Self Catering in The Lake District - an owner's perspective

BBC E-mail: Huge win secures England top spot

2011-08-14T02:20:00.001-07:00

Eldred Curwen saw this story on the BBC Sport website and thought you
should see it.

** Huge win secures England top spot **
England beat India by an innings and 242 runs at Edgbaston to take a 3-0 lead in the series and become the world's number one Test side.

** BBC Daily E-mail **
Choose the news and sport headlines you want - when you want them, all
in one daily e-mail

** Disclaimer **
The BBC is not responsible for the content of this e-mail, and anything written in this e-mail does not necessarily reflect the BBC's views or opinions. Please note that neither the e-mail address nor name of the sender have been verified.

If you do not wish to receive such e-mails in the future or want to know more about the BBC's Email a Friend service, please read our frequently asked questions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/4437263.stm

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Web Design in Melbourne from our new Web Design Studio.

2011-03-03T15:17:00.001-08:00

Web Design in Melbourne by M1Creative.

At last we have managed to get our Melbourne site and therefore the web design business up and running. It is interesting how much we take for granted in our understanding of the bureaucracy within our own country and how little therefore one understands the bureaucracy in a new country.

Australia is renowned for being bureaucratic but really it is the Brits own fault, as we taught them all we know.

We are going to target the Melbourne area with our new web design studio and as such we have set up our Google Places to only display us for Melbourne searches.

The Melbourne web design Studio will concentrate on new websites and on SEO rather than our other work teaching people to carry out SEO themselves. That way we can concentrate on bringing our design expertise to our small area down under.

M1Creative will demonstrate that good website design and organisation does not come at an extreme price and that good value in this era of austerity can prove reliable and most importantly profitable. We can do this as we use the best designers available in Melbourne who have the requisite skills in Wordpress, Joomla and Drupal.

As a design studio we like to work most of the time with Wordpress as it is intuitive for the client and simple to build up into any type of site you wish. The sky is the limit but eCommerce sites are easily incorporated along with memberships and club websites.

M1Creative
8 Montrose Avenue
Brighton
VIC
3186
Australia

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Melbourne - Dogs at the Beach

2011-01-07T20:10:00.001-08:00

Now why didi I move to Melbourne?

Photos of Dogs

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Select Committee lokking at shootings and gun legislation in the UK

2010-12-19T23:34:00.001-08:00

Just heard Keith Vaz about the Selcet Committee relating to the shootings in the UK in 2010. Seemed to suggest removing 34 existing laws and creating one big one. Gun control by the back door maybe? Must say I wasn't aware you could have a license even if you have a suspended sentence and didn't know you can have a firearm license at 14. Maybe it would be good to sort out these obvious anomalies. Assuming of course that a parent or guardian can still teach a child to shoot under supervision!

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Brilliant plugins for use in Wordpress to quadruple your visitors.

2010-12-08T03:48:00.001-08:00

Here are two of the secrets I use for promoting Wordpress sites automatically. It is white hat and therefore is loved by the search engines.

The RSS Bomber for Wordpress.

I also use this for even better results in wordpress. they work on different aspects of the wordpress set up so they don't conflict. Both of them cost a penny or two but with one extra commission they would pay for themselves.

Wordpress Silo Plugin.

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Wedding Photographer London

2010-10-07T08:01:00.001-07:00

As an experienced Wedding Photographer based in London Sandi Friend is the prominent photographer people turn to.

Sandi is not only trained in wedding photography, but is also an accomplished Fashion Photographer and has many clients in the editorial world.

Children play an important part in Sandi’s Portfolio, and as a very busy mum, understands taking photographs of children requires tremendous skill and patience. Working with fashion models is challenging enough, but producing that natural photograph needs a sensitive and empathic touch. All of Sandi’s Portfolios demonstrate her well practiced photography skills.

via sandifriend.co.uk

Another Web Design Cumbria and Lancashire website

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Karen Rhodes - Wedding Caterers, Event Management and Catering for the home. - Karen Rhodes Catering

2010-10-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

The Perfect Wedding Guaranteed.

What we do
Pricing
Wedding Co-ordination
Learn More
Wedding Quote

via karenrhodes.co.uk

I am so pleased with this new website. It is a Web Design Cumbria and Lancashire Special

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Times & Star | Cumbria's Roman history washed to the surface by floods

2010-09-18T13:12:00.001-07:00

Last updated at 13:44, Wednesday, 25 August 2010

The deluge that struck the county last November washed away so many precious things – the rebuilding of lives still goes on in its wake.

Archaeologist Mark Graham at work

Video: Mark Graham explains the dig

But as the torrents receded, the most important archeological find the county has seen in years was revealed near Cockermouth.

In the middle of a scrubby field edging the River Derwent at Papcastle, a team of local volunteers are dotted around several trenches. Wearing waterproofs and clutching trowels, they are on their hands and knees, scraping and brushing at the earth as two nonplussed horses look on.

Known as Broomlands, one edge of the field is bordered by the back of the Lakes Homecentre. On the other side is the village of Papcastle, rising into the trees.

Through the site a wide strip of boulders and gravel sweeps. It’s the calling card of the torrential floodwater that thundered so powerfully through the field that it also reportedly deposited a transit van that had been left in a car park some distance away.

Although the field had peacefully been used for crops and grazing for perhaps many centuries, the floods are certainly not the first piece of action Broomlands has ever seen.

At the centre of the dig is a compelling, historically significant find in the shape of a section of sandstone wall.

Sitting three feet underground and neighbouring a waterlogged trench, to the untrained eye it’s just...well, muddy stone. But this slab of wall forms part of a Roman mill dating back about 2,000 years.

It is a major coup for the county. There is only one other in the whole of the north of England – a mill unearthed at Halwhistle Burn in 1908.

It also has the potential to bring about major changes in the way we think about Romano-British settlements.

The mill is a discovery that has the team, headed up by Mark Graham of Grampus Heritage and Training, extremely excited.

“We had no idea any of this was here,” Mark says.

“This is exciting stuff.”

The mill is just one of the findings since explorations began. A geophysical survey in May saw droves of volunteers pacing the field in grids armed with magnetometers – instruments that can detect buried walls.

In the picture that the readings created an amphitheatre, iron smelting works and domestic buildings were seen just several feet below the surface.

These structures now form part of the excavation. Along the way, Roman coins have been found, some with emperor’s heads still visible, and a pendant of red enamel along with shards and shards of Samian ware pottery.

Cockermouth man Ray Buckingham is one of the volunteers painstakingly working to uncover the historical treasure.

Squatting in a baseball cap and fleece, Ray is busy digging soil from the outline of a Roman building.

An old hand at this excavation lark, he triggered the quest last year after walking out on the fields when the flood waters had drained away.

“I found structures were visible,” says Ray. “And bits of pottery. Other people were finding them too when out walking. So I called the county archeologist.”

Soon afterwards, Heritage Lottery Fund stumped up the cash so Bassenthwaite Reflections could investigate.

The Bassenthwaite conservation charity was working at Castlerigg, near Keswick, as part of the Unlocking Hidden Heritage project but soon took up the call and paid attention to Broomfields.

Incidentally Ray, who works in construction, has history in uncovering artifacts around Papcastle. The Roman fort at Papcastle has been open for several years, but Ray kick-started national interest in the village again after contacting Channel 4’s Time Team in 1998.

“It was at my old house in Papcastle and I was building an extension. I started finding Roman material.

“Time Team decided to come along and they excavated in my garden.”

Papcastle became a film set for that weekend. The team numbered 45, including caterers, the St John Ambulance volunteers, three film crews and a staff of archaeologists and presenters.

The Time Team discoveries led archaeologists to believe that Papcastle was far larger and more important than previously thought.

They found a gridded street pattern, which suggests a well thought-out and planned town.

The resulting programme was aired in 1999.

But although the Time Team took geophysical readings from a field close by, on the other side of the river, the exploration ended there. Indeed, monuments in Papcastle are mentioned in documents dating back to the 1550s. Yet no one has ever thought to dig in the Broomlands field until now.

Mark explains: “The reason people didn’t look this side is because it’s a flood plain. The rest is on a hill.

“But this could have been the engine for industry in the settlement.”

Some 100ft from the river course as it is now, the mill could potentially once have been used to power bellows for metal smelting.

“The river course has changed since then,” says Mark. “We think this was to harness the power of the river. And it shows people felt safe living here a long way from the fort.

“We think it’s part of the settlement that grew after the initial fortification.

“Maybe now in other areas where Roman settlements have been found, using modern technologies we can discover places where before we would not have thought people would occupy.

“It changes our perceptions of the importance of rivers to Romano-British settlements.”

The dig also has the potential to change our perception of Romans in the county according to Mark.

“When people think of Romans in Cumbria they think of forts and how we are in a zone of military occupation.

“This helps tell part of the untold story in Cumbria of how we had thriving a civilian culture.”

The dig is scheduled to finish a week on Saturday. After then, it is up to the landowners and various bodies such as Natural England what happens next.

Mark says: “We will have a lot of questions. The more you find, the more intrigued you are.”

And indeed the Romans are intriguing. More than 15 volunteers from the community have turned out for every day of the dig so far.

Roger Asquith, a retired engineer at Sellafield, lives just minutes from the dig site and has been keenly involved in helping unearth the field’s secrets.

“It’s about discovery,” he says. “And Roman mills are as rare as rocking horse droppings.”

“I think the Romans are very tangible,” adds Mark. “We can see the material they’ve left behind. The Roman age is the birth of the historic age in Britain, before that it’s pre-historic.

“The Romans have had a massive impact on the country and we are part of a much larger Roman Empire that stretched down as far as Africa.

“You could say that here we are at the edge of the Roman Empire, we’re part of something amazing.”

Perhaps the Broomlands remains will be covered over after this dig and sleep undisturbed again for many years. Perhaps there will be more excavations hot on the heels of the Bassenthwaite project.

It’s not yet clear. But the rest, as they say, is definitely history.

If you are interested in helping out at the dig call 017687 74785.

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

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via timesandstar.co.uk

Amazing what you can find in a field in Cockermouth.

Now how do I get a grant to keep this open to the general public, or do I have to fill it all in next week?

Criminal... 50 odd people have worked on this dig, similar to Time Team and now we have to fill it in again.

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French Villa Management » French Villa Management by Heather Curwen

2010-09-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

via frenchvillamanagement.com

Johnnies new website, not finished but he's live in a French Magazine tomorrow so needed the contct pages etc up to speed.

Website built in 2 hours!

Not bad really...

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North West Weather for Windermere, Kendal and The Lake District - Current Weather Conditions at Mirefoot Cottages

2010-09-11T00:30:00.001-07:00

via mirefoot.co.uk

Live weather from a weather station near windermere. I particularly like dynamic informative pages like this. Thats why I built it!

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Changing or just ringing you energy provider saved me £400!!

2010-09-07T01:13:00.001-07:00

Major coup! .....

Rang both my Electricity Companies: nPower and Eon as House on one and cottages on the other. They were charging me different tariffs, obviously.

First call to nPower.

Oh, you can have it much cheaper than that, just go onto our latest tariff. As a direct debit customer I didn't make a huge difference, £1200 down to £950 but if you are moving to direct debit and bills online it would be a huge jump.

So... Thought I'd dump Eon as they were much more expensive for my usage.

Rang them up... Same thing except I don't do bills on line. £1300 down to £1100.

Takes 6 weeks to do an account transfer, so just going online and applying to both companies to go onto the new tariffs straight away and saving a whopping £400.

Super Cool and chuffed to bits!

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Lake Windermere: England's Largest Lake And Its Surrounds

2010-09-07T00:38:00.001-07:00

via articlesbase.com

Good short precis of what there is available in the Windermere Area. By the www.windermerehotels.co guys

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» Safety Culture – a Step too far for Windermere Windermere Hotels

2010-09-05T01:06:00.001-07:00

via windermerehotels.co

I am passionate about this complete safety related farce.

How can one swim go ahead and the other be cancelled on the same day in the same lake?

The Environment Agency failed Cumbria in November with its non existent river management for the preceeding 5 years and now this back of the fag packet safety assessment that affects countless businesses and nearly 10,00 swimers. What a farce!!!

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

We’re being persecuted, say Lake District off-road drivers (From The Westmorland Gazette)

2010-09-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

We’re being persecuted, say Lake District off-road drivers (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Countryside campaigners and walking groups are delighted by the ruling – but off-roaders are fuming at the judgement to ban them from the Walna Scar Pass between Coniston and Seathwaite. Alan Kidd, senior editor of the Off Road Yearbook, said: “Off-road drivers feel enormously and unfairly persecuted, that there’s a campaign of vilification against us by other user groups, particularly some of the more militant walking groups who try to paint a very unfair picture of the damage that 4x4 drivers cause.

Not sure Windermere Hotels users will be so pleased at a loss of yet another outdoor activity!

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Poisonous algae forces Lake Windermere swim to be postponed Telegraph

2010-09-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

A spokesman said: "Unfortunately it has been necessary to postpone the British Gas Great North Swim, which was due to be staged on Saturday and Sunday, September 4th and 5th, at Windermere.

"This is due to prevalence of blue-green algae and the impact that this may have on safety in the water."

The decision was taken by the event safety group after stringent water quality checks were completed.

The organisers said: "We are looking at a potential new 2010 date for the Great North Swim and will let you know by email on or before Tuesday, September 7."

via google.com

Such a shame. Hopefully it will still go ahead, but there are bound to be so many fewer participants.

Mind you, after a lifetime of swimming in it, I don't seem to be any worse the ware! Do I ?

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Waterskiing on Windermere

2010-09-03T10:33:00.001-07:00

Windermere Hotels in the background

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_0333.MOV (2240 KB)

Sent from my iPhone
Www.Mirefootwebdesign.com
Admin@Mirefootwebdesign.com

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

The Mum test

2010-09-03T01:32:00.001-07:00

THE MUM TEST

I was out walking with my 4-year-old daughter. She picked up something off of the ground and started to put it in her mouth.
I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
'Why?' my daughter asked.
'Because it's been on the ground; you don't know where it's been, it's dirty,
And probably has germs,' I replied.
At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,
'Mum, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart...'
I was thinking quickly and replied, 'All mums know this stuff. It's on the Mum Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mum.'
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.
'Oh.....I get it!' she beamed, 'So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad.'
'Exactly,' I replied with a big smile on my face.

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Just started using Gmail - Priority Inbox

2010-09-03T01:31:00.001-07:00

Gmail's priority Inbox is great, so far!

It really makes a difference to my workflow in the morning when I open my mail up. Beginning to save loads of time.

If I can get the Windermere Hotels blog steaming up the Google listings then I shall need this accelerated email handling!

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Windermere Hotels

2010-09-01T00:20:00.001-07:00

via windermerehotels.co

A great start to an open discussion about Windermere Hotels. The hog wash surrounding their promotional activities etc.

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Check out this site I found on StumbleUpon!

2010-08-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

Discover Favorites Stumblers

Hi,

Quite like the simplicity of this site

Late Hotel Rooms | Late Booking | Accommodation | Worldwide
su.pr/6hcy6V

- Mirefoot

View now! >

About StumbleUpon
Discover great web content recommended by your friends and like-minded stumblers just by clicking the Stumble! button - learn more.
If you do not wish to receive emails sent by your friends via StumbleUpon, please click click here.

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Luxury Garden furniture and outdoor equipment delivered direct including: Garden Hammock, Garden Loungers, Garden Swings, Hamper Baskets - Garden Deals

2010-08-06T03:57:00.001-07:00

Garden Hammock, Garden Loungers, Garden Swings, Hamper Baskets

We are delighted to re-open our succesful website with a nrand new range of garden outdoor furniture and equipment. All our products are deliveered directly from the manufacturer so you benefit from the lowest prices on the Internet.

We currently have the following items available: Garden Hammock, Garden Loungers, Garden Swings, Hamper Baskets

via gardendeals.co.uk

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Test

2010-07-07T05:09:00.001-07:00

If I write http://www.mirefoot.co.uk what happens?

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Small Dog Harness - Finally something to control the mutt with!

2010-04-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Small Dog Harness - and it works.

I have to say I have been trying to find a small dog harness for ages and at last I have found one and it works! I can highly recommend it and it can even control a working cocker spaniel called Smudge!

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

The Outdoor Warehouse - Deuter Futura 32

2010-02-17T06:55:00.001-08:00

Details

The Deuter Futura 32

The Deuter Futura 32 rucksack is built for the weekend get-away with features that you normally do not find in a small rucksack. This Deuter Futura 32 provides ample space for an overnight escape.

For anyone looking for clarity, check out the new clean lines of the Futura. In addition, this Futura top-loader is even more comfortable thanks to its new fit hip belt the perfect criteria to accomplish lengthy day hikes, multi-day mountain treks or long via ferratas on top form.

Its Aircomfort back ventilation system leaves you with more room in your lungs and its precision features leave you wanting for nothing. With their performance-enhancing Aircomfort back ventilation system and full list of features and available in the Futura SL versions, equipped with shorter, narrower SL shoulder straps and a conical shaped waist belt to deliver the perfect fit that all users have been looking for.

** Please note that delivery will take 5-days for this item **

This daysack is part of our full range and you can find our other ruscksacks and backpacks here.

via outdoorwarehouse.co.uk

We tried this recently and were very impressed. Carried a load of stuff without knackering my back.

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Wunder Cams : Weather Underground

2010-01-31T08:38:00.001-08:00

via wunderground.com

Cool, now you can see a history of our webcam, when its working that is!
The webcam is at our Lake District Cottages website and looks North towards Longsleddale and Potter Fell.

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

How long has the Queen ruled for ? Amazing

2010-01-15T03:23:00.001-08:00

I was a little shocked by the pictures when it penetrated my brain as to how long she’s been around.

This old gal gives new meaning to the phrase "Long Live the Queen"

How old does this one make you feel?

I don't know about you, but I went oh my gosh somewhere between Eisenhower and Truman.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Windermere live weather

2009-12-20T04:28:00.001-08:00

Live weather reports from Windermere

in reference to: North West Weather for Windermere, Kendal and The Lake District - Current Weather Conditions at Mirefoot Cottages (view on Google Sidewiki)

BBC News - British Airways cabin crew strike illegal, court rules

2009-12-17T08:38:00.001-08:00

via news.bbc.co.uk

Phew!

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Cumbria Flood Relief, Cumbria

2009-12-12T06:10:00.001-08:00

Businesses, Local Authorities, Charities and Individuals.

Add your Information...

If you are a businesss or a provider of services or an individual in Cumbria we NEED YOU! to add your details and what you, your business or your organisation can offer to the people of Cumbria who have been so affected by the recent floods.

Adding your Details

Click Here to enter the Forum and click either the whole of Cumbria or pick an area.

Then click "NEWTOPIC" where you should outline the following:

Your Contact Name

Business or Organisation Name

What services you offer

What special or FREE services you are willing to provide

Contact Details, Telephone, email etc.

Cumbrian Residents of the flooded areas

Find Help... or Tell your story and share your experiences...

Here you will find details of all those Businesses, organisations or individuals who are able to offer help at this time and the special offers they are also making at this time.

Tell your Story

If you have a personal story you wish to tell, whether it is your own, or relating to someone who has suffered in the floods or who has shown exceptional community spirit then we would love to hear it.

If you have received help and assistance that you would like to let others know about, then you are welcome to tell us on the forum as well.

Tell My Story Link

via cumbriafloodrelief.org

Flooding in Cumbria, what a great idea to help all those people who have been affected by the flooding in Cumbria

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Weather Station History : Weather Underground

2009-12-11T04:34:00.001-08:00

via wunderground.com

Lake District Weather in real time, what more could you need?

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Self Catering in The Lake District near Windermere and Kendal - Twitcher's Cottage

2009-12-11T04:31:00.001-08:00

via mirefoot.co.uk

What a gorgeous looking self catering cottage in the Lake District.

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Cumbria Flood Relief • Index page

2009-12-08T10:45:00.001-08:00

Check out this website I found at cumbriafloodrelief.org

Totally needs everyones support to help all those people who have suffered in the floods.

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Calva Bridge Limited Edition Prints for the Cumbria Flood Appeal

2009-12-06T07:42:00.001-08:00

via workingtonbridge.co.uk

Looks like this is going to be a fantastic limited edition print to aid the Cumbria Foundation Flood appeal.

This is an oil painting by Sam Bough in 1842 of the Calva Bridge, which is being assessed at the moment to see if it can be repaired.

Built in 1841 this is an amazing record.

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Cumbria Flood Relief, Cumbria

2009-12-03T01:23:00.001-08:00

Cumbrian Residents of the flooded areas

Find Help...

Here you will find details of all those Businesses and other organisations who are able to offer help at this time and the special offers they are also making at this time.

Tell your Story

If you have a personal story you wish to tell, whether it is your own, or relating to someone who has suffered in the floods or who has shown exceptional community spirit then we would love to hear it.

via cumbriafloodrelief.org

Looks like a great idea, hope it works

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Pet owners rule OK!! - Page 2 - Pet Forums Community

2009-11-30T00:17:00.001-08:00

via petforums.co.uk

Animals are always able to make us laugh!

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

The Outdoor Warehouse - Retailers of GoLite, Montane, Haglöfs, OMM, Aarn, Aku, Hilleberg, Injinji... and much more

2009-11-18T08:21:00.001-08:00

Opened in 1975 our shop has been supplying gear to walkers, climbers and skiers ever since. Living in the Lake District gives us a unique opportunity to combine the experience and enthusiasm we have developed for mountain activities with the product knowledge gained from endeavouring to supply the very best clothing and equipment for your needs.

In a market with so much choice available, new fabrics and designs constantly being launched, the customer has more need of informed guidance in gear selection than ever before. By our understanding of how clothing systems work, we are able to encourage careful selection to produce a high level of comfort and safety for all seasons and weather conditions.

New fabrics and innovative designs give us the opportunity to travel far, fast and light.

Our commitment is to enhance your Outdoor experience!

via outdoorwarehouse.co.uk

Good spot for some outdoor clothing in the Lake District

Posted via web from Eldred's posterous

Established site for sale on Flippa - 11 days left ...

2009-10-31T01:23:00.001-07:00

http://flippa.com/auctions/76598/Established-Babysitter-White-Pages-Website

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Hotels On Windermere

2009-10-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

www.hotelsonwindermere.org

Posted via email from Eldred's posterous

Hotels on Windermere

2009-10-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hotels on Windermere - Lake District Hotels

If I didn't know better I'd think the Cumbria Tourist Board have been reading my mind. Here I am writing posts about how mediocre I think all the Hotels in The Lake District and in particular, hotels on windermere when I read in my latest Cumbria Tourist board magazine that internationally we are not really there yet!

When one compares the quality of international hotels to the ones in The Lake District you are reminded of how shallow they really are. On the outside they are all glossy and sit comfortably in their beautiful surroundings. However when you scratch the surface, be careful you don't fall through...

It starts when you open the front door; or rather when you push against a very stiff and un-wieldy creaking door. Those of you have travelled will know well enough how un likely it is that you will be left to your own devices in a hotel in Asia for example! There will be someone to grab your bags from the cab before your door is open. The hotel door, if it isn't being swung open by a smiling and genuinely happy to see you member of staff will swish silently and electronically out of your way as you serenely make your way to the beautiful front desk.

I am not dreaming here, this is for real. The problem is we give our hotels 5 stars based on the average level of dross around us. If we were to genuinely check our lake district hotels on windermere and grade them against equivalent 5 star Establishments abroad we would come up well short of the mark!

There is a solution, I think, and that is to remind the owners of lake district hotels on windermere what it was like the last time they travelled abroad. And in particular what it was like to stay in an Establishment similar to their own. I am sure it would be an eye opening experience. After all in this country we often charge more than the equivalent business abroad.

For a list of exceptional Hotels on Windermere follow this link.

New High Sheriff of Cumbria

2009-03-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely delighted to have taken a small part in the inauguration of my Mother, Mrs Susan Thornely, as the new High Sheriff for Cumbria for 2009/10.

Late Hotel Bookings

2009-03-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

Late Hotel Bookings!

Found a great new site where you can search and find a hotel so quickly with a fantastic booking engine. Had to tell the world!

Late Hotel Bookings in the UK seems to be a real up and comming hotel booking site.

Late Hotels Accommodation Site

2009-02-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

Very surprised to find an excellent hotels and accommodation website the other day...

So often these websites are over complicated and awkward to book. This one seems to do exactly what it says on the box...

Managed to find and book a hotel for a late booking in about 3 minutes. Now that can't be bad...

I recommend taking a look at this Late Hotel Rooms booking site and give it a go...

Cottage for Rent Lake District

2008-10-17T02:19:00.000-07:00

Cottage For Rent Lake District.

It really amazes me how quickly world wide events cause dramatic changes in the way people go about choosing their holidays.

In the UK, although there are no figures for this yet, there has been such a huge increase in domestic tourism that it is very hard for anyone to keep pace with the increase in demand.

As a provider of this Cottage for rent in the Lake District, the Vale of Lune Holiday Cottages have seen a dramatic rise in bookings over the last 6 months. There are many other success stories throughout the UK that emulate this achievement.

Is this a concern?

Well maybe... As the demand for domestic holidays increases we are undeniably reaching the 'No Vacancies' situation. The supply of holiday destinations within the UK is not limitless. And I would suggest that ,in fact, the demand is way outstripping the supply at this moment.

It is possible that unscrupulous holiday home owners, driven by advice from their agencies will begin to try and cash in on this phenomenum. I urgently suggest that they should not. It would be the beginning of a backlash that would ruin many reasonable owner's businesses.

Should the National Parks allow more conversions of existing buildings to holiday homes? I think not. The beauty of these National Parks is partly preserved by the current moratorium on building and conversions. This doesn't mean to say that sympathetic creation of affordable housing should be halted. Rather it should be encouraged because this leads to another issue.

The supply of labour to accommodate this rise in demand is not forthcoming. Without suitably talented workers who will work in any role whether as a contract cleaner to an agency manager, the whole industry will come to its knees as homes become poorly managed and visitors go elsewhere.

So in order to maintain the excellent increase in popularity of holidays in great surroundings such as those provided by the Vale of Lune cottages in their Cottages for rent in The Lake District we should all work together to make sure that this is a sustainable increase.

To this end it is important that anyone with an interest in helping absorb this increase makes sure that they are fully aware of the implications if failing to provide both suitable accommodation and finding suitably qualified labour.

Weather in Windermere

2008-09-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

What can I say...

The weather has been terrible. For the first time in 3 years we have had guests who have left the cottage half way through their week!

Honestly, they have loved the cottage, but the weather has sent them hurrying home. Not a good advertisement you might say? Well you would be right.

Any way, autumn is coming and the rain has stopped. Typical huh?

You can check out the weather for Windermere at our new weather station, Windermere Weather.

Hope you enjoy the info, don't blame me if it tells the truth!

Lake Windermere - Powerboats and the Law

2008-05-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Lake Windermere - Powerboats and the Law.

So there is a speed limit on Windermere is there? You wouldn't believe it at the moment.

Last weekend Windermere was quite busy. Not busy like it was before the imposition of the speed limit, but busy all the same. the most striking observation though was with regard to the number of powered boats flagrantly flouting the speed limit.

There were many boats traveling around together, speeding well in excess of the 10 Knot limit. There was also, in the northern basin of the lake, at the same time a Lake District National Park Warden. His only motive for being there seemed to be a yacht which had lost its engine. Aren't they meant to use their sails anyway?

As a long time opponent of the speed limit it saddens me that it has come to this. As a law abiding citizen I have not and do not intend to break this law. However it is a sad state of affairs when a large number of minority groups come together to force a legal change and then patently fail to make sure that their hard work is rewarded by the result they fought so hard to engineer in the first place.

The future of Windermere as a popular tourism spot is not dependent on whether there is a speed limit or not on Windermere; no, it is much more dependent on the quality of facilities such as Information centers, the provision of lavatories, the wet weather attractions for children and adults and the general condition of the popular areas.

Take for example the imaginative plans for Waterhead and Lakeside. These are multi-million pound investment opportunities that should not be squandered. As a group of local people we should show just as much interest in these as the time we spent arguing about the imposition of a speed limit on the Lake. The problem is that the so called 'Friends of the Lake District' and the numerous minority groups that go under the same umbrella do not show the same doggedness.

Why is there no real outcry over the new plans?

Simple really, NIMBY. So many of the groups that fought for the speed limit imposition on Windermere had an axe to grind. the early morning water skiers, personal watercraft in among their yachts, huge wash from over sized motor yachts all added fuel to the personal fires that were simmering in this minority of protagonists. If only a managed solution could have been considered. One that may well have been able to deal with the current problems around Windermere such as motorbikes, bad design and terrible planning around the three tourism areas of Bowness, Lakeside and Waterhead.

Motorbikes are only a point made because, yet again, a small minority choose to fit 'silencers' that do nothing of the sort! The vast majority are perfectly welcome and should be encouraged as a suitable source of income to the area.

The future of power boating on Windermere?

Goodness knows. The author will still remain a law abiding citizen. Will his children as they grow to have more autonomy? I suggest not, because if their is an institutional failure to address the breaking of the speed limit laws on Windermere, then those institutions fail to provide leadership to the visitors to the lake and all semblance of a sensible boating operation will be lost.

Can a negotiated and successful legal and financial alternative be found? If this went back to a Public inquiry, I think not. There are still so many polarized positions taken by the various different users of the lake that it would become drowned in anger and ire. Should an imposition be made through the bye-laws opening up the lake to more use by boats traveling faster than 10 knots? I don't know.

We live in a democratic world, but who is the democracy in this area? Is it the locals who reside here and yearn for all the tourists to disappear? (Well those who don't profit from them at least)? Or should the democracy really be the people of The United Kingdom? After all it is a National Park, set up not just for the benefit of the few 1000 that live within sight or earshot of Windermere, but for all the country to enjoy.

It isn't for the author to decide, luckily. Nor is it an easy decision, but in the era of environmental protection and the all the PC behavior that exudes from all things environmental, isn't it now time to start encouraging those who fly for thousands of miles to stay at home, use our beautiful resources in a fair and shared manner rather than excluding them and re-address the postion of Windermere among the jewels of the United Kingdom crown?

Flooding Alert for Lake District Holiday Cottages

2008-01-21T05:02:00.000-08:00

With the Met Office forecasting heavy rain over the coming days, especially over western parts of England and Wales, concerns remain over further flooding. During Friday and Saturday Atlantic weather fronts could bring as much 100mm of rain to exposed upland areas of Wales, south west England and the Lake District. Met Office Operations Director Keith Groves said: “The weather over the next three days is certainly causing concern and we have a close working relationship with the Environment Agency in these situations. Our main focus is Friday and Saturday but heavy rain could continue into Sunday and it is this cumulative effect that is causing the current problems.” Many rivers are already very full and Doug Whitfield, National Flood Warning Duty Officer at the Environment Agency said: “Although we are paying close attention to the rivers Wye, Dee and Severn we are continuing to closely monitor all rivers across England and Wales during this period of very wet weather.” The heavy rain expected over western hills and mountains is only part of the story. As the water makes it way down stream, local flooding is likely over the following days as rivers become more swollen. The Environment Agency Floodline 0845 988 1188 provides latest information on flood warnings.

Lake District Holiday Cottages bookings ROCKET!!

2008-01-21T04:58:00.000-08:00

News
Massive Rise in UK Holiday Accommodation Bookings
17/01/2008

Headlines warning of credit crunches and personal debt crises haven’t dampened British spirits, with holiday bookings in the UK already up 100% on January 2007.

Traditionally, January and February are the peak months for booking foreign holidays, but this year Brits are staying closer to home, with a phenomenal increase in bookings for holidays within the UK, according to accommodation booking site www.iknow-uk.com.

“In the week including the New Year bank holiday, our sites received 126,000 visitors; double the same period last year,” said Managing Director of iknow-uk Marcus Simmons. “The first full working week – touted as the most popular week for holiday bookings - we were up over 150,000. I think we’ll be calling January ‘the great escape’ from now on, as everyone plans their time away from work.”

The area attracting the most interest was the Lake District, with Wales and Scotland not far behind.

Bookings outside the UK have been booming too, especially for long-haul destinations.

“January is traditionally a peak booking time for summer holidays, but Monday [7th January] saw unprecedented levels of enquiries and bookings,” says Gareth Hockey, marketing manager for holiday accommodation provider alpharooms.com, which recorded an 84% increase in bookings compared with this time last year.

Hockey pointed to huge increases in bookings to tropical destinations in particular, such as Malaysia, Mexico and the Caribbean, showing that Brits are keener than ever to guarantee themselves some good weather following last year’s rainy summer.

Avalanche danger on Helvelyn

2008-01-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

Avalanche Warning In Lake District

Updated:17:29, Friday January 04, 2008
An avalanche warning has been issued in the Lake District - a very rare event in the mountains of England.

Conditions 'rarely been so bad'

Weather conditions on Helvellyn especially have deteriorated to such an extent that visitors to the national park in Cumbria have been strongly advised to stay away from the hills.
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) says conditions have rarely been so bad.
Fell top assessor Craig Palmer said he had not seen Helvellyn in such a dangerous state for many years.

At 950 metres, Helvellyn is England's third highest peak.
There was a wind chill factor of nearly minus 16C, solid ice and up to half a metre of snow on the mountain, Mr Palmer said.

The former marine commando said: "High winds are moving the snow around and it's not bonding.
"It's lethal underfoot as edges are literally breaking away. An added danger comes from a cornice of snow, which could break off and avalanche at any time.
"I've rarely seen anything as bad as this in the Lake District and I would strongly urge people, even those experienced in winter mountaineering, not to venture out on to hills until the situation improves."
Walkers are advised to stay away from high peaks until the snow and ice subsides.
The LDNPA's Weatherline is on 08700 55 0575 or http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline

Holiday Cottages and The Lake District

2008-01-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

A Romantic poet of the 18th century once spoke of "steep and lofty cliffs" that "impress thoughts of more deep seclusion" in his verse. Nineteenth-century Victorian writers fought to preserve the pastoral they felt slipping away due to the pressures of modern life. They all came to the English Lake District for inspiration. Today, the same sloping fells and rippling glacial lakes that once beckoned these literary greats attract longing travelers for very much the same reason.
But with the notorious dollar-to-pound exchange rate, many see their dream of deep seclusion fading into the ether. How could such a trip be affordable? Won't you be surprised to find out.

Recently, I visited the Lake District National Park in the rural county of Cumbria for three full days and nights, and managed to keep within a $500 budget. You can, too.

Where to stay in the Lake District

Though the main Lake District towns of Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere offer a range of lodging, from elegant Victorian hotels to small guesthouses, they can get touristy—and pricey—especially in the summer. If you want to save and find some peace and quiet, look for cozy country inns outside of the towns, and consider going in the off-season.
This past fall, I stayed at Mirefoot Cottages , Cottages are comfortable, with an updated English country look. Most have soft yellow walls and rose-colored floral drapes and linens, while offering views of the neighboring fells (hills) or sheep pastures through iron lattice windows. Located a few precarious miles from Windermere, these rugged stone cottages make for an ideal escape, as well as a jumping-off point for mountain walks.

Driving a rental car in the Lake District

Though it's relatively easy to explore the Lake District by foot, you'll need a car if you want to head off the beaten path. Just remember you'll be driving on the left side of the road and will have to navigate steep climbs and narrow, twisting roads through the mountains.
1car1 is a great option for easy and affordable car rentals. When renting from the Manchester Airport location, I found rates for February rentals from £19.39 per day (£58.17 for three days) for an economy car with manual transmission. Automatics cost a bit more. No matter what you drive, remember that sharing a car means sharing the cost, so there's more room in your budget for activities and food.

What to do in the Lake District

A quest for "deep seclusion" wouldn't be complete without a visit to Dove Cottage, former home of William Wordsworth, the poet who penned the line in his famous poem, "Tintern Abbey" (although the abbey is actually in Wales). You can tour the former inn and pub turned family home for £6.50, and then head to the adjacent museum housing 90 percent of his manuscripts. Afterwards, take a short walk through Grasmere to the churchyard of 14th-century St. Oswald's, where the poet and his family are buried. At the churchyard gate, be sure to stop into The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, which still bakes Sarah Nelson's secret 19th-century recipe that is something of a cross between a biscuit and a cake.
Within a few short miles, another famous writer put down roots. On the shore of Coniston Water, John Ruskin—Victorian writer, artist, art critic, poet, and advocate for environmental conservation—designed and built his estate, Brantwood. Here, you can tour the parlor where he entertained many friends with music, reading novels aloud, and making Ruskin Lace; as well as his bedroom, where he hung many of his favorite J.M.W. Turner paintings from his collection, some two or three deep. Admission to the house and extensive gardens costs £5.95.
Perhaps the biggest literary highlight is seeing the very place where Beatrix Potter brought so many lovable characters to life through stories and illustrations. At Hill Top, her former home in Near Sawrey, visit the room where Tom Kitten got dressed in his too-small blue suit or where Samuel Whiskers pushed a rolling pin up the stairs. The author based many of her tales at this farmhouse, which has been preserved pretty much the way she left it. And if you're starting to feel inspired by the surrounding countryside, you can thank her. Beatrix Potter also became a well-respected farmer of Herwick sheep, the local breed, and is responsible for much of the Lake District's preservation for having donated her pastureland to the National Trust. Admission costs £5.40.

For more inspiration, there are ample opportunities for country walks in the Lake District. And best of all, they're completely free. I spent a day on a gentle hike near Great Langdale, in the fells overlooking Elterwater. During the fall, paths lead you through a breathtaking mix of green and russet ferns, as you climb alongside meandering stone walls. Views of the valley below are stunning and change depending on the mist.

I also took a scenic drive to Aira Force, a favorite spot of Wordsworth's, to see the waterfalls and take in views of Ullswater, perhaps the most stunning of all the lakes. On the way, the mystery surrounding the Castlerigg Stone Circle compelled me to stop the car and explore.
Affordable eats in the Lake District

For food outside of your cottages, Ambleside is the most convenient—and perhaps most satisfying—place to find a bite to eat. Streets are packed with all sorts of cafes, tearooms, and coffee shops serving relatively affordable meals. And considering the reputation of British food, the quality is a pleasant surprise.

First, I recommend all the "Lucy" eateries, which respect the local region and strive to make dining an all-around pleasurable experience. For lunch, you can't go wrong at Lucy's on a Plate, a lively cafe that specializes in gluten-free and locally-sourced products. I paid £9.70 for a pot of Lakeland Special Tea and the goat cheese and balsamic-drenched Paddy McGinty's salad. For dinner, literally a few hours later, I dined at nearby Lucy4, a fun, informal wine bar and bistro. Plates are small, so you order as much as you want. Specials like lamb cutlet with mashed potato and crispy pancetta cost £6.95, and a dressed green salad £3.95. British food tends to be portioned large, so two plates were plenty for me. For souvenirs or lakeside picnic supplies, Lucy's Specialist Grocers sells all kinds of Cumbrian products like sticky toffee pudding sauce, rum butter, and jams. Plus, there's a full delicatessen featuring cheeses from the North Country.
Another favorite, Apple Pie Café and Bakery, serves some of the most affordable and delicious lunches in town. The tarragon chicken sandwich, for instance, costs just £2.45, and a slice of pie—we're talking remarkable pie with plump raisins and a heavy hand of sugar and spice—will set you back a mere £0.84. The cafe is bustling inside during the lunch hour, but you can find seating outside overlooking a brook.

If you have a little left in your budget for a fancier meal, make a reservation next door at the The Glass House Restaurant, set in an old water mill. The food is so superb that you'll never know the restaurant was once thwacked by Kitchen Nightmares celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Entrees like Lakeland confit duck leg with Cumberland sausage stuffing cost £12.95.

With sublime food and exhilarating mountain scenery to match, the Lake District can take you to a lofty place and elevate your senses. And if you do it right, you'll keep your budget down to earth. The only thoughts in your head will truly be those of "deep seclusion."

Getting to the Lake District

Manchester airfare is comparable to that of London, and flights to London are still among the cheapest to Europe. To search for flights and compare prices to Manchester, visit SmarterTravel.com's price-comparison tool.

Lake District Holiday Cottages

2008-01-03T03:56:00.001-08:00

Lake District

For those of us who love the Lake District, well known for its natural beauty and wide variety of outdoor activities, it is a life long quest to publicise and educate all those who are interested in holidaying in such a wonderful part of the world.

Independent of the weather the Lake District can also help visitors to step back in time at one of South Lakeland's historic houses or fascinating museums, relax on a lake cruise or steam railway or follow in the footsteps of great literary characters like William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin who all lived in the Southern Lake District and whose homes you can visit.

Its most commonly recognised peaks of Scaw Fell and Helvelyn are only two of a vast number of climbers and hikers perfect routes. Many international climbing expeditions have started off in The Lake District as a training ground.

Children can come face to face with animals from around the world at two wildlife centres, an aquarium and a sheep and wool centre or enjoy a magical indoor recreation of Beatrix Potter's famous characters. The whole family can explore deep underground in a slate mine too.

If you are looking for a souvenir of your visit, there are working potteries, photographic, art and craft galleries, design studios and plenty of other shopping opportunities, including an outlet centre in Kendal.

For those who want to get active, there's a climbing wall, leisure centre and a high wire adventure experience in Grizedale Forest!

These are just a few ideas for great days out in South Lakeland.

A fantstic place to start your holiday if you are looking for Lake District Holiday Cottages.

John Trenchard: Your Unelected Regional Overlords

2007-12-20T03:34:00.000-08:00

John Trenchard: Your Unelected Regional Overlords

Lake District Holiday Cottages

2007-12-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

Lake District Holiday Cottages

As an accommodation provider of Lake District Holiday Cottages, it is often very difficult to compete with the very large commercial cottage letting businesses who are based in The Lake District.

We at Mirefoot have set out to prove that it is possible to rank highly in Google and other search engines by performing targeted SEO.

This means that you, the searcher, finally get what you were searchng for in the first place, rather than what the large corporations were hoping you might find in their bloated accommodation websites.

For Example.

There are many large corporations, who I am not going to name for SEO reasons(!), that pay companies whose workforce is based in India, to post endless articles about their wesites on news pages and other pages. They are posted as if they are an English speaking person who has visited these areas of our beautiful countryside. Obviously this is not the case.

I wish to start a campaign that 'outs' these organisations so that the general webuser can find the types of holiday company that they wish to travel with through genuine reasons and not for specialist SEO reasons.

For that reason I as a Lake District Holiday Cottages provide wish to write more on this topic in the future.

For now though, if you want to see genuine cottages visit Lake District Holiday Cottages that only display what they really have.

Twitcher's Cottage and Shepherd's View really Taking shape

2007-11-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

Our new cottages, Twitcher's and Shepherd's View are really taking shape now. All the rubbish has been removed and the two new kitchens have been designed.

We have finally decided to keep the conservatory outside for now. It will become the new entrance lobby to Twicher's and will of course be somewhere where our guests can sit and view our garden visitors in relative comfort.

Not too many problems have shown up, but its not over until the fat lady sings as they say, so we'll keep going. Opening day is Mid March 2008 now. So to our first guests who have already booked the new cottages... keep beeing patient and we will soon have some photos for you.

New Cottages at Mirefoot

2007-08-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

Many of you that have visited us in the past will have wondered about the other two cottages at Mirefoot. No1 and 2 Mirefoot Cottages. (Not very origional huh).

In March 2008, after a full architect led re-build, we are pleased to announce two new cottages.

The Twitcher's Cottage - A delightful single floor (no steps) cottage projecting into our renowned garden. In the morning you should be able to wake and watch all our garden visitors, both feathery and furry. (I don't really like the visits from our resident badgers as they can be quite destructive!)

As with our second cottage, Shepherd's View, in the cooler evenings you will be able to relax around an open Fire. Both cottages will have modern wood burning fires.

Please visit www.mirefoot.co.uk to find out more about Mirefoot and our new cottages, Twitcher's Cottage and Shepherd's view.

Babysitter Website finally up and running

2007-06-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

It has taken a while, but to add to my list of running websites I have finally got MissMolly underway.

MissMolly is a Directory of babysitters, nearly all of whom are highly skilled child carers with CRB checks and years of experience behind them. I am actively encouraging other skilled people to register on MissMolly as babysitters to help those parent like myself who have struggled to find child care for years.

For parents we offer the only UK wide National Database of Babysitters. We are proud to have broken the circle that encompasses London and to have started our venture in Cumbria. It is often in the rural areas of our Country where child care, good child care, is the hardest to find.

MissMolly hopes to address this. We are a Word of Mouth website and we are looking forward to our continued success.

Its April 10th and no rain!

2007-04-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

In the Lake District in April it would be normal to expect a fairly changeable weather pattern as the seasons switch from winter to spring. Amazingly, this year, as can be seen at http://www.mirefoot.co.uk/lake-district-weather/index.html there hasn't been a drop of rain yet this month!

The garden is flourishing now, with many of our rhododendrons blooming and the grass has taken off. Of course, witht he lawn feed on it now, I can't complain!

It is at this time of year that I get concerened about our summer bookings for the cottages. The internet is so just now, and bookings come in very late.

New Cottages under design

2007-03-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

We have decided to expand Mirefoot Cottages.

Using the existing cottages that were let on a long term basis, we have decided to employ an architect, Roger Haig, to redeisgn our old cottages and create some beautiful Lake Ditrict friendly cottages for our guests. Again these will only sleep two in each cottage, but will also take advantage of the beautiful scenery around Mirefoot, with views of the expansive garden area.

As usual we are concerned that the planning board may be awkward when it comes to altering, slightly, the external aspects of the buildings, but we are sure that Roger can win them over!

I write this whilst skiing in Canada in Whistler. What a fantastic place, well worth the journey time as the snow is excellent even at this time of year.

I shall keep you all updated with regard to the new cottages.

The Snow has come today

2007-02-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

We have been waiting the entire winter for the rain to stop, it has at last, and now its snowing. Hurrah.

2007 A New Year

2007-01-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

Mirefoot goes from Strength to strength. This year we have added Special weekend breaks including dinner at the acclaimed Michelin starred retaurant of Holbeck Ghyll as a package that can be booked direct from the web or personally over the phone if you wish.

Both Cottages now have Satellite TV and the Garden has been revamped.

2006-10-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today it's raining. You'ld think that rain in The Lake District was awful. Quite the opposite. For Photographer's in particular the wonderful flat light allows some special opportunities, that shouldn't be missed.

Dogs and Childredn love the rain. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a child racing from puddle to puddle getting soaked to the skin. We love the rain.

Self Catering in The Lake District - An Owners Perspective

2006-10-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Whe we started our Self Catering Cottages in The Lake District in June 2006, we really didn't expect to be quite as busy as we have been.

I t all started when we decided that the Children required th best education possible and we needed to fund it. No mean feat in The United Kingdom where there is no substantial assistance available for any parent to help fund a private education.

The first step was to ask our exisitng tennants, who had been with us for 6 months, to leave the property at the end of May so that we could do it up ready for openeing in June.

Secondly we had to decide how to market our property. An Agent would have seemed to be a good idea. But with agency fees from 18% to 39% we felt that we could do it ourselves much more successfully.

www.Mirefoot.co.uk was born. It now receives up to 300 page hits every day in the summer and we have been fully booked up to now. This was in no small part as a consequence of receiving a 5 Star rating from Visit Britain.

We are now fully booked to the end of October and have just received another short term booking for Novemeber. Many people do not realise how beautiful the Lake District is throughout the year, and with the added advantage that we take pets, we are a perfct and relaxing place to visit.