Art in the forest

Grizedale forest in the south lakes is a very popular and interesting place to visit. Since the 1970s it has been home to a range of different sculptures by various luminaries from Andy Goldsworthy to David Nash. There are now over 90 sculptures throughout the forest, mostly made of natural materials, many of which are interactive - musical, sittable, and hideable spots! It's a great place to visit with children - there's a cafe with fabulous cakes, an amazing adventure playground, and best of all different trails to follow and explore.

We tried the award winning Ridding Trail, which has over 20 sculptures on a short 1 mile circular path. The trail is made of tarmac which makes it easily accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. We probably found it a little too short for ourselves, and would probably have prefered to be deeper into the forest, however, the kids did enjoy rushing around the scupltures, and we will probably go again - perhaps on bikes - there are many bike trails throughout the forest and the Forestry Commission say that over a quarter of their visitors are on two wheels these days...it's hard to imagine a route without hills though!!!

For directions to Grizedale and more info see the Forestry Commission website http://www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedalehome

Sculpture photos taken gratefully from www.jimpix.com, www.lakeland-cottage-company.co.uk, www.visitnorthwest.com  

Cumbrians go free at Honister - 28th Feb - 6th March

Ever wanted to try the thrilling Via Ferrata at Honister or take a trip down the slate mine? Well now's your chance to do it for free. For one week only Cumbrians who can prove residency can get to try out the
country's " best white-knuckle ride experience”. It's first come first served so don't miss out (unless you're a wuss like me, then pretend you never saw this!!!)


http://www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/cumbrian_residents_get_a_free_week_at_honister_slate_mine.asp

The biggest views for the littlest effort

Not everyone likes trekking up big mountains but we all appreciate a good view. For the reluctant walkers among us Latrigg is a good compromise - fantastic views over Keswick in reward for a ten minute stroll up a grassy path - there is even a tarmac path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so everyone can enjoy it. Sure you can set off and walk through Keswick, but sometimes a short stroll to blow the cobwebs away is all that's wanted. Head for the Underscar Manor and keep going up towards the carpark at Gale End. Job done. And who knows who you might meet up there - this boxing day it was even host to a cricket match between village teams from Threlkeld and Braithwaite, hope they had their thermals on!

cricket pictures taken gratefully from http://yeoldefriarsofkeswick.blogspot.com/ where incidently I got the best box of chocs ever from for christmas!