Mountain accident survivor challenge to thank rescuers
A man who survived a 40 feet fall from a mountain in Cumbria is to embark on a 200 mile challenge to thank his rescuers
A man who survived a 40 feet fall from a mountain in Cumbria is to embark on a 200 mile challenge to thank his rescuers
Changes to the rules which control safety and activity on Windermere have been approved by the Government.
Great North Swim goes ahead. The event was cancelled on Friday and Saturday due to high winds.
One of the world's most gruelling foot races began in the Lake District this morning.
Competitors will run a marathon a day around Windermere until next Sunday as part of the Brathay ten in ten challenge.
Fifteen runners were selected for the charity event, which is widely regarded as one of the ultimate tests of endurance.
Ryan Dollard reports:
To find out more about the work Brathay Trust does, and how you can sponsor competitors, visit the website here.
61-year-old John McCann is the oldest competitor taking part in the Brathay Trust marathon, and he knows he is going to have to pull out all the stops to complete the monstrous challenge:
Legendary Cumbrian fell runner Joss Naylor says that the Brathay Trust marathon is no mean feat:
Mike Bushell from the Brathay Trust believes that the Windermere marathon is arguably the toughest in the world:
A group of runners are about to begin an epic marathon challenge that will see them tackle ten marathons in ten days.
The Brathay Trust Windermere 10in10 Marathon gets underway at 9.30am from Brathay Hall in Ambleside.
Fifteen competitors are due to take part in one of the most daunting endurance runs in the world.
Runners will pound their way over 262 miles of Windermere roads and pavements to raise money for charity.
"The runners have put their lives on hold for a year in order to get themselves into the best possible shape for this event.
"It's not only a tremendous physical challenge, due to the undulating nature of the course, but will also test their mental strength to the full.
"The 'Groundhog Day' effect of running the same course, day in day out, has seen some of the finest runners fail to complete the challenge in the past.
– Mark Bushell, Spokesman, Brathay Trust"The runners have come from all over the UK including; London, Milton Keynes, Grimsby and Bolton, whilst the oldest competitor is 61-year-old John McCann from Morecambe."
As the tourist season begins in earnest this weekend with the May Bank Holiday, Rangers on Windermere are looking to increase patrols to keep it safe for everyone.
A new catamaran will help the National Park Authority enforce speed limits and make sure swimmers and canoeists as well as boat owners can enjoy Windermere this summer.
Ryan Dollard reports:
Ronnie Muggridge is the Park Ranger at Lake Windermere and he is looking forward to patrolling the waters in the new catamaran:
A new patrol boat for England's longest lake is being launched today.
The catamaran, built in the Isle of Wight, is the latest addition to the patrol fleet on Windermere.
The Lake District National Park Authority commissioned the new craft, which is replacing one of the lake ranger team's older boats.
The 'Cheetah' vessel is similar to that used by police and the Environment Agency, and will play a vital role in supervising water activities at the popular tourist destination.
"The team and their boats are the authority's face in promoting Windermere as a place for peaceful recreation and the day-to-day management of navigation and registration byelaws.
"Whether they are helping canoeists and swimmers or enforcing byelaws, it's all about making this a safe and enjoyable place for visitors and locals.
– Sara Spicer, Park management ranger"Last year they spent well over 1,000 hours on patrol and had nearly 500 dealings with the public. They conducted 13 surveys and directed 19 speeding cases.
"We are encouraging a shift from fast watersports towards sailing, paddle craft and open water swimming,"
Open Water swimming has brought many people to the Lake District in recent years.
It is being described as Britain's fastest growing extreme sport and this summer Buttermere will host the biggest race of it's kind in the UK this year.
It is a 10 kilometer swim and to try to tempt more people to take part, organisers have held a taster swim on Windermere.
Ryan Dollard has this report:
To find out where you can take part in outdoor swimming events, click here.
Eileen Jones from Head to the Hills is hoping more people think about taking part in open water swims: