Walking The Cumbria Way: A journey through the heart of the Lake District

Join Abbie Barnes and her mum, Pearl, as they walk one of the most popular long distance trails in England; The Cumbria Way. Experience boggy paths, through neck-high bracken, over mountains, along lakes, and through quaint little villages.

Watch film on YouTube here

47 mins

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Latest

23 April 2024: The Helm, paths to summer adventures

We were joined by a big group of volunteers with clippers, loppers and saws this week for bramble, bracken, and gorse management, to keep paths clear and create fire breaks.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Westmorland Dales: its natural and cultural heritage

The Westmorland Dales has been described as one of the best preserved prehistoric archaeological landscapes north of Salisbury Plain. The landscape has been hugely influenced by the way people have exploited and managed it for thousands of years. The walk will explore this, attempting to decipher the layers in the landscape.
Leaders' Landscape Training: Understanding Tranquillity

Tranquillity is one of many components that come together to create the overall character of a landscape, and it is something that many visitors to the Lake District and Cumbria come to enjoy but it is often misunderstood or not fully understood even by those tasked with protecting it.
Leaders' Landscape Training: The Thirlmere Resilience Project

The Thirlmere catchment, characterised by steep sided, wooded slopes, is an iconic part of the Lake District. A new style of progressive land management around Thirlmere, is balancing the pressures of recreation, farming, and conservation in hostile upland environments.

The Ambleside and Grasmere Big Switch Off 2023 Film

A short film of our Big Switch Off event in Ambleside and Grasmere - to save energy and see more stars. Residents and businesses took part by turning off their own lights, along with over 200 street lights switched off by Cumbria County Council on the night.
Legendary Films and Stories of the Westmorland Dales

Short films of three local legends set in the landscape of the Westmorland Dales, retold and illustrated by local children, have just been released online. The films were premiered at a storytelling event for local families in Kirkby Stephen on Wednesday 25th January.
What did Farming ever do for us?

A project led by Lois Mansfield of the University of Cumbria which is documenting the farming cultural heritage of the Lake District, funded by the National Park’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Protecting Cumbria’s dark skies: new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly street lighting

We are working with the County Council and Thorn Lighting to install new Dark Skies and wildlife friendly road lighting across Cumbria. A short film featuring some of the work so far.
Shepherding in the Howgills

Mark Curr, a third generation farmer at Bowderdale Head, explains how and why sheep are 'gathered' from the fell, and brought down to the farm.
By Packhorse Through Lakeland, Bob Orrell

A fantastic trip through the lakes, Bob Orrell takes us on a packhorse journey through the Lake District from Ravenglass to Shap, back in 1977.
Dark Skies Winter Celebration

Local schools took part in an art project with artists Rob and Harriet Fraser. See their work and watch their video creations featuring the unique landscapes of the Westmorland Dales.
Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales

Presenter Debbie North promotes outdoor adventures for all in a new film Get Outside in the Westmorland Dales.
Lesley Wiliams, author of ‘The Tour of the Lake District’ walking guide

Lesley Williams of Cicerone guidebooks in conversation with Andrew Tait of Friends of the Lake District, discussing her latest book, Walking the Tour of the Lake District.
Darkness: The Half-Remembered habitat

Most of the world's land species are nocturnal. In this short film Bob Mizon of the Commission for Dark Skies talks about why we need to protect the night.

Volunteering

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Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
Why become a member?

Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times. Take a VIRTUAL TOUR