Walking Holidays in the UK

Somewhat belatedly, a few words and pictures on the floods that hit this part of the country last week. For those in the UK, the story is well know and received national news coverage. For those further afield – the fells received over 100mm over rain in 24 hrs, resulting in widespread flooding in Keswick and downstream in Cockermouth and Workington.

Here at Mickledore we are well above the river and emerged unscathed – although I did manage to kill my camera taking the pictures below – serves me right I suppose. In Keswick, around 100 houses were flooded – unfortunately the same ones which were flooded in January 2005. Downstream in Workington, and especially Cockermouth, the damage has been much worse.

Unfortunately for many if the flooded properties, flood insurance has been difficult to find after the last floods, and many had no cover. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund is collecting to help these people, and has raised over £600000 already. IF you wish to donate – sue the link.

In Keswick, the town has suffered from a lack of visitors – some out door businesses reporting a drop of 80% in takings. All the shops are open, and ready for you to shop!
Somewhat belatedly, a few words and pictures on the floods that hit this part of the country last week. For those in the UK, the story is well know and received national news coverage. For those further afield – the fells received over 100mm over rain in 24 hrs, resulting in widespread flooding in Keswick and downstream in Cockermouth and Workington.

Here at Mickledore we are well above the river and emerged unscathed – although I did manage to kill my camera taking the pictures below – serves me right I suppose. In Keswick, around 100 houses were flooded – unfortunately the same ones which were flooded in January 2005. Downstream in Workington, and especially Cockermouth, the damage has been much worse.

Unfortunately for many if the flooded properties, flood insurance has been difficult to find after the last floods, and many had no cover. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund is collecting to help these people, and has raised over £600000 already. IF you wish to donate – sue the link.

In Keswick, the town has suffered from a lack of visitors – some out door businesses reporting a drop of 80% in takings. All the shops are open, and ready for you to shop!

For anyone considering a walking holiday on Hadrian’s Wall next year – there are a couple of sites I have come across lately which you might find interesting.

First up, an interview with David Glade, the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail Officer on Country Walking Magazine’s site, Live for the Outdoors. A bit of history on Hadrian’s Wall walk, and a few conservation tips for people on walking holidays along the wall. The quality’s a bit amateurish (could they not find a microphone holder?) but some useful information.

The second 2 sites are anything but amateurish – 2 websites of local photographers both worth great Hadrian’s Wall portfolios:

Roger Clegg, from Hexham, has recently won the Northumberland National Park Authority’s prize in the Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition, with a number of fine Hadrian’s Wall pho’s showcased on the Journal Live site . I particularly like Walltown Crags in the sunrise.

The second site is Joan Thirlaway’s After the Rain site , with a whole host of Hadrian’s Wall pictures, in a number themed galleries. Checkout the sunset at Crag Lough. It’s not often you get such glassy calm water in the evening.

Labels: Hadrian's Wall walk, National Trail, photos