Upcoming Events

The Fred Whitton Challenge is one of the most popular sportives in the UK and is also famed as being particularly difficult. Riders rank it alongside European events such as the Marmotte in terms of difficulty. The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District, starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott & Wrynose passes. As the name suggests, it is run in honour of Fred Whitton. Fred, who died aged just 50 in 1998, was an extremely popular member of the Lakes Road Club. The very top riders complete the route in just under six hours but eleven hours and over are not uncommon for the average Sportive rider. This is a very tough route and going on rider feedback the hardest one day ride in the UK, the event includes all the Lakeland passes, one with a 30% gradient and this comes at 98 miles.

2018 will see the Windermere Boat Show expand on the huge success of previous years bringing an element of adventure for folks of all ages on and off the water. The shores of England’s largest lake will come alive with local companies offering water sports such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, wake boarding and sailing, plus a huge collection of vessels, new and used, from small motor boats to large luxury yachts will be on display to view with local artisan food stalls offering a taste of Cumbria to keep you going for the day. ‘Entry is free and there is something to enjoy for the whole family’, says Joe Beaumont, Event Organiser. Location: Ferry Nab Jetties, Ferry Road, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3JH Plus various locations around Lake Windermere – see ‘How to find us’ Entry: Free Entry Parking: Ferry Nab Car Park or Brathwaite Fold Car Park, both adjacent Boats: New and Used Boat Show Sealine Motor Boats Four Winns Sports Boats Bayliner Sports Boats Jeanneau Yachts Hanse Yachts Beneteau Yachts Activities – FREE Taster Sessions throughout the Show Kayaking and SUPs (Stand Up Paddle boards) From Windermere Canoe Kayak Sailing and Windsurfing with Windermere Outdoor Adventure Wakeboarding and kayaking with Low Wood Watersports

If you love walking in the great outdoors then this is the event for you. Take on 20 to 26 miles of stunning countryside. Walk alongside hundreds of other strong women. Raise valuable funds for research. THIS IS BEATING CANCER. The hike starts at The Langholm Estate, South West of Keswick on the banks of Lake Derwent. This dramatic location is surrounded by incredible views of the best loved Lakeland fells. From here the route joins directly onto the Cumbria Way, one of Britain’s most popular long distance footpaths which passes through some of the Lake District's most famous and spectacular scenery. This takes us through Langdale and Borrowdale valleys and approx 10 miles over the stunningly wild Stake Pass which climbs to just over 1,500 ft. The views either side of this pass are breathtaking and well worth all the effort. The Cumbria Way continues along Lakeshope Paths, ancient lanes and paths at the bottom of steep sided valleys. Finally it takes us through little Langdale and into Coniston - our finish line. This is a challenging event and is recommended for those with experience of long distance walking. Meeting point Parking & registration will be at Coniston Sports and Social Club. From here, participants will be bussed to the start line at The Lingholm Estate, Keswick. The event will end at Coniston Sports and Social Club. Venue: Coniston Sports and Social Club, Shepherds Bridge Lane, Coniston, LA21 8AL Date: Saturday 19 May 2018 Time: 06:30 Women: £30.00 Young Women: £30.00 Females must be at least 16 years old on the day of their Hiking Event in order to take part.

Weeping Window Is Coming To Carlisle. The iconic Weeping Window sculpture, by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, will be installed for all to see at Carlisle Castle from 23 May - 8 July 2018. WHAT IS WEEPING WINDOW? Weeping Window is one of two sculptures from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation, originally displayed at the Tower of London in 2014. The original artwork consisted of 888,246 poppies, one to commemorate every British or Colonial life lost at the Front during the First World War.

Muncaster Festival 27-29 May 2018! Come along and soak up the carnival atmosphere on the Castle front lawn with something for all the family. The festival culminates with the International Jesters Tournament held on the final day. Come along and watch this year’s hopefuls battle it out to win the prestigious title of Fool of Muncaster 2018, compered by current Fool Dizzy O’Dare. Buy tickets below for 15% discount or alternatively pay entry at the gate on the day. Entry tickets are £1 more (50p more for children) than our regular general entry charges with lots of free extra entertainment provided. Friends of Muncaster have free entry to the Festival every day! Not a Friend yet? What’s happening at Festival 2018? Fun for all, lots of activities to intrigue and entertain and three great days out with a packed itinerary culminating in the hilarity of the Jesters Tournament on Tuesday. There will be a small charge for some activities. 2018’s lineup is still being finalised but in 2017 it looked like this: The Astral Circus Big Top with shows and circus workshops, Boom Dang Drum Band, Blast Furness local orchestra, Ben Gates Sound Sculptures, Gacko and his Ukulele Workshops (Tues only), Wild Dog Outdoors and SV Educational with Meet the Ancestors (Mon & Tues only), Fairly Famous Family walkabout comedy entertainment and shows, Maynard FlipFlap performing Monday and compere for the Jesters’ Tournament, Face painting, Archery with Independent Adventure, Clip n Climb climbing wall, Bouncy Castles, The Estate Woodsmen with their ‘Seed to Seat’ woodworking exhibition, Land Art for Kids workshops, Also Food, drink and craft stalls.

Thursday 13 September 2018 Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and alpacas, heavy and light horses too, there’s plenty to see. Come and meet the foxhounds, get up close to magnificent cattle, marvel at the show jumping, discover the interactive displays in our Learning for Life Marquee, get inspired by the WI’s crafty creations, or cheer on your favourites in the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling. Be tempted by artisan chocolates, cheeses, pies, gins and much more in the North West’s largest local Food Hall, or drop the children off at our creche and enjoy the Show at your own pace. With the chance to discover the best of farming and the countryside, as well as seeing some of the country’s top quality livestock, shop till you drop amongst hundreds of trade stands or get involved with our Rural Craft have-a-go areas, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this year’s Show. Winner of the Tourism Event of the Year in the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2015, Westmorland County Show is not to be missed

Kendal Mountain Festival returns again from 15th-18th November. 'Kendal' sets the standard as an innovative, inclusive and creative celebration of everything outdoors. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts plus media industry specialists, athletes, top brands & equipment manufacturers, artists, photographers, adventurers, explorers and inspirational speakers gather every year to share adventures and celebrate the very best in outdoor and adventure sports culture. At the heart of Kendal’s rich programme is the International Film Competition, attracting premières from around the world – it has been called the 'Oscars of outdoor filmmaking'. Over 100 films are screened (from 240+ entries) with twelve coveted awards up for grabs. However Kendal is not all extreme action - you can experience culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries, plus the world's largest lecture programme covering outdoor content. Other highlights include art exhibitions, book events, including the coveted Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature and the ever popular 'Kendal Mountain Film Academy'. The 'Film Summit' (supported by Channel 4 TV) welcomes 200+ industry professionals to an insightful programme of debate and presentations. The packed 'Specialist Sessions' are now legendary and provide a core social gathering for the following categories – Climb, Bike, Snowsports, Endurance Sports, Underground (Cave), Adventure & Exploration and a new one for this year - Outdoor Swimming. They really are events within the event!