‘Like’ England’s loveliest lake in 2012 and you won’t be ...€¦ · Web viewJimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar on stage for the first time and suffered burns to his hands

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Press Pack 2012 December 7, 2011

‘Like’ England’s Loveliest Lake In 2012 – With The Help Of Ullswater ‘Steamers’

‘Like’ England’s loveliest lake in 2012 and you won’t be disappointed, whether you are a fan of scenery, heritage, wildlife or outdoor activities, a bit of a speed merchant or a lover of myths and legends.

Ullswater, second only in size in England to Windermere, is a lake with its own vibe – serene and relaxed, but with an undercurrent of mystery and twists of suspense emanating from its unique past and the geology that shaped the landscape in which it regally sits.

Bringing all facets of the lake to life is Ullswater ‘Steamers’, the only cruise company to operate services on the lake and with a heritage stretching back over 150 years. In 2012, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ will be celebrating the 135th birthday of its vessel Lady of the Lake. This regal old lady was first launched on June 26, 1877 and is thought to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world.

1877 was the year Queen Victoria was pronounced Empress of India and this historic link, in what will be our current day queen’s diamond jubilee year, will see Ullswater ‘Steamers’ operating Victorian/Raj themed cruises for the first time in 2012. The aim will be to enable visitors to soak up the atmosphere that the first Victorian tourists in the Lake District enjoyed, as they became the intrepid explorers discovering the exhilaration of life on and around Ullswater and the wonder of the natural world in the awe-inspiring and mountainous Lakes. The cruises will also recreate the sort of port-out-starboard-home POSH journey experienced by the Victorians who travelled to the Indian Empire.

The five ladies-in-waiting preparing to make 2012 a gem for visitors to Ullswater will be: Lady of the Lake, Raven, Lady Dorothy, Lady Wakefield and the newest addition to the fleet, Western Belle, who enjoyed her first season in 2011.

Also making ripples in 2012 are some new and not-to-be-missed experiences:

o Spring Watch & Lambing Weekend – April 21 and 22. A cruise will combine with a lambing experience, birdwatching and guided walks as Ullswater ‘Steamers’ works with partners Nurture Lakeland, the RSPB and the National Trust, to bring a true Spring Watch feel to the lake and its hinterland. Tickets for this experience cost £12 RSPB Member £14 non-member – children half price

o A Diamond Jubilee Brass and Bunting Cruise – June 5 – 7pm-9pm. Cruisers will be invited to dress to impress and bring a picnic to eat on board, while listening to music played by a brass band. A complimentary glass of cava and lots of Union Jack bunting around the boat will get everyone in patriotic mood! Tickets cost £12.50 per person

o Regatta Weekend on July 7, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lord Birkett’s success in foiling the attempt of the Manchester Corporation to turn Ullswater into a reservoir. A touch of Henley fever will travel north to Ullswater as passengers watch the famous Birkett Cup race from the comfort of an Ullswater ‘Steamer’. Pimms and strawberries can be pre-ordered or bought on board. Tickets cost £20 per adult and £10 per child.

The theme of the annual Ullswater ‘Steamers’ photo competition changes in 2012, as Ullswater ‘Steamers’ supports the World Owl Trust by running with a theme of ‘Flights of Fancy’. The entry fees for this competition will be donated to the World Owl Trust.

Pirate-themed children’s cruises will run on more dates in 2012, already being in the diary for June 6 and August 22 following the success of the June event in 2011.

The final ‘new-for-2012’ experience is a Fellsman-Ullswater ‘Steamers’ day out, which will see train passengers travelling on the classic heritage railway The Fellsman as far as Appleby-in-Westmorland, where they can then opt to take an excursion from the ancient market town, which will involve first a classic coach and then a cruise on Ullswater. This heritage-filled package is sure to be popular and will create a unique and memorable day out. The first opportunity to climb aboard for this ambience-infused experience will be June 6 and it will then run every Wednesday from July 4 to August 29. Bookings are being taken by Fellsman and the excursion costs £20 plus your Statesman Rail Excursion price.Contact 0845 310 2458 to book or visit www.statesmanrail.com

Other themed cruises such as photography workshops, fish and chip cruises and cruises with a Lake District National Park ranger, will fill the calendar, while children will have their own family-focused cruises to enjoy in all school holidays and at Halloween and Christmas, when Ghostly Galleon and Santa cruises will respectively operate.

Nature lovers can also take advantage of the hugely popular red deer cruises, run in conjunction with wildlife experts from the RSPB. These cruises and excursions into the fells to observe the red deer during rutting season will run on October 18, 19, 20 and 21 and very early booking is advised. Tickets will cost £14 for an adult non-RSPB-member and £7 for a child. Members prices are £12and £6 respectively.

Head to www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to see the full event schedule, book tickets, find out more about the mysterious lake and also discover how to ‘Like the Lake’ on Facebook and other social media sites. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ can also be contacted on 017684 82229. ENDS

Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected]

Note to Editors:Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails every day bar December 24 and 25, from Glenridding Pier at the south of the lake near the Kirkstone Pass (which links Glenridding to the Windermere area) from Howtown in the middle of the eastern shore and from Pooley Bridge at the top of the lake near Penrith. Passengers can choose to sail one-way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return journey). Alternatively, there is a Round The Lake option, with the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. Walkers can also take advantage of a special fare and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.

Fares are as follows:

Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to Howtown (35 minute sailing) – walkers ticket Single fare Adult £5.90 Child £2.95Return fare Adult £9.50 Child £4.75 Family £26

With a shorter sailing you can sail on board more than one vessel, getting to know more than one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Ladies!

Glenridding to Pooley Bridge or vice-versa (65 minute sailing)

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/

Single fare Adult £8.50 Child £4.25

Glenridding & Pooley Bridge Round the Lake Pass (140 minute sailing)Return Adult £12.95 Child £6.50 Family £32

With this pass, the holder can hop on and off the boat all day and also receives a 50% discount voucher for sister attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. If four adults travel together on this ticket, one travels at half-price.

Family tickets are for 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children (children aged 5-15 pay; under 5s go free).

A small charge is made for dogs and cycles.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Encourages Visitors To ‘Like A Lady’ – But Which One To Choose?

Cumbrian cruise company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is encouraging visitors and supporters of its idyllic experiences to make 2012 the year in which they ‘adopt’ a lady-to-like – a fitting exercise in a diamond jubilee year when heritage and genteel qualities will be much in the news.

The ‘ladies’ in question are its atmospheric heritage steamers, which currently number five in the fleet, all female, in good sailing tradition, and all exhibiting the same graceful qualities and ability to glide effortlessly across England’s second largest lake.

The fleet operating on stunning Ullswater comprises: Lady of the Lake, Raven, Lady Wakefield, Lady Dorothy and Western Belle. Passengers intending to head to the lake are being encouraged to get to know a little about these ladies and use this knowledge as the basis of which one to ‘adopt’. This could be on the basis of age, past life experiences, distinct characteristics, or place of ‘birth’ or origin. It could equally be because you share your name with a vessel or even because you come from Wakefield!

To assist, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has provided a little information for the adoption packs!

Lady of the Lake

Date of ‘birth’: 1877 (June 26) – launched by Miss Williamson of Fernilee

Place of ‘birth’ Glasgow – T B Seath & CompanyDesigned in Penrith by Douglas Hebson

What happened that year? The first Test cricket match took place between England & Australia and the first lawn tennis tournament took place at Wimbledon. An Easter egg was first rolled on the White House lawn and Queen Victoria became Empress of IndiaThe Boat Race between Cambridge and Oxford Universities was declared a dead heat for the only time in history. It wasn’t a photo finish as Edison only patented the photograph in this year.

Notable facts: Lady of the Lake is believed to be the world’s oldest passenger-carrying vessel.

Lady of the Lake sank at her moorings in 1881 and was re-floated by divers. She again sank in a severe storm in 1958 and was damaged by fire in 1965 & out of service for 14 years. She was restored & relaunched by politician William Whitelaw (May 19, 1979). She survived 2009’s severe storms.

Passenger capacity: 220Raven

Date of ‘birth’: 1889 (July 16) – launched by 6-year-old Winifred Parkin, daughter of Mrs Dynne Deanne Parkin of Charing Heath, Kent.

‘Place of ‘birth’: Glasgow – T B Seath & Company

What happened that year?: The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) was founded in Manchester on February 17 and originally called ‘The Plumage League’ to campaign against the use of plumage in women’s clothing.

The Eiffel Tower was completed in this year and The Savoy Hotel opened in London. This was also the year that the length of a metre was defined, the Pizza Margherita was first created in Naples and the first computer was patented.

On a boat theme, Jerome K Jerome’s novel ‘Three Men in a Boat’ was published and in the world of entertainment, Charlie Chaplin was born.

Notable facts: Raven was the second choice as a second ‘Steamer’ for Ullswater, but the first choice, Wyvern, sank on Windermere in 1876. The famous Thomas Cook, who was a shareholder, pushed for a second vessel, as demand had been too high to cope with just Lady of the Lake operating.

Raven was built by the same shipbuilder as Lady of the Lake. When she arrived, she was tested in a time trial on the lake, racing against Lady of the Lake – a race she unfortunately lost! Despite this, when she was officially launched, the Westmorland Gazette said: “It is questionable if there be any boat to beat or even equal this little craft on any lake in the country”.

Raven had her moment of glory in 1895, when she temporarily became a Royal Yacht. Her decks were painted yellow to mark the visit of the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, to Lowther Castle, home of the ‘Yellow Earl’, Lord Lonsdale.

Passenger capacity: 246

Lady Wakefield

Date of ‘birth’: 1949 – launched on Ullswater in April 2007 by HRH Princess Alexandra, who renamed her, in honour of the wife of Lord Wakefield of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ who was a keen admirer of the boats.

Place of ‘birth’: Dartmouth, Devon.

What else happened in this year?: Britain signed the North Atlantic Treaty in this year, helping to create NATO. The Russians exploded their first atomic bomb and July saw the maiden flight of the British-built de Havilland Comet, the world’s first passenger jet.

Siam was renamed Thailand, Israel began to be recognised by a number of countries and Prince Rainier became state head of Monaco.

Notable facts: Lady Wakefield has been previously known as Berry Castle, Golden Cormorant and Totnes Castle. She worked the Plymouth Sound and River Dart, prior to her arrival on Ullswater. Her sister vessel, Seymour Castle/Devon Belle, went to Dunkirk, but never made it to the beaches.


Lady Dorothy

Date of ‘birth’: 1967 – do not have these records

‘Place of birth’: Guernsey.

What else happened in this year?: Sir Alf Ramsey, manager of the 1966 World Cup winning England football team, received a knighthood and captain Bobby Moore received an OBE.

Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar on stage for the first time and suffered burns to his hands. Sandie Shaw, singing ‘Puppet on a String’ won the Eurovision Song Contest.

The UK decided to apply for EEC membership, BBC Radio 1 launched and boxer Henry Cooper became the first boxer to win three Lonsdale Belts outright.

In the boating world, HMS Andromeda was launched at the Portsmouth dockyard – the last ship to be built there. Sir Francis Chichester arrived in Plymouth after completing his single-handed sailing voyage around the world in Gipsy Moth 1V (nine months and 1 day), the QE2 was launched at Southampton by the Queen, using the gold scissors used by her mother and grandmother to launch the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary, respectively. The Queen Mary made her last transatlantic voyage

Notable facts: The arrival of Lady Dorothy on Ullswater in 2001 made winter sailings possible for the first time. She had originally been a sea-going vessel and, to reach Ullswater, sailed from St Peter Port to Poole, where she was loaded on to a low loader, to travel to Cumbria. Advice had to be sought about this move, as this was the year of Foot and Mouth disease in Cumbria and the transporter had to have its wheels disinfected, because of this issue.


Western Belle

Date of ‘birth’: 1935 – christened by Miss Molly Thorne, youngest daughter of the manager of Fellows & Co, her builders.

Place of ‘birth’: Great Yarmouth

What else happened in this year?: Malcolm Campbell set a new land speed record of 484.620km per hour (301.129mph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in the Campbell-Railton Bluebird. The Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft made its maiden flight.

Hitler announced the creation of a new air force and planes were banned from flying over the White House. Months later, an aircraft crashed into the Empire State Building, New York.

In the world of sport, Jesse Owens broke the long jump record on May 5 and then equalled or broke 6 world records in one hour on May 25.

Rowntree’s of York produced what would, by 1937, become the Kit Kat bar. The Monopoly board game went on sale for the first time and in the Lake District, the last service was held in Mardale Church, prior to the village’s flooding to create Manchester Corporation’s Haweswater Reservoir.

Notable facts: The Western Belle was a favourite of those taking pleasure excursions on the Tamar & Yealm rivers for nearly 50 years. During World War II, she was employed on the Millbrook Ferry, running enhanced services to Devonport, landing workers in the Royal Dockyard. In March & April 1941, the blitz on Plymouth led to thousands of people seeking evacuation to Cornwall and the South Hams countryside. The Western Belle made evacuation runs, with hundreds packing aboard to try to escape, even if it was only to sleep in hedgerows. She operated runs in darkness on many occasions, due to the blackout.. Western Belle was launched on Ullswater by Jane Hasell-McCosh of historic home and gardens, Dalemain, on June 30, 2011.


All of the ‘Steamers’ are painted in the same colour as a splendid ocean liner named Coronia and all carry tourists seeking pleasure cruises, local residents using the service as a means of commuting between the top and bottom of the lake and those wishing to book a full or private charter for either a full or half day, or an evening pier-side event, whether that is a wedding, an anniversary celebration or just a general get-together.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ marketing manager, Rachel Bell, says: “Which ‘Steamer’ people wish to adopt is entirely down to them, but there are lots of interesting facts to consider when making that choice. We wish to bring the personalities of our Ladies to life in 2012 and give them the moment in the spotlight that they truly deserve, given their remarkable histories.

“We have grown our fleet since our formation as the Ullswater Steam Navigation Company in 1855. We lost our first paddle steamer, Enterprise, in 1859, but have since kept all of our ladies up and running, battling against severe weather conditions and surviving through thick and thin. With five ‘Steamers’ now in our fleet, there is no excuse not to discover the joy of sailing on at least one of them in 2012”.

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Notes to Editors:

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails every day bar December 24 and 25, from Glenridding Pier at the south of the lake near the Kirkstone Pass (which links Glenridding to the Windermere area) from Howtown in the middle of the eastern shore and from Pooley Bridge at the top of the lake near Penrith. Passengers can choose to sail one-way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return journey). Alternatively, there is a Round The Lake option, with the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. Walkers can also take advantage of a special fare and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.




Glenridding to Pooley Bridge or vice-versa (65 minute sailing)Single fare Adult £8.50 Child £4.25



Family tickets are for 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children (children aged 5-15 pay; under 5s go free). A small charge is made for dogs and cycles.

“‘Like’ The Lake For Its Legends” Says Ullswater Cruise Company


Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is helping visitors to Ullswater in 2012 understand some of the mystery surrounding what has become known as ‘The Dark Lake’, by using a lake cruise as an opportunity to learn about its famous legends, before exploring other parts of the Eden Valley to find out more.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ says a lake cruise is the key that can unlock the whole sense of place of the Eden Valley for a visitor, helping them set their location into a historical and current context, to enrich their experience and time in the Lake District.

The name of the lake may derive from ‘Ulfr’s Water’, Ulfr being a Viking lord. Alternatively, Ulf is a Scandinavian word for wool and the Danes are known to have used the lake to clean sheep’s fleeces.

Legend connects the lake to King Arthur, or Arthur Pendragon as he is also known and it is mooted that this was where he encountered the Lady of the Lake. This legend is what gives the longest-serving Ullswater ‘Steamer’ her name of Lady of the Lake.

Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon, is said to have lived at Pendragon Castle at Mallerstang, in Eden, Cumbria. He is said to have unsuccessfully tried to divert the course of the River Eden to make a moat at the castle, leading to the couplet: “Let Uther Pendragon do what he can, Eden will run where Eden ran”.

In medieval times, it was felt that monsters lived in the dark, still waters of Ullswater, which reach up to 205 feet (62 metres), the deepest part being at Silver Bay.

Arthurian legend also breathes life into a visit to the stunning Aira Force waterfall, a short walk from the shores ot the lake and accessible by footpath from a National Trust car park The water of these falls cascades exquisitely down Aira Glen before falling 70 feet into a chasm. On sunny days, visitors may be lucky enough to experience the Aira Rainbow – a triple bow that is produced when light reflects on the falls’ spray.

Others claim to have seen the ghost of Emma, daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, who plighted her troth to a knight of the Round Table, Sir Eglemore, and who lived in the ancient castle of Baron Lyulph (Lyulph’s Tower), visible above the lake’s shoreline just north of Aira. She and her betrothed would meet at a holly bush just at the foot of the falls and, during his absences whilst away as a knight, Emma began to sleepwalk. He returned late one night and had no desire to awaken the household, so went to sleep at the Force for the night. There, he awoke to see what he thought to be a phantom of Emma and reached out to touch her. She was awoken from her sleepwalk and alarmed by the touch, tumbling into the water of the Falls. He went in to try to save her, but she died in his arms. Sir Eglemore lived as a hermit close to the Falls thereafter. This episode forms the basis of the Wordsworth poem, The Somnambulist.

People local to the Ullswater area believed that fairies played at night at Kailpot Crag. Money thrown to the fairies would just disappear without trace, creating much speculation about the magical powers of the little folk in the area. The last appearance of the fairies of Cumbria was in 1850, when local Jack Wilson, saw them pack up and leave for good one moonlit night in Martindale, above the shores of Ullswater.

Money for the fairies is not the only thing to have disappeared in the mystical Ullswater area. At Sandwick, there is a legend relating to a group of Roman soldiers who were in the area to build a Roman road at 2720 feet above the lake. The group is said to have gone down to Sandwick Bay to fetch drinking water, but they never returned and not a helmet, sword or shield was ever found.

The first settlers here were, however, stone carriers and a number of cairns exist around the Ullswater area, one being the Cockpit Stone Circle at Moor Divock, where 75 stones survive in boggy ground

overlooking Ullswater. Cockpit is one of three circles at Moor Divock, which is an area full of traces of Bronze Age habitation.

If you wish to discover more about the stone circles and their meaning, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ captain Robert Farrah has written an award-winning book entitled The Stone Circles of Cumbria available from Amazon and other good booksellers.

Legend flows as deep on Ullswater as its waters, so do not miss the opportunity to dive deeper into the lake’s fascinating legends in 2012, using a cruise with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ as the springboard. Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to find out more about fares and the timetable, whether you wish to take a short one-way cruise, a return trip or full day’s excursion, hopping on and off the boats as you put some flesh on the bones of the legends. ENDS


Notes to Editors









Head To Ullswater And ‘Like’ The Lake For Its Wildlife



Idyllic lake cruise company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is highlighting that there is a lot to ‘like’ about the beautiful lake on which it operates its fleet of five ‘Steamers’, especially if you are a lover of nature. Sharing news of your ‘sightings’ on social networks is just part of the fun, but can be a major highlight for many passengers.

To bring the world of wildlife to life, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ operates some specific wildlife-focused cruises that enable passengers to do things of which they never dreamed, such as observing wild red deer in their native habitat at the time of the red deer rut and being part of a lambing experience with a local hill farmer.

Red deer cruises, guided by RSPB experts and covering not only a trip into the heart of red deer country after disembarking from a ‘Steamer’, but also insights into other wildlife encountered en route, are taking place on October 18, 19 20 and 21, 2012. This opportunity to witness nature’s demonstration of the fight for male dominance is not-to-be-missed and places sell like wildfire, so get in early.

In 2012, a new lambing experience will enable passengers to catch a scheduled service and then be guided to a local lambing shed by experts from Nurture Lakeland, the RSPB and the National Trust, enjoying both birdwatching and an interesting walk en route. This incredible insight into new life is taking place on April 21 and 22.

Wildlife is an all-year-round theme on and around Ullswater, where species can be observed on the lake or in the sky whilst cruising, but also spotted on the lakeshore, or whilst taking advantage of the opportunity to take a stroll, or a more energetic walk along the many footpaths with which a cruise can connect the passenger.

Fell ponies wander across the Helton Fells, while the ancient woodlands around the lake are breeding habitats for many species of insect and bird, such as the ermine moth, great spotted woodpecker, the tree-creeper, meadow pipit, lapwing, pied and yellow wagtail, yellowhammer, peregrine falcon, raven and the red grouse that live high on the fells.

Gulls roost on the lake and its bays are frequented by mallards and red-breasted merganser, goosander, kingfisher, cormorants and dippers. Passengers may also be lucky enough to see an osprey in passage, but may well spot buzzards circling overhead in search of prey, or hear their sweet pee-uuu call.

The Hallinghag Wood area has many nesting sites for meadow pipit and, in Spring, is full of the small yellow flowers of the Tormentil. Amazing sundews are found in wet, boggy places, these being insectivorous plants that trap and feed on small insects and flies. Bilberry grows on the fells, traditionally having been used to treat coughs, scurvy, tuberculosis and other ailments, and juniper is being re-planted and protected from hungry rabbits and sheep.

The Holly Blue butterfly, lays its eggs on holly in April and can be seen on bushes close to the lakeshore in May.

Oystercatchers nest around Ullswater, where cormorants can also be seen diving into the lake for fish and then sitting on posts and tree branches holding their wings out to dry.

The biggest highlight for many is a sighting of an endangered red squirrel – the only native squirrel, but a species numbering only 140,000 nationwide, many of its members being in Cumbria and Northumbria. This hugely entertaining creature does not hibernate, but stores food up for the three months of winter and can often be seen in trees around the lake, where it builds large dreys in the trees. This creature

inspired the creation of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ mascot Sammy the Squirrel and Ullswater ‘Steamers’ undertakes activities that raise funds to help protect this British wildlife favourite.

Liking and loving the lake for its wildlife encounters is so easy to do and you can share your pics with friends and family via your social media networks and even upload them to a site that Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has helped create with other wildlife partners – www.wildzonecumbria.org so that other wildlife lovers can get pleasure from them.

Keep checking the events calendar at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to find out about new wildlife-focused experiences as they emerge and make a resolution to go wildlife spotting on and around Ullswater in 2012. ENDS


Notes to Editors











http://www.wildzonecumbria.org/

Rock Up To Ullswater In 2012 And ‘Like’ Its Geology!

England’s most beautiful lake is encouraging geology aficionados and those who know nothing about geography and geology to come together to find out more about the unique geological past of Ullswater during 2012.

Delving deeper than the basic fact that Ullswater is a lake that is 205ft (62m) deep at its deepest point can cast a beacon of light on the landscape that lies around the lake, presenting new insights and creating different talking points.

Ullswater is England’s second largest lake and is 7.5 miles (12km) long and 0.5 miles wide, covering three square miles in area. It lies 477 feet above sea level and was formed by three separate glaciers. This glacial past has formed Ullswater as a unique lake within the Lake District, comprised of three different ‘reaches’ and with two distinct dog-leg kinks that give the lake a serpentine course and the shape of a letter Z.

The lake is a ribbon lake formed after Britain’s last Ice Age, which deepened the valley floor and filled it with melt water as the glacier retreated. The biggest kink in Ullswater was formed 450 million years ago when there was a volcanic disturbance that caused a major movement in the rock. Howtown – to which Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails from both Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, sits on a fault.

Three different type of rock can be found in the Ullswater area – Skiddaw Slate, Carboniferous Limestone and Borrowdale Volcanics. These intermingle to create the mixture of crags and open plateaux that contrast with gentler slopes running down to the lake. The deep ravine at waterfall Aira Force is formed at the point where Skiddaw Slate meets Borrowdale Volcanic rock. Years of erosion have then formed the spectacular gully into which the beck cascades. At Sandwick, the different types of rock can be explored as the walker moves from Borrowdale Volcanic underfoot, to areas between Hallinhag Wood and Scalehow, which are based on Skiddaw Slate. Where the two formations meet at Scalehow Beck, there is again a waterfall dropping down over the fault.

Ullswater lies in the shadow of Helvellyn – the third highest mountain in England with a name that possibly means Yellow Mountaiin and with foreboding, sheer slopes to the east and gentler ones to the west.

Helvellyn crowns Ullswater, standing 3117ft tall (950m) on a mighty plateau at the South West end of the valley. Flat-topped, it sits behind the conically-shaped Catstye Cam (2920ft/890m, while to the left, the observer can see the outline of Striding Edge.

On the opposite side of the lake, there is Saint Sunday Crag (2759ft/841m) – the highest point on the northeast ridge of Fairfield and a prominent feature of the Patterdale skyline near Glenridding.

Rock up to Ullswater in 2012 and you will find much to talk about when it comes to geology. Using a lake cruise as a means to access a bridleway that will take you to a point of geological interest is an enjoyable way to first take in the general layout of the area from the water and then explore it in more depth by foot.

Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk for times of sailings and prices for different tickets that will ideally match your requirements and check out the dates of special cruises and walks with the Lake District Ranger, which might just fill in more holes in your geological and geographical knowledge of the Lake District. These dates run from April to September, giving various opportunities around which to plan a visit.

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Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114- [email protected]

Notes to Editors










‘Like’ Ullswater For Its Campbell Connections In 2012

2012 will be a year of sporting achievement and a time in which to celebrate present day heroes and reflect on those of yesteryear. For those enjoying the reflections of the mountains on Ullswater, there can be no better place to ponder on the achievements of speed king, Donald Campbell.

Although irreversibly connected in the mind to Coniston, on which he met his death in 1967, Donald Campbell, son of Sir Malcolm Campbell, actually broke the world water speed record on Ullswater on July 23, 1955. His jet-powered Bluebird K7 travelled at 215.08 mph on the outward journey and at 189.57mph on the return leg of the attempt, resulting in a new world record time of 202.32 mph on average.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Lord Wakefield had provided Campbell with a slipway, boathouse and launching facilities at Glenridding, from where Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sail to this day. The original record attempt was supposed to take place in February, after Campbell had built the Bluebird boat in the Autumn of 1954, using two obsolete and redundant jet aeroplane engines acquired in 1935 as the basis of his design. February would have been calm, still and quiet around the lake, but delays and trial modifications meant that the attempt had to be put back to the rather busier month of July.

One of Ullswater ‘Steamers’ skippers, Bob Jackson, was aged 14 at the time of Campbell’s triumphant record-breaking attempt and watched the run from the top of mighty Helvellyn, looking down on Ullswater. He recalls: “The tiny, bright blue craft with a huge tail of white spray raced down the middle reaches. The noise from the two and a half ton turbo-jet engine was tremendous”.

A memorial plaque to Donald Campbell is situated next to the Glenridding Pier House and was unveiled by Donald’s daughter, Gina Campbell, in 1997. This marks the successful world record attempt and marks the original slipway used on the day.

A signed menu from the celebratory dinner held on the night of July 23, 1955 can be seen in the memorial library at the Glenridding Hotel. Donald Campbell’s triumph was actually announced from the balcony of the hotel, which is nowadays the Library Sun Lounge.

Those wishing to follow the history of Donald Campbell’s life thereafter can follow a Bluebird Trail from Ullswater, which takes in various buildings with which the Campbells were associated. They can head down to Coniston, where much memorabilia is housed in the Ruskin Museum and where Donald Campbell is buried in Coniston’s graveyard. The new Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow also has a permanent Bluebird display.

Visiting Ullswater for its Campbell connections is a must for any true speed fan and love of motorised sport in all of its forms. Cruising on the lake, to get a sense of what it must have felt like to be out on the water and ready to take to the controls is what boyhood dreams are made of. Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to check out the timetable and ticket prices for the type of cruise that will best bring your dreams of speed records to life. ENDS


Notes to Editors

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails every day bar December 24 and 25, from Glenridding Pier at the south of the lake near the Kirkstone Pass (which links Glenridding to the Windermere area) from Howtown in the middle of the eastern shore and from Pooley Bridge at the top of the lake near Penrith. Passengers can




choose to sail one-way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return journey). Alternatively, there is a Round The Lake option, with the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. Walkers can also take advantage of a special fare and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.









Lace Up The Boots And ‘Like’ The Walking Opportunities Around Ullswater in 2012

Discover the secrets that many walkers have kept tucked up their fleece’s sleeve in 2012, by heading to Ullswater, in the Lake District, where a cruise with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ can open up marvellous windows of outdoor opportunity for both avid walkers and those-just-starting-out.

A Lake Shore Walk is available via ‘Steamer’ for those wanting an easy, four-hour walk with a 380-metre height gain. In total, this will see them covering 6.5 miles (10km), on an undulating walk alongside the untouched and peaceful eastern shore of Ullswater, which is a wildlife haven.

With the option of getting the ‘Steamer’ back, in whichever direction you decide to travel, there is a ‘tired legs’ saver’ close at hand, ready to step in and do the leg work, quite literally, for the walker. This walk was a favourite of acclaimed walker, Wainwright, so not to give it a go would be a shame.

Catching an Ullswater ‘Steamer’ can also give the walker access to a Hallin Fell walk. This is an easy four-mile (6.5 km) circular walk, combining a lakeshore stretch with a mini mountain trail to the summit of Hallin Fell. This is followed by a loop back round to the road and then a final loop towards Sandwick and round a lakeside path past Geordie Crag.

Passengers wishing to reach the ancient crossroads of Moor Divock with its stone circles, Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill and High Street, can make use of ‘Steamer’ routes to reach the relevant bridle paths, but there are many options and lots of views to bag and things to see on the paths running from the lake to many local beauty spots.

To give walkers the freedom they seek when spending a day in the great outdoors, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ offers a great value Walker’s Ticket, connecting you to some of the most famous and spectacular walking routes in the Lake District National Park.

A feel for the local area and where to walk can be gained during the cruise that the walker takes on the lake, by using the free Lake Guide and commentary devices costing just £1 to hire. Those wishing to join up with friends to explore Ullswater’s environs can benefit from a special deal for parties of four adults buying Round the Lake tickets. Here, one of the adults in the group of four travels for half-price, creating a saving that can be shared or put towards the cost of the first round at the first bar they encounter en route!

A Round the Lake ticket is the option to choose if you intend hopping on and off the boat all day, roaming free in the Lake District’s outdoor playground.

For all ticketing information and timetables visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk or call 017684 82229. ‘Like’ the Lake for its walking opportunities in 2012 and share tales of your outdoor adventures by boat on your social networking sites. ENDS


Notes to Editors

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails every day bar December 24 and 25, from Glenridding Pier at the south of the lake near the Kirkstone Pass (which links Glenridding to the Windermere area) from Howtown in the



middle of the eastern shore and from Pooley Bridge at the top of the lake near Penrith. Passengers can choose to sail one-way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return journey). Alternatively, there is a Round The Lake option, with the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. Walkers can also take advantage of a special fare and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.









Discover How Much Your Children Will ‘Like’ Cruising On Ullswater In 2012

Children from around Britain will be discovering that taking a lake cruise is not boring and dull, if their parents allow them to sample some of the fun that fills an Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruise.

Even taking a regular cruise on a lake will be a thrill for children from most parts of England, where such a pleasure just does not exist, but with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ there are extra factors that put smiles on little faces, not least of all Sammy the Squirrel. This loveable mascot is usually supervising events staged during school holidays and reminds children of the wonderful, native red squirrels that they might spot in the woodlands around the lake.

During the February half-term (February 11-19), Sammy’s pal Paddington will be helping him organise a Marmalade Quiz, to help celebrate the World’s Original Marmalade Festival being held at local historic house, Dalemain, near Penrith.

Over the Easter holidays (March 31 – April 6) there will be Eggstatic Fun to be had with Sammy, who will have hidden prizes on board each of the five boats in the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ fleet. These are likely to be mini Sammy toys with crème eggs, so children will enjoy keeping their eyes peeled to try to win them.

Children who love nature will enjoy the Spring Watch weekend of April 21 and 22, when they and their parents will be able to see lambing, take part in some bird watching, have guided walks with nature experts and also take a tour of the Lowther Estate.

Young scallywags will be circling June 6 and August 22 in their diaries, as this is when the Pirates Extravaganza will be taking place. Two sailings a day on these dates will enable children to live out their Jack Sparrow dreams, adopting pirate language, taking to the water cannons strapped to the bows of their boat and getting up to all sorts of piratical capers organised by the ‘motley crew’ at Ullswater ‘Steamers’, including the ever popular, Slap a Rat.

The Pirates services will be two hour sailings taking place between 11am-1pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm on each of the two days and departing from the pier at Glenridding. Prices for these experiences are £11

Heading into October, children have the opportunity to accompany adults on Red Deer cruises that enable them to witness the red deer herd roaming around the fells high above Ullswater at the time of the rut. The ultimate struggle for male domination can be observed with the help of RSPB experts, who accompany the cruise that takes passengers to Howtown, and then guide the group into Martindale, across the fell and to the best observation points. These trips will take place on October 18, 19, 20 and 21 and cost £12 RSPB member £14 non-member children half price

The Ghostly Galleon will rise up from the depths of Ullswater just in time for Halloween, to give little ghouls and boys a chance to have exquisite Halloween fun out on the dark and mysterious lake. A magician will perform on board the boat, to leave children bewitched and highly amused by his devilishly clever tricks, while other fun activities will also be arranged. Two sailings a day will be available (11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm) on October 31.

The final children-centric cruises of the year will be Santa Cruises taking place on December 16, 2012, at which Santa will make an appearance on the boat, talk to the child about their Christmas wish-list and give them a high-value present, which parents can select from a list provided by Ullswater ‘Steamers’. These magical cruises put something a little different into Christmas, with Ullswater “Steamers’ happy elves ensuring that all the family have a merry time during the sailing, whether that is while munching a mince pie, downing some mulled wine, or playing Christmas-themed games.

2012 will also see Ullswater ‘Steamers’ creating a children’s club, so if your child likes their cruises a lot, they can become a member and get even more involved with fun activities.

Head to www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk for more information and to book tickets for events. Alternatvely, call 017684 82229. ENDS


Notes to Editors










Environmentally Concerned Tourists Will Find Lots To ‘Like ‘ About Ullswater ‘Steamers’ In 2012

Tourists wishing to spend their money with businesses that care about the environment can head to Ullswater and take an idyllic cruise with a company in the running to be Sustainable Tourism Award winners at the Enjoy England Awards, 2012, having already won the regional award for Cumbria.

The honour of representing its county as an ambassador for environmental concern is one truly deserved. Way back in 1998, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ introduced a visitor donation scheme to raise funds for the Tourism & Conservation Partnership (now Nurture Lakeland), to fund conservation projects within the Ullswater valley. To date, it has raised a grand total of over £40,000 for Nurture Lakeland via a 10 pence donation on every passenger fare between Glenridding and Howtown.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ also holds a Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation (GTBS) and a Gold CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network) rating. It was Highly Recommended at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 and 2011 and won the local Cumbrian CN Environmental Awareness Award in 2009.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is committed to sustainable practices and continually invests in the latest environmental options. Following the devastating 2009 floods in Cumbria, the company’s Glenridding Pier House underwent a massive, eco-friendly makeover. This equipped it with special concrete-line internal wall panels, to protect the building and prevent any contamination in the event of a future flood, insulation below floors based on a water-repellent foam and low-emission coated glass. The latter allows short-wave radiation from sunlight to pass through into the building, but reflects long-wave radiation generated by fires and radiators. This reduces energy loss and condensation, as well as providing better insulation.

Energy consumption within the Pier House has been reduced through low energy lighting systems, motion sensors and AAA energy-graded electrical equipment. Water-based paints have been used where possible and timber was purchased from a sustainable source. Carpet tiles used in office areas are made from locally-sourced, natural Herdwick fibre.

Cycle racks have been installed at both piers, so that cyclists can make the most of various cycle routes now detailed on a Cycling Around Ullswater map.

When Pooley Bridge pier was undergoing repairs following the November 2009 floods, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ timed work so as to not affect the eggs of the Atlantic Salmon, which spawns in Ullswater in late October and November. It also donated money raised through visitor payback to the Eden Rivers Trust, during the period of repair.

Raising awareness about the environment is also high on Ullswater ‘Steamers’ agenda. It works with environmental partners such as the RSPB, Save Our Squirrels, the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, Nurture Lakeland and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, to stage events that will help raise money for these charities, but also help the consumer understand the need for conservation and environmental protection.

Moving into the realm of corporate social responsibility, it also organises an annual Ceilidh Cruise, which raises money through passenger fares and an onboard raffle, for a chosen charity.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sails every day bar December 24 and 25, from Glenridding Pier at the south of the lake near the Kirkstone Pass (which links Glenridding to the Windermere area) from Howtown in the middle of the eastern shore and from Pooley Bridge at the top of the lake near Penrith. Passengers can choose to sail one-way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howtown (70-minute return

journey). Alternatively, there is a Round The Lake option, with the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. Walkers can also take advantage of a special fare and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge.

Experience Ullswater ‘Steamers’ green credentials in 2012 and enjoy a fabulous day out, without having to sacrifice your own environmental concerns. Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk or call 017684 82229 for more information. ENDS

Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected] to Editors










Head To Ullswater In April For A Sighting Of Wordsworth’s Daffodils



Head to Ullswater in the Lake District this April and you are pretty sure to be able to see the famous yellow—headed flowers that inspired poet William Wordsworth to write his most famous poem Daffodils.

15 April 2012 will mark the 210th anniversary of the walk that Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy took back from Glencoyne Park on a stormy day. Heading back to their home in Grasmere, they were struck by the sight of a ‘host of golden daffodils’ weathering the storm, tossing their heads in the wild wind that was whipping up the lake and resting their weary frames on stones.

As Dorothy noted in her Grasmere Journal: “The Bays were stormy and we heard the waves at different distances and in the middle of the water like the sea”.

This vision struck the pair enough for Dorothy to give great detail about it in her journal and for William to go on to compose the piece of work that is now known across the world, beginning with the immortal lines: “I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills”.

Today’s visitor to Ullswater can be delighted to still see these flowers – Lenten Lilies – dancing on the shore in the very same swathes that impressed the Wordsworths. Taking a cruise with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ in April will enable the visitor to see the golden flowers lining the shore, bringing uplifting springtime colour to the lake.

Combining a cruise with a walk along the lakeshore path that was such a favourite of acclaimed walker, Wainwright, will enhance the springtime experience even more, enabling visitors to see the daffodils at close quarters, as well as from the lake.

Visitors wishing to complete the Wordsworth-themed day out can take a 14-mile drive over the Kirkstone Pass – the highest pass in Cumbria - taking in the views, before visiting Wordsworth’s former home in Grasmere, Dove Cottage, where he lived at the time of writing Daffodils. From there, they could travel the short distance to Rydal and visit Rydal Mount, his home for 37 years, while also taking a look at Dora’s Field, which lies next door. Here, following the death of his daughter Dora, Wordsworth planted a whole field full of daffodils, which spring into life each April, presenting a yellow carpet of colour.

April is a beautiful month in which to visit Ullswater, with new birth being celebrated in the world of nature in many forms. New for this April is an Ullswater ‘Steamers’ lambing experience, which will combine a lake cruise with an opportunity to see lambing at a local hill farm, enjoy a birdwatching experience with the RSPB and take some guided walks. This is taking place over the weekend of April 21 and 22 and tickets cost £14 non members £12 RSPB members

Wordsworth’s poetry also casts insights on the wonderful Aira Force waterfall, which is located on the western shore of Ullswater. His poem The Somnamulist is based on the ancient tale of Sir Eglemore and the death of his betrothed Emma, who fell into the falls while sleepwalking. Aira Force is a sight to behold at any time of year, with its cascading waters and 70-ft drop into a gulley, so is another fabulous thing to add to a day out based around Ullswater.

Head to Ullswater this April and live and breathe Wordsworth’s poetry, being sure to share your photos, cruise experience and other insights with your friends.

Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk for fares, timetables and event bookings, or call 017684 82229.ENDS



Note to Editors










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