Windermere
The British Gas Great North Swim takes place at the Low Wood Bay Hotel and Marina, Windermere, Cumbria.
Windermere is England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long (17km), stretching from Ambleside in the North to Newby Bridge in the South.
Surrounded by some of the nation’s most spectacular natural scenery – the Lake District National Park- the British Gas Great North Swim is an inspiring outdoor swim.
With a grandstand seating area overlooking the course and large screens around the event site, family and friends can watch all the action.
Make a weekend of it in the Lakes
If you are planning to participate in the 2010 British Gas Great North Swim and you’re not from the area, why not turn your trip into a great weekend away.
Take time to explore the land that has inspired world-renowned poets and writers such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The breathtaking scenery of the Lake District acts as a natural adventure playground – as well as Windermere being England's longest lake, it also boasts England's highest mountain (Scafell Pike), deepest lake (Wastwater) and steepest road (Hardknott Pass).
Where else could you find such a variety of world-class outdoor activities in such an accessible and compact region?
Top 5 Attractions in the Lake District National Park:
Here are the top five attractions
1) Mountain Biking-The Loughrigg fell tour
The Lake District is one of the most exciting places in the world to come mountain biking. If you want to challenge yourself on England's highest peaks, to enjoy an epic day out over endless miles of stunning countryside, or to journey for several days, barely touching tarmac, this is the place to visit.
The fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to those new to the Lake District. The Loughrigg Fell circular mountain bike tour takes in the pretty mix of lakes, woodland fells and lanes that surround the base of Loughrigg Fell.
2) Rydal Mount and Gardens-
Rydal, Ambleside, Cumbria.
Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's best loved home for 37 years. Here he wrote many of his poems and revised and improved much of his earlier works including the Prelude and the famous 'Daffodils' poem. This historic home offers, large beautiful terraced gardens landscaped by the poet, magnificent views of lake Windermere and Rydal Water.
3) Derwent Water Marina
Keswick, Cumbria.
This busy marina on Derwentwater offers watersports tuition, boat hire, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.
4) The World of Beatrix Potter
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria.
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
5) Townend
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria.
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Accommodation
The Low Wood Bay Hotel is part of the English Lake Hotels group; for more information about the ELH Group or to check availability at any of their hotels please visit
www.elh.co.uk.
Mintfest
2-5 September
Kendal’s International Festival of Street Arts. Every corner of the pretty market town of Kendal is transformed with a vast array of street performances from across the globe. Mostly free.
www.lakesalive.org