Going Green in the Land of the Lakes

Nowhere in the nation packs such an instant panoramic punch, but the Lake District is much more than just grand views. It’s a historic textbook, a rural heartland, a foodie heaven, an outdoor playground and a literary landmark all rolled into one, offering a unique experience for every visitor.

Author Oliver Berry says “With more people visiting, this will pile the pressure on the park and increases the risk of damage to the environment. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go; Cumbria has started some exciting eco-friendly initiatives with local businesses and educating visitors on how to look after the Lake District.”

In 1993, the fragile Lakeland environment was designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area and has in many ways set the course for the rest of the nation to follow. Getting to grips with your ‘green’ side is easy in the Lake District as this book covers all aspects of enjoying the natural splendour of the Lake District using the Greendex section which recommends the most environmentally friendly eating, sleeping, drinking and transport options.

But it’s not all fells, forces and Cumberland sausages; if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, Lonely Planet’s The Lake District shares the secrets of quirky Cumbria such as the tizzie-wizzie which is a creature said to have the body of a hedgehog, tail of a squirrel and the wings of a bee; or the unidentified underwater creature sighted in Windermere, dubbed Bownessie.

Whether you head to the hills to walk in the footsteps of Wordsworth, go peak-bagging like Wainwright or even searching for apron-wearing hedgehogs like a certain Miss Potter; the Lake District never fails to take your breath away.

LONELY PLANET THE LAKE DISTRICT TOP 5 GREENDEXES

The Lake District has a long and distinguished tradition of environmental protection, but in a world facing up to climate change, spiralling pollution and dwindling resources, it’s vitally important everyone keeps up the good work. Here’s our list of the top eco-minded places to stay in the Lake District:

STAY Moss Grove Hotel - Organic: Eco-conscious principles and a razor-sharp approach to design combine at one of Grasmere’s trendiest hideaways with organic wall paint, sheep’s wool insulation and fair-trade local food. Hard to fault.

STAY 4 Winds Lakeland Tipis: Ever wanted to do like the Sioux and live in a real-life wigwam? Well this is your lucky day - 4 Winds offers seven authentic Native America Tipis (admittedly made in Scotland) sleeping two to six.

EAT George & Dragon: Set in the village of Clifton, George & Dragon is gorgeously refurbished with reclaimed furniture and sources its produce straight from the estate’s organic farm.

EAT Howbarrow Organic Farm: Gone gaga for the good life? Then don’t leave Cartmel without visiting this 100% organic farm, renowned for its seasonal fruit and veg boxes, all grown with loving pesticide-free care on the surrounding fields.

DO Watermill: The Watermill in Little Salkeld is one of the last remaining mills in England powered in the time-honoured fashion using two waterwheels. You can see the wheels in action on a mill tour before picking up organic cakes.

WHAT LONELY PLANET SAYS ABOUT THE LAKE DISTRICT

WINDERMERE TOWN: “A place where tradition and mass-market meet head-on... It’s brash, busy and the summertime traffic can certainly take the shine off things, but Windermere is still an essential stop on every Lake District itinerary.” (p59)

GRASMERE: “If it’s Romantic connections you’re searching for, then look no further than the gorgeous village of Grasmere... the village’s narrow slate streets are crammed to bursting throughout the summer months, and the modern-day rash of gift shops, tearooms and coach-tour hotels has done little to preserve the quiet country charm that drew Wordsworth here in the first place.” (p87)

CONISTON WATER: “She might not have the stature of Windermere or the comeliness or Derwent Water, but compared to her sister lakes Coniston Water somehow manages to retain an air of unruffled serenity even on the busiest of days.” (p109)

KESWICK: “One of the handsomest of the Lake District’s market towns.” (p145)

COCKERMOUTH: “It’s a good deal less polished and prettified than many of the other Lakeland towns, but it feels more authentic as a result.” (p157)

ULLSWATER: “Arguably one of the most dramatic of all the Lakeland valleys.” (p164)

CARLISLE: “The old girl has been battered a bit over the centuries, and she might not have the star quality of some of the north’s other revitalised cities, but she’s still got big-city buzz.” (p197)

PENRITH: “There’s a flavour of bygone days hanging around the crimson-bricked streets of Penrith, one of eastern Cumbria’s most atmospheric market towns.” (p204)

KENDAL: “Kendal occupies a hallowed place in the hearts of many hill walkers thanks to its sweet and powerfully pepperminty treat, Kendal mintcake.” (p210)

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:

Review copies are available and also for reader giveaways.

Author Oliver Berry is available for interview.

Free extracts are available from the book.

Lonely Planet began in 1973 and has gone on to become the world’s most successful travel publisher, printing over 80 million books. Lonely Planet publishes over 500 titles in English.

For more information please contact Louise MacDonald in the Media & Communications Office:

Louise MacDonald

Media & Communications Coordinator

Lonely Planet Publications Europe - Middle East - Africa

* Reg. No. 3970495

* VAT No. 538834511

T: +44 (0) 20 7106 2148

E: louise.macDonald@lonelyplanet.co.uk