

Outdoors Magic a website community dedicated to enjoying the outdoors gathered this weekend at Wasdale to enjoy a weekend of all things mountainous, a great but wet weekend was had by all, more news and pictures to follow but in the mean time why not check out

www.outdoorsmagic.com

25 July 2004: Wilson family reunion

Recently an age old Wasdale family called to all corners of the world to hold a reunion. Based at the Screes pub the weekend was a great success, read more about it by clicking the picture below

07 July 2004 the Scafell Pike Webcam is offline for a while

The Scafell pike webcam is offline for a while now while we try to arrange alternative siting for the unit. Watch this space as I hope to have it back working ASAP

01 July 2004: Great developments on the WasdaleWeb site

The WasdaleWeb enters a new stage today as we welcome to the fold another local web designer Karen Powel. Karen joins the website to ensure the news is updated on a regular day to day basis by someone one the ground in the valley.

Towards the end of July Guy will no longer be based day to day in the valley and so Karen will take over the role of the orving reporter to ensure the site doesn't suffer from Guy's absence.

Guy isn't leaving the site in anyway and will continue to run, design, host and update the majority of the site, however as he won't be here all the time he thought a bit of help wouldn't go amiss.

If you have any news you think should appear here please email following the link above

5 June 2004: Three peaks minibus hits Wasdale resident.

A well known Wasdale resident who wishes to remain anonymous was hit by a speeding 3 peaks minibus on Thursday which then failed to stop. He was walking to the Wasdale Head Inn when the accident happened in the narrow walled section of the road next to the camp site.

" I saw the minibus going like the clappers away from the pub and so I jogged to get into the passing place, however it became clear that the bus wasn't going to slow down and before I could make it to the layby, it hit me with it wing mirror and door which threw me into the wall"

"When I got up I looked back to see the driver looking in his mirror, but he just drove off , there is no way he didn't know as it made a terrible bang and happened in broad daylight"

There had been minibuses from people doing the 3 peaks events coming and going all day in the valley, and this is a warning for all of them TO SLOW DOWN! Luckily other than a few bruises there were no other injuries, but it could have been a lot worse.

We have had lambs hit on the roads this year and now a person, please do take care when driving along these narrow country lanes.

2 June 2004: The Mosedale / Pillar cam goes live

The newest webcam in Wasdale went live today looking across at the Mosedale horseshoe and Pillar. It also shows the pub and the campsite and so will be usefull for checking if there are pitches available.

The camera has its own page with a rolling archive of images as well as a clickable man image to open it in its own full size frame.

1 June 2004: The WasdaleWeb records One Hundred Thousand unique visitors in under a year !

At 08.51 today the 100,000 visitor looked at the website. This is unique visitors not clicks which mean that real people are counted not computer views, and so mark a superb point in the history of the site.

The site is less than one year old but has managed to attrack a figure which most well established websites can only dream off.

A huge thanks goes to all those who have looked at the site and help it achieve this great figure, here's lookin forward to the next 100,000!

The honour of being the 100,000 goes to two people Jeannie Conley and Geofrey Neil who each receive a nights B&B in Wasdale as a prize

29 May 2004: Bank Holiday trip for the RAF

The RAF droped into Wasdale today for a spot of lunch at the pub! Delighted crowds of visitors took photgraphs as the Seaking landed in the Row Head field behind the shop.

It almost made up for the lack of a view due to the clouds,, However when they left it was a differant story all togethor !

24 May 2004: Forum added to the WasdaleWeb

I have today added a new updated forum on the site to enable users to chat, talk and ask questions. Please feel free to use and comment. It's there for you!

24 May 2004: Idiots wreck the view and ruin a superb area for other by stupid inconsiderate actions

Last Wednesday 19 May 3 people carriers full of visitors from Camden in London decided that parking and enjoying the view wasn't enough , instead they drove on the side of the Lake and parked up edge to edge blocking an area to themselves on the SSSI that is the shores of Wastwater.

They then proceeded to set up BBQ's and other cooking equipment and made camp for the day, when they left they simply emptied their rubbish and cooking waste out of the vehicles and drove away.

They left food waste, bottles, cans, cooking equipment , disposable plates, cigarette buts and of course type marks. All of which was spread around and blown in the wind, taking an hour to collect into 4 bin liners.

Why come to a place and ruin it ? if anyone knows who these people were I would be very interested in finding out, or perhaps someone got a registration number on a photograph.

If you visited on Wednesday you would have had no choice but to see the moronic idiots. If it was you who did this, the stay away I won't be responsible for my actions if I meet up with you, why should I have to clear up your grot and other have to put up with such a wonderfull area with your rubbish blowing all over it

22 May 2004: The 3 peak season kicks in with avengence

With the busiest bank holiday fast approaching the 3 peak season has well and truly kicked in. And once again we have both ends of the scale with superbly organised events obey all the guidelines like yesterdays Wooden Spoon event. And sadly the not so well organised ones which do not adhere to the guidelines, like the 29 minibuses which arrived during the night last night and caused a series of complaints about disturbances.

The events will continue to be monitored on www.3peakdiary.co.uk but the plea is the same as every year. Please have some consideration for the other people in the valley, the guests, the campers the residents and don't arrive in fleets of minibuses during the middle of the night. These events can be run well if they adhere to the guidelines

22 May 2004: Lords rake situation continues to get worse

The rockfall in Lords Rake on Scafell has once again deteriorate with fresh rock lying in the rake and making progress tricky. The entrance to the West Wall traverse continues to erode and the rake has as result filled up with loose unstable rubble. Advice is find an alternative route.

More info and photos here

15 May 2004: Two new businesses join the WasdaleWeb

Two new local businesses have joined the WasdaleWeb site, taking the total to 26 , a figure which now represents the majority of businesses which serve the Wasdale area and the visiting people.

Seatallen self catering apartment is situated in Greendale, half way along the lake and is a modern and well equipped apartment in stunning surroundings.

The Wasdale Sock Company is a local firm offering an online shop for all types and variety of socks, specializing in walking and hiking and home of the famous Wasdale Walker socks.

A warm welcome to them both !

08 May 2004: More images from the rescue caught on the webcam

Thanks to Andrew Tones who has sent some more images from the incident described below. Please wait while the flash movie loads...

3 May 2004: Ghyll meets her sister Gemma !

Ok so not huge earth shattering news in the grand scheme of things but my dog Ghyll who is well known to many met her sister for the first time today!

Ghyll is the one shying away on the right and Gemma her sister is on the left posing for the camera.

2 May 2004: RAF & WMRT rescue caught on Gable Cam

A rescue performed today by the RAF & Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was caught on the archive images of the WasdaleWeb Great Gable webcam. The image is a little shaky as the light was getting worse as cloud moved in and the helicopter was moving, but it is still just visible.

The camera recorded a blur where the helicopter was coming in to Tophet Wall on Great Gable to pick up an injured walker prior to taking them to Whitehaven hospital. Also visible in the bottom right hand corner are the white rescue team landrovers park under Gavel Neese of Great Gable.

Its a shame the picture quality isn't up to the normal associated with the Gable webcam, but at least it did record an image.

1 May 2004: May day celebrations in Nether Wasdale

The annual May day celebrations were held today in Nether Wasdale with children dancing around the May pole, morris dancers, fancy dress parades and music.

A great day was had by all and the sun shone all day long adding to the atmosphere. The flash movie below shows the days events, please allow a short while for the movie to load...

1 May 2004: Drilling on the lake !

Yep that's right they were today drilling the lake! A group of students from a university group have put a temporary raft and drilling deric on Wastwater from which they plan to take samples of the lake bed. The picture below shows ( poorly) the platform at the Head end of Wastwater. I don't have many details I'm afraid but if you know more please do get in touch!

29 April 2004 : The WasdaleWeb smashes through the Eighty thousand visitor mark !

The WasdaleWeb has crashed through another mile stone as it has gone past the eighty thousand visitor mark , indeed as I write this we have received eighty two thousand two hundred and twenty five visitors. This is a huge mile stone and shows the passion so many people have for the Wasdale valley.

The counter works by recording every person who looks at the site, however it recognises your IP address ( which everyone using the internet is assigned) and it then only counts that person once a day regardless of how many pages you look at or how many times you revisit the site during the day. One person then can only record 7 hits a week if they visit every day.

This form of measuring is in my opinion the honest way of recording visits, some sites count page views to artificial bump up their figures, however here on the WasdaleWeb we don't need to , because over 600 people enjoy the website each and every day.

The site went live in June 2003, with the counter starting on June 15, Back then we were getting around 30 a day ! The goal now is to break through the One hundred thousand barrier by June 15 this year, and with all your help we may just achieve it.

So a HUGE thanks to everyone for looking at the site, keep returning as I am adding to the site every day with another surprise addition planned in the next week or so

28 April 2004: The prize winners arrive !

Peter and Jan came to the valley last week to claim their prize for winning the WasdaleWeb competition in the Westmoreland Gazette. They enjoyed a nights free accommodation at Lingmell house B&B and a restaurant meal at the Low Wood Hall hotel in Nether Wasdale.

They then came to the Barn door shop where they picked up a set of Wainwright DVD's courtesy of Striding Edge. Connotations to them both.

28 April 2004: Yewtree holidays joins the WasdaleWeb

Another local business has joined the ranks of the WasdaleWeb, Yewtree holidays become the fourth self catering establishment on the site. Situated looking up the valley from the flanks of Buckbarrow fell it provides the perfect location for those wishing to explore the Wasdale valley. For more details visit their site here

26 April 2004: Scafell Pike webcam replaced with new unit

The old camera looking up at Scafell Pike has been malfunctioning of late and so I have got rid of the old one and replaced it with a new Mega pixel unit. The picture quality is amazing on this new cam, giving near perfect images. If I can get a sponsor for the cam I aim to improve the view again by installing a zoom lense. So if anyone is out there who wishes to sponsor the cam just let me know!

24 April 2004: A request , please stop ruining the verges

A simple request, if you are visiting Wasdale to go diving ( or anything else for that matter) instead of driving your 4 x 4 onto the lakeside verges , which are SSSI and easily damaged, could you park it in one of the spaces by the road?

Recently I have pulled 2 landrover discoveries out when they have become stuck up to their axles and there have been at least another 2 that I know of, plus lots of others which have managed to get out under there own steam.

These vehicles combined with the ones that are driven down to the very lake edge to save a walk and don't become stuck are causing a lot of damage and destruction in this delicate area, and the scars can take a very long time to heal. This is not an official request but simply a plea by someone who loves the area, if you are visiting the valley please don't leave it damaged and churned up for everyone else.

21 April 2004: Exciting new addition to website !

I would like to say more but I'm afraid silence is golden till all is sorted out. What I can say howver is watch this space as there will soon be an interesting addition to the WasdaleWeb

21 April 2004: Hermons Hill joins the web

Hermons hill B&B on the Gosforth road becomes the newest member of the WasdaleWeb, welcome and good luck! Keep your eyes on the main page to see the new photos as they are added

16 April 2004: Lords rake remains unstable

As reported here on the WasdaleWeb over the last year the route known as Lords Rake on Scafell has suffered from rockfalls and instability. This situation remains a worry and as the freeze and thaw of winter has occured large amounts of loose rock has now gathered at the top of the rake. Land owners the National Trust are advising walkers to seek alternative routes to the summit of Scafell, the foxes tarn path being the logical altherantive.

Walkers should be aware this does NOT effect the route up to the summit of Scafell Pike, Englands highest mountain.

10 April 2004: Walkers beware

Sadly there has been a spate of car breakins in the mountain areas of the UK of late, the thieves appear to be targeting cars with outdoor equipment in, breaking in and stealing it. The police are urging walkers to be vigilant and not to leave valuables on view in their cars, and indeed if possible, to make it clear that nothing has been left.

Hopefully the culprits will be caught soon, but in the mean time watch out. Having been one of the victims myself , loosing a rucksack full of walking and moutain rescue equipment I know only too much how upsetting this can be.

04 April 2004 : Three peaks season arrives once again.

Well the clocks have gone forward and the lighter evenings have arrived and with it has started the 3 peak charity event season. Each year thousands of people take part in charity fund raising events where they attempt to walk up Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis in 24 hours. In the past this has caused real problems in Wasdale as the people arrive en mass in the middle of the night. This year there is a new voluntary code of Conduct so hopefully things will be better. You can monitor the events on www.3peaksdiary.co.uk

31 March 2004: I've climbed Scafell Pike gallery and downloadable certificate section added to the WasdaleWeb

Have you climbed Englands highest mountain? if so send me a photo of you on the summit with your name and the date you climbed it and I'll post it on our wall of fame. I'll also send out a certificate to mark the event if you would like it.

So come on get sending me the photos and lets see how many we can get over the course of the year.

28 March 2004: Photos needed !

As a new month approaches it's time for another screen saver and some more desktop wallpaper pictures, so if anyone out there has any good photos that they would like to see used please do get in touch. Good quality pics can be emailed to me at admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk and I will do my very best to use them .

28 March 2004: Lambing time arrives

Lambing time has well and truly arrived in Wasdale, although the Herdwicks won't lamb for another few weeks yet the cross breeds are nearly done. So the air is full of little high pitched bleats and much gambling and hopping about is to be seen, and with this comes the normal warning, please keep dogs under control. Extra care needs to be taken to keep dogs away from lambs, Ewe mums and expectant Ewes, and of course please leave the gates in the condition in which you found them, shut if they were shut and open if they were open. I hope to have a photo of the first Wasdale lamb up very soon

21 March 2004: High winds batter the valley

Gale force winds hit Wasdale last night with winds reaching over a 100mph on the fells and 60 / 70 mph in the valley. A few hardy campers battled it out in tents during the night with only two being forced to retreat to their cars as their tents disintergrated. Wheely bins were tossed about and windows well and truly rattled, but this morning the wind had abaited and other than a trail of wind blown debris the valley was peacefull once again

16 March 2004: WasdaleWeb breaks the Sixty Thousand visitor mark!

During theearly hours of Tuesday morning the website recorded the sixty thousand person to view the web site since 15 June 2003. This mile stone shows the increase in people viewing the site continuing to grow week on week. May it long continue

13 March 2004: Visitor numbers reach the 500 mark

The WasdaleWeb broke through its 500 visitors per day average today. For the past month we have seen figures rise, and have just passed the point where on average we receive 500 people per day looking at the website. And this figure is made all the more important when you consider that this is unique visitors, so if a visitor looks at the site many times, they are only counted once.

A huge thanks goes to all the visitors of the site as we head towards a total of over sixty thousand unique visitors since June 15 2004

11 March 2004: The RAF visit the valley

The RAF visited Wasdale this week, basing themselves at the Head. Visitors were privileged to see the Sea king helicopter flying around all week as the crew practiced mountain flying. Rest assured for all the concerned, they were only training and not actually on a rescue.

10 March 2004: The WasdaleWeb on BBC radio 2 Steve Wrights program, AGAIN!

The WasdaleWeb was once again featured on National BBC radio this week when the new Scafell Pike webcam was featured as the WebCam of the day on Steve Wrights prime time radio show.

The camera was live on the shows website for the duration of the show and saw visitor numbers rocket during this time. This was the second time the site has been featured on the show with the Great Gable webcam appearing last November.

1 March 2004: Further rock fall hits Lords Rake

It has been reported that there has now been further rock fall in Lords Rake on Scafell. The rake suffered from numerous falls last year and we have been watching and waiting for further disturbances to occur. The right hand wall at the top of the first rise in the rake has now fallen into the top of the rake, this wall which forms the right hand side of the entrance to the West Wall traverse had suffered some major slipage last year and looks to have now collapsed completely.

The result is that there is now a large amount of rubble and soil frozen together at the top of the rake which looks likely to tumble down its length once it thaws out. I hope to have some photos and further description by the end of today so watch the space. In the mean time with warmer weather set to arrive this week it will be an area best avoided.

20 Feb. 2004: Connor bags Scafell Pike !

OK so not earth shattering news but important to me ! I promised my son Connor (aged 5) that I would tell everyone that he climbed Englands highest mountain today . The weather could have been better and it even snowed on the summit, but Connor was undetered an still manged to climb up and down without a word of complaint in 4.5 hours. In fact he enjoyed it so much, that on the next nice day he wants to do Great Gable. Well done little man !

19 Feb 2004: Tripod found by the lake

An expensive looking tripod was found yesterday by the shelter on the shore of Wastwater. It looks like someone was taking a shot of the classic valley view and just forgot to pick it back up. If you have lost this please email a description to me at the above email to arrange return

12 Feb 2004: Scafell Pike Webcam goes live. AGAIN!

The new web cam went live today after a host of techy problems, it will now be a few days while the final setings are applied but the image will be live from now on. Enjoy

11 Feb 2004. Scafell Pike webcam goes live then promptly dead again!

After weeks of planning and hardware faults the Scafell Pike web cam went live today only to be rendered useless when the BT telephone line it is connected to developed an unrelated fault. BT has promised to try and fix the fault by tomorrow afternoon. Fingers crossed

08 Feb 2004. New addtion annouced for the Wasdale Show

As of 2004 the Wasdale Head show ( second Sat in October) will have a new addition to the attractions. This year the show will be including a vintage vehicle section with rossetes being awarded in two categories

1) Tractors and Stationary engines

2) Cars & motor bikes

There will also be a challanege trophy for best on the field.

Everyone is welcome to show and exhibit and should you be interested it would be appreciated if you could drop me an email so that the organisiers can get some idea as to the interest in the this new category admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

03 Feb 2004. Latest news on the Scafell Pike webcam

Two things to report. Firstly that the Camera will NOT be on the summit as has been reported in some local newspapers and websites! The camera will be looking up at the summit from a hidden location in the valley floor.

And secondly the camera is now back in my possession after being sent away to be repaired after arriving faulty. The unit has been tested and set and is now just waiting for BT to sort the telephone line out. More news as and when but the cam should be live within the week ( fingers crossed) . The installation has been beset with problems but seems to be sorting itself out now, mind you there isn't much to see except rain at the moment!

03 Feb 2004, Rain storms hit Wasdale

The weather has truly arrived in the valley today, the main becks, Lingmell beck, Lingmell Ghyll and Mosedale beck are bursting their banks and making crossing them very difficult. The lake is also very high with waves breaking over the valley road. There is plenty of flooding on the road but access is still possible, if a little damp!

28 January 2004, the Scafell Cam arrives BUT is faulty and needs to go back !

The New Scafell Pike webcam arrived today, but just as it was being put live it was noticed not to be operating correctly. A huge disappointment, but luckily only a minor setback as it can be fixed in the UK and will be back in Wasdale next week. I hope to get the unit up and running first thing next week, but it will not be up any later than 4 February 2004. Sorry folks!

28 January 2004

Storms fail to hit Wasdale. While the rest of the country it seems is under a blanket of snow, Wasdale has escaped the worst of it. The valley is suffering heavy frost and ice, but little snow with just a dusting on the high fells

January 16 2004, snow arrives in Wasdale

After having a rather wet time of late snow finally arrived in the valley today with a good dusting all the high fells. The snow fell above 200 m, missing the lower levels completely, which means that while you are able to head for the high fells to play in the snow,m you can still drive safely into the valley! Time to dig out the crampons and axes

January 2004, New webcam for the WasdaleWeb ordered!

We are currently waiting for a state of the art webcam to arrive and to be installed alongside the existing webcam. The new camera will be pointing directly up to the summit of Scafell Pike, Englands highest mountain looking up through Brown tongue.

Like the Great Gable cam the new Scafell Pike Cam will update with a new picture every 10mins, But unlike the Great Gable unit the new camera will be able to operate throughout the night as well. A new lense means that as the darkness encroaches the iris will automatically widen to ensure an image. Of course if it is pitch black, you will still only see a black picture but if there is any light, or any view to be seen you will see it on the new camera. And as if that isn't enough the new unit will also be able to zoom in up to x6 so the view will changed daily.

As far as I can find, this will be the only mountain cam in the UK which is capable of day and night pictures of high quality, and it will also complete the chain by making all Britains highest peaks covered with cameras.