[T]he line up for the Ullswater Outdoor Fest has been announced. Now in its 11th year, the 2017 festival runs from Sat 23 September – Sun 1 October. It promises nine days of guided walks, outdoor adventure and experiences, films and talks that celebrate the great outdoors in general and Ullswater in particular.
As ever, the backbone of the Ullswater Outdoor Festival is the Guided Walks by the Lake District National Park Rangers. The voluntary rangers have walked the hills for years and know the area, the people and the history like the back of their hand. Join one of their free guided walks and discover great new places, learn all about the natural history and get an expert insight into the Ullswater Valley. In 2017 there are a total of 12 guided walks along with a range of other activities and events at various locations in and around the valley.
NEW for 2017: THE ULLSWATER WAY TALKS
To complement a guided walk on the fells during Outdoor Fest, the Friends of the Ullswater Way have put together a series of talks that expand on the history, mystery and cultural importance of Ullswater and the wider Lake District. Held in village halls around the valley over five nights during the festival, audiences will be able to gain insight into a variety of subjects; from the modern history of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the ancient history of the Lake District’s Ice Age origins, to the importance of our recently-awarded World Heritage Status – there’s something for all tastes and interests. All talks are free and tickets are available on the door on the night.
Friend of the Ullswater Way and talk organiser, Tim Clarke said: “For the first time the Friends of the Ullswater Way is able to give their full support to the Ullswater Association event and have organised a week’s set of evening talks which should whet the appetite of both visitors and locals, and give a deep insight to the rich cultural history of the region.”
Guided walks aside, local tourism businesses in the valley have pulled together to offer locals and visitors a range of activities and events to suit an array of interest and abilities.
From world premiere film evenings on Rheged’s IMAX-style cinema screen to village hall talks on prehistoric cup marks by leading Durham University academics, guided walks around the Ullswater Way to Nic’s Nordic Walks and live music at Inn on the Lake to opportunities to hone your navigation skills, there are plenty of reasons to get involved later in September.
The Ullswater Association has also managed to secure some funding from the Lake District National Park Communities Fund to run some free Outdoor Adventure taster sessions for local school children. Pupils from five schools in and around the valley will be able to choose a taster session from one of four activity providers during the week of Outdoor Fest including Ullswater Yacht Club, Rookin House, Reach Beyond Adventure and Distant Horizons
Sue Wallace from the Ullswter Association said: “We’re delighted that Ullswater Outdoor Fest 2017 promises to be another exciting line up of events showcasing the best the valley has to offer. We’re really hoping that both locals and visitors alike manage to make time to get out and enjoy some of the events going on or indeed just a walk with friends and family!”
The Ullswater Outdoor Fest runs from Sat 23 September – Sun 1 October at various locations all over the valley. To see the full festival line-up including details of how to book the activities and events on offer, visit www.ullswater-outdoor.com