Spring Events in the Lake District
We know that you will welcome the arrival of spring in the Lakes. But while it is a lovely season to come and see our natural wonders, especially the early blossoming flowers, you might not want to be outside all of the time. So we have a roundup of what’s on in the next couple of months for those of you staying here at the Cedar Manor. There is ONE outdoor spectator event, but we think you’ll agree it’s going to be worth watching.
Everest Revisited Exhibition
You can climb the highest mountains in England while you’re here in the Lake District. But you can also pay a visit to the highest mountain in the world. It’s an exhibition called Everest Revisited, and it’s been extended until Sunday March 16, at the fascinating Rheged heritage centre. It’s north of here, near Penrith, a lovely drive (especially if you go via Ullswater) and there’s lots of free parking when you get there.
Last year marked the centenary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance near the summit of Everest. They might have been the first people to reach the top; we’ll never know. And here is the most significant mountain-focused display since the National Mountaineering Exhibition at Rheged nearly 20 years ago. It is bringing to life the lesser known stories and Everest ‘firsts’ using art, photography and film.
There are rarely-seen artefacts from the Alpine Club, the Mountain Heritage Trust, and the Royal Geographical Society. There’s a new perspective on the Mallory and Irvine story, and lots of original artworks and historic photographs.
That Man Wainwright: Exhibition at The Armitt
We talk a lot about Wainwright, the man who wrote the wonderful series of seven guidebooks to the Lakeland fells. Those tops – all 214 of them – have become known as Wainwrights. And now there’s an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of this remarkable man.
It’s at the delightful Armitt museum in Ambleside, and starts this month (February) and will run throughout the year. It is co-curated by Chris Butterfield, the Wainwright archivist, who says that the exhibition celebrates Wainwright’s extraordinary contribution to Cumbrian literary and cultural history. It is, he says, an invitation to rediscover the landscapes he loved through his eyes. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or new to his work, you’ll find something inspiring and uniquely personal in this collection.
The first book in the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells series, The Eastern Fells, was first published 70 years ago. And Ambleside holds a special significance in Wainwright’s story. It was here, in 1952, that he began working on that first guidebook, starting with Fairfield. The route to Dove Crag, the first fell he described, is just a short walk from The Armitt, so the museum really is at the heart of Wainwright’s iconic journey.
Langdale Glisk: Art Exhibition in Grasmere
There are more paintings of the Lake District than any other region of England. And the most notable artistic views are the ones first seen as the visitor from the south arrives along the shores of Windermere, looking across to the Langdale Pikes. Since the time of Wordsworth and the Romantics, the circuit of Little Langdale, Blea Tarn and Great Langdale has held a fascination for artists and poets.
But there have never been views of the Langdales quite like this before. Langdale Glisk is an exhibition at the Heaton Cooper Studio archive gallery in Grasmere, from March 20 to May 5. Painters Rebecca Wallace and Pip Seymour became immersed in this famous landscape, re-visiting the real and idealised picturesque through making work on site and in all weathers.
Pip and Rebecca also make high quality materials for artists, using raw material sourced from all over the world. A key part of their paint production and painting practice is to create colour from natural materials, and some of these will form part of the exhibition. It’s a show that promises to startle and fascinate. The gallery is in Grasmere, next door to one of our favourite cafes, Mathildes.
Heritage Boating on Windermere
Even closer to home is the lovely Windermere Jetty Museum, which is open all year and has a permanent display about ships and sailing. And a lovely cafe where you can sit and watch the world sail by. Now you can sign up to a really exclusive sailing experience for you and your friends and family.
It’s a 75 minute exclusive heritage boat trip which gives up to 12 passengers the opportunity to create meaningful memories on the lake. You’ll travel in a restored steamboat or wooden motor launch from the museum’s collection and admire the stunning Cumbrian views from your vantage point on the water. The boat crew will be on hand to answer any questions, and share stories about the history of boating on Windermere.
The museum points out that bookings must be made at least 5 days in advance, and are subject to staff availability and weather conditions; and refreshments on board can be arranged.
Pulling a Car Up Kirkstone Pass
And now for our spectator event, which really is a very rare occurrence indeed. On Sunday March 30, which is Mothers’ Day here in the UK, a team of 30 women will attempt to pull a one-tonne car to the top of the Kirkstone Pass. This is the highest motor road in the Lake District, 1,489 feet (454 m) and their journey from the centre of Ambleside is just over three miles, with a gradient of 20% in places.
It’s been done before, several years ago, and the team – led by fitness instructor Ursula Brendling – will be aiming to break their own record of just over one hour. There will also be a men’s team having a go on the same day.
Who will be fastest to the top? The road will be closed to traffic while the event is on, so you can safely go along to watch. Either drive up there earlier and park at the top of the pass, or make your own challenge by walking up the pass yourselves, and cheering the teams on. It all starts at 10am. It’s not just for fun; they are raising money for a very good cause, the local St Mary’s Hospice.