Newsletter > Newsletter archive > July 2023
July 2023
Walkingworld Summer Events
We've got two weekends of activity coming up in our corner of Cumbria. First up is the Westmorland Dales Festival on the upcoming weekend, 29th and 30th July, based in the market town of Kirkby Stephen. On Saturday there are guided walks (one being led by Walkingworld's David Stewart), a farm visit and cheese making demonstration and a guided coach tour of the Westmorland Dales.
Sunday sees a host of activities including an artisan and craft market, food and produce market, wild play for children, Kirkby Stephen East Heritage station and steam rally, and a Cumbria Classic Coaches shuttle service. Our micro-pub, The Old Forge, is hosting the Eden Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, with an exhibition, demonstrations and items for sale.
The following weekend, 5th and 6th August, we have another round of our summer navigation workshops. The Saturday workshop has an emphasis on straightforward map reading and navigation, mostly on footpaths, leading on to the Sunday workshop spending all day on the local fells. You will learn with expert Mountain Leaders who are also members of the local Mountain Rescue team. It's possible to pick just one of the days for £65 or come for both for £120.
Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count is reputedly the biggest citizen science project of its type in the world and the data gathered is crucial for tracking how butterflies and moths are faring in the UK. The State of Butterflies 2022 report showed that 80% of butterfly species have decreased since the 1980's. Perhaps, with greater emphasis on wild patches in gardens and fields, that trend can begin to be reversed.
Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count only takes a few minutes of your time but it can help to make a huge difference for our wildlife by providing annual nationwide monitoring. There is still time to take part. Up until Sunday 6th August all you need do is choose a sunny place to spot butterflies and moths and watch for just 15 minutes. Then you need to record which species you see, which you can do with the help of charts or with the free app. More information about the project here:
The 'loveliest place on earth'
With its dramatic sea cliffs, sweeping bays and postcard-perfect marinas, South Devon is one of the UK's most enticing coastal corners - and the location of a brand-new walking holiday from self-guided specialists, Inntravel.
Their leisurely tour leads along the coast from unspoiled Hope Cove to historic Dartmouth, with the chance to visit Greenway, the treasured home of Agatha Christie. Enveloped by woodland and overlooking the River Dart, this idyllic house was once described by the Queen of Crime as 'the loveliest place on earth'.
A second addition to Inntravel's UK collection is Highland Perthshire - home to expansive lochs, tumbling falls and deep glens surrounded by heather-clad hills. Here, Inntravel have crafted beautiful, varied routes that give time to enjoy the region's illustrious castles and fantastic local produce - including, of course, its silky-smooth, single-malt whiskies.
These two new holidays join an award-winning collection of UK breaks, highlights of which include the magnificent coastlines of Northumberland and Norfolk, idyllic rural Dorset and the panoramic heights of Snowdonia. Many of these destinations are at their best during the colourful autumn months, and if you are able to travel in October 2023, Inntravel are offering a rare discount of £100 per booking.
Full details of all Inntravel holidays are available at www.inntravel.co.uk
YHA's Festival of Walking
The YHA Festival of Walking is returning this autumn. More information is continually being added on the Festival of Walking website, which is taking place between 3rd September and 19th October 2023. The Festival celebrates the great outdoors with organised events, free downloadable walking routes and maps, guided social walks and a whole host of discounts and offers to help make the most of your time outside.
Cotswold Outdoor summer camping kit list
With the bank holiday coming up in August, you might be looking forward to escaping with just a backpack for the long weekend? Cotswold Outdoor have a new blog from ambassador Jamie Ramsay on his Ultimate Spring to Summer Camping Kit List. Since quitting his office job about ten years ago, Jamie has dedicated his life to taking on some amazing running, cycling, and hiking expeditions. As such, he's become a bit of a kit list guru. You can also see his vlog on How to Pack for Spring Camping.
Cotswold Outdoor have in-store experts happy to chat through your camping kit list, including mid-layers, waterproofs and walking boots. Plus you can get a free National Trust day pass worth up to £50 when you spend £120 in-store.