Some helpful hints for Lakes visitors

This is a few hints I have created to help a Twitter colleague. Please feel free to add to it.

Thanks

Firstly you should not go out on any moor or hill I'll-prepared.
Basics such as food, waterproofs, water and first aid kit is essential. Map should be Explorer 25000 for walking and preferably in a waterproof case. Plus a compass. GPS is NOT enough.

Footwear should be firm and boots preferred especially if going out away from your car.

Lots of great things for kids to do if you want something organised.

Cumbria Tourism will help find a wonderful collectioof child friendly activities
The Lake District national park will also help http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

A simple good walk that most young folk can do is Cat Bells thos is one of my favourite short walks and have seen many young folk go up, the views are great.

http://www.sharemyroutes.com/routes/United-Kingdom/Braithwaite-Cumbria-England/Cat-Bells/details.aspx

For good walks of all shapes sizes and length go to David Hall who has an amazing collection

http://www.walkthefells.net

Boat trip around Ullswater is a must.
http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

There are numerous tea shops and pubs doted across the Lakes all of which provide great value.

Windermere also contains a range of boat services as does Derwent.
http://www.discoverthelakes.co.uk/boat-trips-in-the-lake-district-c67.html

Follow the country code, take your rubbish home, close all gates, keep the dogs on leads, etc etc
But enjoy yourselves.

WEATHER. It is important to look ahead. We have found the best site is
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/lakedistrict/lakedistrict_latest_pressure.html

Spending a few minutes the night before studying this could be the difference between a great day and a disaster.

These are just a few hint for a newbe so add some comments and I will bring them into the next edition of this blog.

Some hints re visiting The Lakes

This blog has been done to help a Twitter friend.

It is not meant to be anything mor Ethan some helpful advice. I am happy to receive feedback from anyone better informed. Thanks

Firstly you should not go out on any moor or hill I'll-prepared. Basics such as food, waterproofs, water and first aid kit is essential. Map should be Explorer 25000 for walking and preferably in a waterproof case. Plus a compass. GPS is NOT enough.
Footwear should be firm and boots preferred especially if going out away from your car. 
Lots of great things for kids to do if you want something organised
Cumbria Tourism will help find a wonderful collectioof child friendly activities
The Lake District national park will also help http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

For a good walk that most young folk can do is Cat Bells

http://www.sharemyroutes.com/routes/United-Kingdom/Braithwaite-Cumbria-England/Cat-Bells/details.aspx

For good walks of all shapes sizes and length go to David hall who has an amazing collection

http://www.walkthefells.net

My favourite walks include Cat Bells and have seen many young folk go up, the views are great. 

Boat trip around Ullswater is a must. 
http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

There are numerous tea shops and pubs doted across the Lakes all of which provide great value. 

Windermere also contains a range of boat services as does Derwent. 
http://www.discoverthelakes.co.uk/boat-trips-in-the-lake-district-c67.html

Follow the country code, take your rubbish home, close all gates, keep the dogs on leads, etc etc
But enjoy yourselves. 

WEATHER. It is important to look ahead. We have found the best site is 
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/lakedistrict/lakedistrict_latest_pressure.html

Spending a few minutes the night before studying this could be the difference between a great day and a disaster. 

These are just a few hint for a newbe so add some comments and I will bring them into the next edition of this blog.

Some hints re visiting The Lakes

Firstly you should not go out on any moor or hill I'll-prepared. Basics such as food, waterproofs, water and first aid kit is essential. Map should be Explorer 25000 for walking and preferably in a waterproof case. Plus a compass. GPS is NOT enough.
Footwear should be firm and boots preferred especially if going out away from your car. 
Lots of great things for kids to do if you want something organised
Cumbria Tourism will help find a wonderful collectioof child friendly activities
The Lake District national park will also help http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

For a good walk that most young folk can do is Cat Bells

http://www.sharemyroutes.com/routes/United-Kingdom/Braithwaite-Cumbria-England/Cat-Bells/details.aspx

For good walks of all shapes sizes and length go to David hall who has an amazing collection

http://www.walkthefells.net

My favourite walks include Cat Bells and have seen many young folk go up, the views are great. 

Boat trip around Ullswater is a must. 
http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

There are numerous tea shops and pubs doted across the Lakes all of which provide great value. 

Windermere also contains a range of boat services as does Derwent. 
http://www.discoverthelakes.co.uk/boat-trips-in-the-lake-district-c67.html

Follow the country code, take your rubbish home, close all gates, keep the dogs on leads, etc etc
But enjoy yourselves. 

WEATHER. It is important to look ahead. We have found the best site is 
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/lakedistrict/lakedistrict_latest_pressure.html

Spending a few minutes the night before studying this could be the difference between a great day and a disaster. 

These are just a few hint for a newbe so add some comments and I will bring them into the next edition of this blog.

360 degree video from Hartsop Dodd. Why the Lakes are so beautiful,

This is my first bit of video. It is clearly no Stanley Kubrik production but it gives a sense of why people come here and the value of getting up a hill. Even if you can still see your car from the top

Hope you like it

Our challenge....a personal perspective

Having posted some comments concerning my various trips I thought I would get back to policing.
Here are some personal thoughts about our currnt challenge. Your comments would be gratefully receievd

Yesterday was a challenging time. Looking at how to make savings to balance our budget and seek to shrink the "business" by 20 %.
We are looking at all sorts of things to create  reductions that avoid impacting on the public facing aspects of policing Cumbria.
To do this means balancing the needs of a range of people and services. Tightening the fiscal screw causes pain. People will be leaving us who have done an excellent job not just for Cumbria Police but more importantly for the people of Cumbria and those who visit here.

Our task seems simple enough, to create an effective means to lower costs. Easily said, not so easily delivered. We have been inspected audited and checked to see if our plan will work. The feedback so far is, yes, it will. Nothing to be proud about, nor to take false confidence in the knowledge that those who have looked have seen a clean and effective strategy.

At the same time we are looking to build and shape new relationships, particularly within Cumbria, with other public sector bodies to collaborate and create savings. Hopefully this will work but requires people, including us, to go against their natural instincts to protect their own territory first. A big ask. And we are asking a lot at the moment.

The staff we need to make these changes are often the staff who themselves will be changed. A reflection of their professionalism and total commitment to public service.

We will, at the same time, respond to the multitude of reviews all created with good intent and of sound cause, but perhaps in need of a little more coordination.

It would be easy to blame someone or something for this change. To simply say, It's Wrong. But the police service has never done that,  it  has quietly tried to influence and listen, and despite it's faults failings and sometimes falsehoods, is an institution that is still World Gold Class 

Our challenge both personal and professional is to remain calm and carry on. Not be diverted into personal attacks, shroud waving or instant screams of annoyance. Instead we will deliver. "Simple as" as many say.

As we change our structures, conditions of employment, governance, status and service delivery we remain committed to public service ethos envied the world over.

Over the next few months we will be making a range of announcements that no doubt will test the above philosophy. Behind all the noise and smoke is a ruthless determination to deliver and help our communities. Unfortunately in that journey many do not share our history, culture and standards. Not out of  malice but sometimes out of ignorance.

Please help us in this journey .

I remain optimistic that we will create the solutions and retain the Police Service of the UK as the envy of the world. It will be a tough ride personally and professionally but I am confident that the quality of all the people I work with, will deliver as they always have.

Our challenge some personal reflections

Yesterday was a challenging time. Looking at how to make savings to balance our budget and seek to shrink the "business" by 20 %.
We are looking at all sorts of things to create  reductions that avoid impacting on the public facing aspects of policing Cumbria.
To do this means balancing the needs of a range of people and services. Tightening the fiscal screw causes pain. People will be leaving us who have done an excellent job not just for Cumbria Police but more importantly for the people of Cumbria and those who visit here.

Our task seems simple enough, to create an effective means to lower costs. Easily said, not so easily delivered. We have been inspected audited and checked to see if our plan will work. The feedback so far is, yes, it will. Nothing to be proud about, nor to take false confidence in the knowledge that those who have looked have seen a clean and effective strategy.

At the same time we are looking to build and shape new relationships, particularly within Cumbria, with other public sector bodies to collaborate and create savings. Hopefully this will work but requires people, including us, to go against their natural instincts to protect their own territory first. A big ask. And we are asking a lot at the moment.

The staff we need to make these changes are often the staff who themselves will be changed. A reflection of their professionalism and total commitment to public service.

We will, at the same time, respond to the multitude of reviews all created with good intent and of sound cause, but perhaps in need of a little more coordination.

It would be easy to blame someone or something for this change. To simply say, It's Wrong. But the police service has never done that,  it  has quietly tried to influence and listen, and despite it's faults failings and sometimes falsehoods, is an institution that is still World Gold Class 

Our challenge both personal and professional is to remain calm and carry on. Not be diverted into personal attacks, shroud waving or instant screams of annoyance. Instead we will deliver. "Simple as" as many say.

As we change our structures, conditions of employment, governance, status and service delivery we remain committed to public service ethos envied the world over.

Over the next few months we will be making a range of announcements that no doubt will test the above philosophy. Behind all the noise and smoke is a ruthless determination to deliver and help our communities. Unfortunately in that journey many do not share our history, culture and standards. Not out of  malice but sometimes out of ignorance.

Please help us in this journey .

I remain optimistic that we will create the solutions and retain the Police Service of the UK as the envy of the world. It will be a tough ride personally and professionally but I am confident that the quality of all the people I work with, will deliver as they always have.

Hartsop Dodd Walk

This was a great walk up a steep hill. Parked at the end of Patterdale, in the Car Park at Hartsop.There is a good CP there where you donate to the local school. Also available, cold running water (stream) and an Ice cream/Tea van. The walk up the Dodd was challenging as its a bit steep but not too much. The views going up are excellent.

This is the view of the hill from the Car Park. Looks rough but actiually some good footholds on the way up but wear strong boots

View from the top looking down

On the way back I was able to witness some supurb shepparding of sheep with dogs. Wonderful to see the skills of the countryside. I wish it was as easy to move large number of people. They were all successfully directed into a large pen. Cumbria Kettling.

Following this a swim from what is now my favoured site, out to Nelson Island in Ullswater.

I have loaded some other pics to the rest of the blog site

Robinson Waik Sat 23rd July

I have loaded some more pics from todays walk. A really beautiful day with lots of 360 degree views.
Robinson is close to Cat Bells one of my favourite smaller hills. But Robinson gives you a good climb and then some fantastic views. At the top, a reward of a Cranston Pie ( and I dont know their PR man, I paid for it myself and I dont own shares)
Here are a selection of the pics the rest are in the Picaasa Album on the right

Newlands Church at the start

A view going up

View at the top

Valley en route down

We took a bottle with us. Shaken and stired, but a pleasant tipple for on the way down. Also not driving, so safe.

At the end over to Derwent and the jetty at the botton of Cat bells a fantastic swim.. the water is just right. And surprised to find a golf ball in the lake about 400M offshore. A beautiful end to a fantastic day

Finallyspent  much of the journey reflecting on yesterdays news and massacre in Norway. Nothing can ever justify such carnage. My thoughts and prayers with those tasked with making sense out of the situation and providing medical care, as well as police colleagues who will now have to put together what happened. But despite the stress and trauma they will face we must always remember the loss to the families and friends of those who died.

Isle of Man--------------The trip

Yesterday I cycled around the Isle of Man, not for any charity or other worthwhile endeveour but as some might say "for t'beans" just for the sake of it. Many things have occured recently that could have stopped the trip but the more the ease of cancellation arose, the more advanced my determination became.
Not many seem to have written about the round trip on Man. Try www.mapmyride.com for some suggestions
So without any real examples to follow here is my blog of the trip

Firstly 2.15 am to catch a ferry is not ideal. But that makes it all possible. www.steam-packet.com/ provides an excellent service. You park at Heysham Ferry Terminal Car Park (£7.50)then walk your bike onto the ferry and are off. Remember to buy your ticket online at least 24hrs before to get the reduced rates. Its not well advertised. Its much more expensive on the day. There was plenty of space to rest and if you dont sleep well bring a sleeping bag (but thats more weight). The trip is 3 1/2 hours so by 6am you are on the streets and ready to start. Check the weather first.
I chose a clockwise route
So off from the Harbour in Douglas then follow the A25 to Castletown

From here follow the A5 to Port St Mary and then do the extra stretch to Cregneash which has some wonderful views

Worth cycling to the end of the road at Burroo Ned

Then north but take the single track road that goes past Ballnahowe and into Port Erin. This is a lovely harbour (one of several) great beach and sea walls.

From Erin head out on the A36 towards Peel. Near Burro Meanagh there is a great view with a small pillar worth reading

Then follow the A36 to a cross roads and head for the A27 and Peel. At Dalby there is a short road to the beach. A good diversion.

Then on to Peel. Another lovely place for a walk aroundthe town and where I had a well earned Bacon Butty. Yummy. Also at http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10353332

Follow the A4 north along the shore. Through Kirk Michael and the A3 until Ballugh where you turn left towards The Cronk. This turns into the A10. Just passed The Lhun turn off left towards the coast for the Blue Point cafe and visitor centre (shop). Worth the diversion.
Stick to the A10 and take a further diversion to Point of Ayre well worth the view on a good day. After that head to bride and the road south towards Ramsey
Ramsey has a broad sea front and it would be easy to spend time here, eg lunch

From Ramsey the route to Douglas should be fine but there is a useful diversion to Maughold Head for 2 reasons. the first is the view, which is stunning

The second is the collection of stone Manx crosses in the local church. No vistor centre but explanatory notices for each. try http://www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/story/manxcrosses.xml

The road back to the main Ramsey Douglas route is the A15. Its surprisingly steep and longer than I though. At the main road, turn left onto the A2. This is a busier road than the rest but pretty safe. Where the rail line meets the road at Dhoon there is a small cafe. The proprietor is a real character and will swiftly explain whats wrong in the community. Salt of the earth and the tea cakes are good value.
Along the A2 is the Laxey wheel, a huge watermill, red and working. http://www.iomguide.com/laxeywheel.php
Follow the road south to Douglas. Douglas itself is a large townn with a wonderful sea front. You can lock your bike at the ferry office and walk aroun the shops pubs etc.

Finally the view from the ferry on departure is stunning. So save some battery power to take shots from outside.

The above is 84 miles worth and a big fatty like me did it within 10 hours so you have plenty of time to achieve this special trip. I hope to do it again soon

Few last thoughts.

• Its very windy.
• Watch the weather forecasts closely (Met Office)
• Cafes and Hotels are abundant

Hope you enjoyed this. I have posted more photos on the Picassa part of this site.

Next blog gets back to leadership issues I think

Walking up from Howtown

Today I had a blissful walk up from Howtown
I have posted the pics on the Picassa end of the site
Here are my favourites

And finally a not so shy sheep.

Views from a trip on the Ullswater Steamer

These are some shots taken whilst enjoying the delights of the Ullswater Steamers. I highly recommend them. Swimming is obviously desirable afterwards, but please dont swim from the boats. Enjoy a real chill out experience.

Go placidly amongst the noise and haste..............but be even more placid on a Lake sboat trip without the noise and haste.

Some of our friends all grouped on the Lake

And some stunning views.