Stepanovich Blog

May Cottage is located close to the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere making it the perfect base to explore all the Southern Lakes. Just one road from the edge of Lake Windermere, an easy stroll to the boat rides, quaint shops and a variety of Bistros, Restaurants and Wine & Tapas Bars. The climatic end to the famous Dalesway Walk – Wonderful, never ending, breathtaking scenic walks and drives. Leisure facilities offer relaxing sauna, steam, jacuzzi, swim & gym areas, with snooker, café & bar with Sky T.V. lounge section.

Here is just a small sample of the excellent reviews May Cottage B&B Lake Windermere have received on TripAdvisor:

“Great B&B accomodation close to the centre of Bowness”
5 of 5 stars
Date of review: 4 Apr 2011

Most pleasant welcome received from Sue – the accomodation was ideal for our three night stay – with a very comfortable bed room and fine ensuite. The excellent full English breakfast ,accompanied by Sue’s little talk on the locality and its history, set us up for the day’s walking . The B&B is just a few minutes walk to the centre of Bowness and the pubs and restaurants.
For Rugby League fans, a must is a chat with Len Casey , Sue’s husband and breakfast chef, who can relate anecdotes about his playing career for Great Britain ( some as captain) and England and both Hull clubs.

“A gem of a B&B”

Date of review: 1 Apr 2011
Our first trip to the lakes and first visit to a B&B. We recently married and decided to stay away for a couple of nights.

Sue and Len are great value, warm and welcoming. Place is a gem, you ll be lucky to get availability as the repeat business is a sign of how popular this place is.

Would love to stay again!
“SIMPLY THE BEST”
5 of 5 stars
1 more review of May Cottage by Sallyberisford:

Date of review: 23 Mar 2011

We returned to May Cottage, & yet again received a warm, friendly welcome. Sue goes out of her way to make you feel at ease & welcome. She has stories to tell you & her knowledge of the area is outstanding. She has a brillant sense of humour, ALL the rooms are lovely & clean.
If you stay here it is only a very short walk into Bowness & all the shops, pubs etc.
I mustn’t forget Len, who doe’s a wonderful breakfast each morning, Len to is a chirpy chappy.
Throughly recommed you to stay here.
We felt like part of Sue & Lens extended family. Will definately return.
THANKS BOTH

O rings are acceptable for static sealing but inappropriate for dynamic sealing applications such as pumps and compressors, and high and low pressure applications.

In cases where dynamic sealing applications are required such as pumps and compressors, and high and low pressure applications, a single elastomer may be used with an X-ring profile to prevent twisting in rotary applications. However a composite seal design is often preferred.

A composite seal is a combination of two or more materials to produce a seal that offers the best attributes of both materials. For example, a T-shaped seal comprises an elastomer T-shaped component and two plastic back up rings. The seals are used in reciprocating piston, rod and rotary applications. The T-shaped design prevents the elastomer rolling and the plastic back-up rings, energised by the rubber elastomer, provide improved high pressure performance. Importantly the T-seals can be installed into standard O-ring grooves. Other standard composite seal designs include spring reinforced seals, encapsulated seals, lip seals, energised lip seals and cap seals.

Where greater customisation is needed seal design engineering techniques based on popular CAD packages such as Solidworks, Catia, Pro Engineer and AutoCAD are employed. 3D modelling and analytical behaviour predictive tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) can then be used to explore ‘what if’ simulation scenarios to produce a ‘right first time’ design.

Seal selection tools to assist the engineer are also available sonline. Temperature and chemical compatibility, groove dimensions for the most common o-ring sizes, and physical performance datasheets enable selection of the most appropriate o-ring seal.

Seal customisation is possible for the physical properties of an elastomer. By making changes to the filler system it is possible to optimise the physical properties of a particular grade of material when compared to others within the same grade. The reinforcement effect of a filler is complex and dependent upon its structure, particle size and chemical make-up of the particles themselves.

In conclusion, the combination of online material selection tools, and application of seal engineering techniques, make it easier than ever for design engineers to optimise the specifications (and performance) of equipment rubber o rings and rubber seals.

Set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to a beautiful coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside.

Sunderland is a city with a difference – a modern, bustling centre that is balanced with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. Citypadz provide a number of apartments to rent in Sunderland, and are one of the premier Sunderland letting agents.

Shopping
The retail heart of the city is focused around The Bridges Shopping Centre, where over 100 top name high street stores jostle for position along the bright and airy walkways. New investment is bringing life back into the fine Victorian streets of the city centre, where independent shops and boutiques offer everything from designer labels to trendy interiors. Eye-catching pieces of jewellery, glassware and ceramics are also a Sunderland speciality, with craft and gift shops at the museums and galleries featuring the works of up and coming designer-makers and many Sunderland renting agents.

Heritage and culture
The Sunniside Cultural Quarter in Sunderland city centre situated mid-way between the River Wear and the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is home to a host of top cultural Sunderland arts centres including the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Arts and The Place, a cutting edge new arts and business centre with art exhibitions.

On the northern banks of the River Wear you will find the spectacular Sunderland Stadium of Light football stadium, St Peter’s historic church, one of the oldest churches in Britain, and the National Glass Centre.

The city’s Empire Theatre is also the only theatre between Leeds and Edinburgh large enough to host major West End shows. Opened in 1907, it boasts splendid examples of Edwardian architecture.

Sports and leisure
Sunderland’s green spaces and magnificent coastline also make an ideal stage for a number of exhilarating outdoor festivals and events. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow and the world’s best kite flyers at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival, to traditional ox roasting and fireworks at Houghton Feast, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes.

For the energetic types, the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding while Adventure Sunderland and the North East Diving Academy, both located on the beautiful coastline of Roker, boasts facilities for windsurfers, kayakers and divers.

Eating out and nightlife
Sunderland is a city that knows how to enjoy itself, and with a host of new bars and restaurants opening to join the established favourites there is no shortage of places to have a good time. Sunderland city centre features an array of contemporary and traditional bars, clubs and pubs.

The new underground music scene, which has recently evolved in Sunderland, has been voted the best by NME. Various venues throughout the Sunderland city play host to regular live music nights, featuring up and coming talent of the city.

Industrial Air Power Ltd is the authorised distributor for Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technologies products throughout Wales and the South West of England. The two companies have made a dramatic shift from being suppliers of equipment to providers of solutions. We are fully conversant with all aspects of air generation and equipped to carry out energy audits on any installed system, regardless of size or manufacturer.

A full system audit includes leak detection, measurement of energy consumption, and flow measurement including pressure, temperature and final air quality.

As utility rates continue to rise and firms continue to look to green initiatives, energy consumption has become a growing concern for manufacturers.

One of the largest energy users within a plant is the compressed air system. Energy recovery provides a cost-effective way for manufacturers to reduce their energy bills while simultaneously benefiting the environment by capturing the thermal energy created through the compression process and putting it to work. Where the heat produced from a compressor can be fully utilised, simple payback periods of less than two years are frequently achieved.

Having already worked with Carbon Trust on a variety of projects, Terram called on its expertise when faced with rising energy costs. The specialist manufacturer of geosynthetic materials, employing 95 staff at its manufacturing plant near Pontypool, worked with Industrial Air Power to eliminate energy inefficiencies and redesign and install a new air compressor system. The result was an industry best in terms of energy usage and savings of £202,000 per annum. It also produced:

* Energy savings of approximately 11.25 million kWh over five years
* Cost savings of approximately £1m in five years
* Emission savings of 7,390 tonnes CO2 in the same period
* Payback of approximately 24 months

David Roberts, control engineer at Terram Ltd, said: “The savings we are seeing now are unbelievable but just as important is the fact that we are reducing our carbon emissions and therefore benefiting the environment.”

Although Terram had already started to investigate the costs for new compressed air systems, it hadn’t looked at where, when, how much air was being used. Carbon Trust helped it identify this and used Industrial Air Power to design a system to meet its needs.

Having a tailor-made system installed in turn allowed Terram to capitalise on secondary savings such as heat recovery and compressed air leak reduction.

Ongoing monitoring of the fully automated system allows the savings to be quantified. Monitoring also ensures that the focus on savings is maintained and remains a high priority for Terram.

The new air compressors were located into the steam boiler house. This enabled Terram to recover the waste heat generated by the compressors and use this to raise the temperature of the water in the hot well, which feeds the boiler. Increased water temperature in turn reduces the amount of gas needed to generate steam.

The aggregated savings from the installation of the new system and implementation of the measures identified represented an 11.8 per cent reduction in the site’s energy consumption and overall a 38.7 per cent reduction in the electrical energy consumption directly associated with the generation of the compressed air.

An annual CO2 saving of 1,214 tonnes has been achieved plus an additional 264 tonnes from a reduction in gas usage due to the heat recovery process.

From monitoring the system, it was calculated that Terram was using on average 85m3/min of compressed air with an efficiency of 8kW/m/min, which equated to 7.2 million kWh per annum. By installing a new compressor set supplied by Industrial Air Power, it was calculated that the efficiency could be improved to 6kW/m3/min. Post-installation monitoring has proved that the new machinery provides an average efficiency of 5.8kW/m3/min – delivering significant savings. The gas savings are on top of this.

The benefits to Terram have been fourfold: a significant reduction in energy costs, the ability to protect plant integrity, reduced maintenance cost and the added benefit of reduced gas consumption from the increased water temperature in the steam boiler hot well.

Installing new Ingersoll Rand two stage fixed speed compressors along with a Nirvana two stage trim compressor, fully automated via a control system provided Terram with primary energy savings. Secondary savings came as a result of the heat recovery process, lower maintenance costs and the leak reduction programme.

The exercise has been successful in achieving reductions of CO2 emissions and the overall costs of supplying the service of compressed air to the business.

A Carbon Trust Wales consultant worked together with Industrial Air Power and Terram engineers providing impartial, independent advice enabling the company to make an informed decision and deliver value for money. Carbon Trust independently validated the energy savings and confirmed that they exceeded Industrial Air Power’s initial projections.

Through our experience in carrying out hundreds of compressed air audits we have identified the majority of existing compressed air systems include one or more of these deadly sins. This will have and adverse affect on your reliability, productivity and energy consumption.

* System over-pressurisation resulting in increased artificial demand
* Excessive waste through air leakage
* False loading of compressors due to lack of system automation and volume
* Inefficiency caused by cycling fixed output compressors
* Excessive pressure drop

If you would like advice on calculating your savings potential and increasing your company’s profitability contact Industrial Air Power on 01656 658961, email sales@airpower.co.uk

It’s hard to believe that native hedging varieties such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn can be home to as much as 350 species of wildlife.

In the countryside hedges act as a network of wildlife corridors joining together wooded areas and ponds and are a valuable food source for a host of insects, birds and small mammals. All hedges have at least some wildlife value, many non-native hedging varieties provide cover for birds and insects. The fruits of garden hedges such as Laurel and Yew are popular with birds, many hedges will have flowers making them popular with bees and other pollinating insects.

The most ‘wildlife friendly’ hedges are those with the widest possible mix of native hedging shrubs, Ideally the hedge should be quite wide and the vegetation at the hedge base should be left ‘rough’ to widen the corridor. This corridor is used by wildlife to get from one destination to another safely and protected. The fruits and flowers on the hedging are then the perfect food sources for the small animals.

Two of the most common native hedging species are Quickthorn (Hawthorn) and Blackthorn, these are the ‘glue’ that knits country hedgerows together making them stockproof, collectively these two shrubs support more than 350 species. A typical native hedge would comprise 70% of these two species, as many nature birds have specific food plants, the remaining 30% should include as many different native hedging species as possible for maximum wild life appeal.

For convenience, hedging nurseries will carefully select native hedgerow mixes formulated to give year round interest to humans and wildlife alike in the form of catkins, flowers, fruits and berries. All of these hedging species are available separately if you want to make your own wildlife friendly hedge mix.

Garden plants, trees and shrubs are as important as those in the wider landscape and we can all do our bit to support native plants. Hedgerows are synonymous with the UK’s landscape but they are as important for their use as barriers and for privacy as they are for the many species of wildlife that inhabit them.

Bibby Consulting and Support announce their last exhibition road show of the current tour.

It’s not too late to attend the last in the series of exhibiton road shows put on by Bibby Consulting and Support. June 6th and 7th sees the road show at its final destination, the Care Forum, Heythrop Park Resort, Oxford.

With 5 major events planned in just 6 weeks the team are busy preparing themselves to talk to business leaders up and down the country explaining why Bibby Consulting & support are the supplier of choice.

May 4th saw the start of Bibby Consulting & Support’s exhibition road show at the Manchester Central Business Complex before heading to Newport, Liverpool and Oxford.

Bibby Consulting & Support is part of the Bibby Line Group, a family run business with a distinguished 200-year heritage, encompassing financial services, retailing, logistics, shipping, marine and offshore services.

With businesses and business owners being safeguarded through the expert management of human resources and ensure essential compliance with Employment Law, Health, Safety and Environmental obligations.

As part of a family owned and run enterprise, Bibby Consulting and Support (Bibby CAS)understand the needs of smaller businesses. Their membership of The Bibby Line Group has given them a unique insight into the importance of maintaining a strong customer-focused and people-based culture, to support the growth and development of a successful business.

If you would like to join the Bibby CAS team at the Heythrop Park event, or just find out more about how Bibby CAS can help your business through their employment law specialists and health and safety advisors, visit http://www.bibbycas.com

A UKAS temperature laboratory uses a range of reference platinum resistance thermometers, noble metal thermocouples, stirred liquid baths, specially designed isothermal calibration furnaces and black body sources to provide a comprehensive facility for cost effective thermometer calibration over the range -35ºC to 1,200ºC.

Both contact thermometers such as thermocouples, prts and dial thermometers; and non-contact infrared thermometers and thermal imaging cameras are covered. We can even calibrate temperature sources such a dry block calibrators or calibration baths.

The temperature calibration service company will also be able to offer stand alone UKAS calibration of digital thermometer readouts. As these are essentially an electrical instrument they are calibrated in the calibration services electrical laboratory.

The calibration uncertainties detailed below are typical examples of our best calibration and measurement capability for a reasonably repeatable thermometer. The final uncertainties quoted on the calibration certificate will include an allowance for the actual repeatability of the thermometer under test during the calibration. If the thermometer was submitted with its own readout and hence calibrated as a system, then an additional allowance will be included in the uncertainty budget to cover the resolution of the thermometer readout.

Indicating Thermometer Calibration (thermometer with readout, calibrated as a system). The device under test may be an electronic display with an attached probe. All thermometer probe types are covered, including PRT, thermistor or thermocouple. Dial thermometer and chart recorder type devices are also covered. The basic calibration uncertainty will be a little better than the uncertainties achievable for 4 wire PRTs, plus allowances for repeatability of the device under test and resolution of its readout.

Calibration of Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera (Thermal Imager)
Thermal imaging cameras that are able to display a measured radiant temperature should be calibrated. Our temperature ranges and uncertainties for UKAS calibration of a thermal imager will be similar to those quoted for an infrared thermometer calibration.

Mail forwarding is becoming more and more common both for business and domestic uses.

Even though mail and parcel forwarding has been available in the United Kingdom for some years, most notably offered by Royal Mail, for business and domestic use in the form of “Mail Redirection”. With more and more businesses either moving premises or having operations in other countries, mail forwarding using a UK mailing address is now offered by other companies and to suit more specific requirements.

Mail forwarding is used for many different purposes but it is the onset of internet that has created the need for more mail forwarding options. Internet based businesses for example who wish to have a valid postal address but who do not have business premises and that do not wish to have a PO Box address. Purchasing goods online from abroad is another reason why both business and domestic consumers would require a mail forwarding address. A parcel forwarding company will set up a Uk mailing address, in the United States for example, where goods purchased will get sent to you and then they will organise the shipping of the goods back to the United Kingdom.
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Since 1966, First in Service Ltd has been helping customers all over the UK look after their building and its environment. This includes air conditioning servicing, heating, ventilation, electrical, catering, coffee and refrigeration equipment maintenance and building services.

First in Service will design and install air conditioning and ventilation systems, and electrical equipment and installations. Their helpdesk is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. Their planned, preventative maintenance contracts are available across all disciplines to ensure that your equipment is kept in peak condition. All our Engineers are employed by the company and are CRB checked.

If you are looking to save energy or utility costs within your business First in Service can help you by installing energy/utilities meters, and they can assist in your application for an interest free loan from the Carbon Trust to help you install new equipment that will save energy.

For more information about First in Service, or any of their servicing, installation and maintenance services please visit www.firstinservice.co.uk.

There may still be a chill in the air and it’s not quite shorts and t-shirt weather yet but the daffodils are almost out, the days are getting longer and the smell of spring is well and truly here.

It’s about now that any fashion savvy fashionista has one thing and one thing only on their minds……their summer wardrobe. London Fashion Week has been prompting people to think about fashion and clothing after the long, dark winter and all the fashion magazines are beginning to feature summer fashion tips and advice.
As much as any fashionista loves wearing boots and let’s face it, there were stunning ones around this winter, it has been long since many have seen their toes! It’s been too cold to have toes uncovered for any longer than it takes to have a shower and thick socks have ruled.

Footwear is an excellent place to start when first thinking of a summer wardrobe. The summer styles are in all the shops both on the high street and online, the styles are fresh and the full range of sizes are available so no disappointment. Close your eyes and think of sandals, holidays and sand between your toes! And think about all the festivals coming up. The UK does see its fair share of rain at these events so take your Hunter Wellies but also your sandals.

A far more recent brand but one experiencing huge popularity is Crocs. Crocs are known for their unbelievable comfort with the Crocs Cayman being the original and most popular style. As with many brands, new and innovative styles are being launched each season whilst keeping the ethos of the Crocs brand of letting your feet bend easily and expand naturally for maximum comfort.

In terms of both womens sandals and mens sandals, the rise in comfort footwear is very much welcome. The summer is chilled out and about having fun so sandals such as from Birkenstock and Crocs give that chilled vibe.

Week off work…check, beautiful vistas required, the English Lake District…check, want to see as much as possible, camper van…check!

With such vast, varied and breathtaking scenery as in the Lake District, it is far too difficult a task choosing one destination for a holiday or short break. Great driving roads+breathtaking scenery=the perfect recipe for camper vans.

Camper vans give you:
The opportunity to visit and experience numerous locations in one trip.
Give you the freedom to stop off when and where you like and for what duration.
No need to worry about there not being a hotel or guest house available in the area.
You are protected from the elements unlike camping.

You’ll never tire of driving on the roads in the Lake District and Cumbria which has some of the most scenic roads in England. In particular, Hartside Pass which The AA and Top Gear list in their top 10 driving roads in England. Other great driving roads include the Kirkstone Pass, the A591 which passes through Ambleside, Grasmere and onto Keswick and not for the faint hearted Hardnott and Wrynose passes.
VW camper vans are particularly suited to the roads in the Lake District. They are compact and allow you to drive on the stunning, narrow roads which other, larger camper van and mobile homes would not be able to.

Camper vans have seen a renaissance in recent years both in terms of new camper vans and mobile homes but especially the popularity of the classic VW camper van. Their iconic status continues to grow and excite young and old. Driving around in the VW camper van is guaranteed to turn heads and makes a holiday even more special.

A mobile holiday is the ultimate in economical holidaying. The cost of parking up on a camping or caravanning site is nominal and sometimes areas can be found that are free. You can self cater as much of the meals as you wish although the Lake District has some fantastic eating houses that really should be visited.

Many people simply can’t justify purchasing a VW camper van for themselves due to lack of annual leave and other commitments. A camper van has to be used regularly both for economy and for the wellbeing of the van. The perfect solution is in the form of hiring. VW camper van hire is now available in the Lake District and enables those who want to experience a camper van holiday but that do not want to purchase one. Classic VW camper van hire is also great for those thinking of purchasing a van to gain knowledge of driving one. Camper van hire in the UK, sorted.

EverLawn®, the brand from Artificial Grass (UK) Ltd, is pleased to announce the instant success of their ‘Affordable Landscape™’ product.

Answering the needs for large and small areas with a budget in place, the new product ‘Affordable Landscape™’ succeeds all expectations. Affordable Landscape is a quality, fibrillated yarn originally designed for Soccer but is now extensively used for leisure and landscape surfaces. The yarn is pre-slit during its making and matures to a fine yarn with everyday use.

Artificial lawn installations are expected to increase in the coming years with America already warming to the benefits of this virtually maintenance free lawn  option. The initial purchase costs which have in the past put off some home owners, is eradicated due to products such as Affordable Landscape™.
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Childs and Co is a design and make studio based in the historic market town of Kendal in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Specialising in functional solid wood furniture for the home, colourful and child friendly children’s furniture including toy storage products such as children’s toy chests and toy boxes. Our home furniture product range includes breadboards, wooden platters, pegboard and footstool products, tables and ottoman products. In addition to our stylish product range Childs and Co also commission and produce one off pieces tailored to your personal needs and taste.

Using predominantly local materials, Childs and Co furniture and products are renowned for their clean lines, durability and sustainability. In traditional or contemporary styles, Childs and Co furniture and accessories are designed for you and your home.

Choose from the existing product line or call for a bespoke solution, and be comfortable in the knowledge a Childs and Co piece will add a statement to your home.

Award-winning designer Iain Childs has come up with the perfect product for the modern family home. A beautifully-crafted children’s toy box that has been specifically designed around the needs of young children and their families.

Company founder, Iain Childs said, Our first design project came from family and friends who asked us to create storage for their children’s toys. They were looking for something functional, attractive and a little different. All our products are manufactured at our Cumbrian workshop.

Cuckoo Brow is a quiet little hotel nestled in the village of Far Sawrey near Ambleside and only a short walk to the famous National Trust home of Beatrix Potter – Hill Top Farm. This Lake District Inn offers good, clean accommodation with hearty bar food served in its cosy Claife Crier bar. Popular with walkers, cyclists and the weekend traveler alike, you will find a warm welcome att Cuckoo Brow. Their doors are open to families and to those wishing to bring their pet away to the Lake District.

When it comes to Lake District Bed and Breakfast accommodation the Cuckoo Brow should be your first choice.

Contributors to the popular Channel 4s Help My House is Falling Down with Sarah Beeny chose EverLawn artificial grass to transform their garden.

During the improvements to Paul and Clare;s home in Essex Sarah Beeny mentioned how good the artificial lawns are and that they should consider having one installed. Until it was mentioned to them Paul and Clare had never even considered artificial lawn, but this gave them the opportunity to improve the overall look of their home while having a maintenance free lawn area that looks good for years.
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The winter we have come to expect for many years in the United Kingdom, proves problematic for those who run, cycle or do any form of outdoor kit fit activity. The severe weather the UK experienced last winter was thought to be an exception with flooding and snow experienced but it seems a very similar picture this year. In November 2010 alone, many parts of the country were flooded and now one of the coldest spells with more snow for decades has descended upon us.

There are many ways in which bad weather inconveniences us and of course, some more important than others but should this bad weather last weeks as last year, the ability to keep active and fit is also hindered. So too is keeping warm. Keeping warm is something each of us can do and none more so than keeping our feet warm. For the fashionista, looking good should not suffer either.

FitFlop have designed a boot that not only keeps feet warm but gives a work out at the same time. Perfect at this time of year when people can’t get out running or cycling. Whether it’s enabling an extra work out whilst walking to work or purely just walking around the office, shop floor or factory, the new FitFlop boots look stylish, keeps feet warm and allows you to wear fitness footwear all year round. From another health point of view, they improve posture and provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, from lower limb oedema, and restless leg syndrome. These problems are often compelled by the cold so it is even more important in the winter months to continue to wear such fitness footwear.

The new leather Fitflop boots offer pull-on practicality, a soft, flexible fit, and–all the time you’re walking in them–toning. Wear the FitFlop Mukluk short with skinny jeans, a skirt or tights all season long. Put a pair on and get a workout whilst walking. What is so clever about such fitness footwear is the fact they combine fitness along with health benefits but for these boots look fantastic. They are various colours and styles available to suit every age and really no one would ever know these kinds of boots were fitness boots at all.

Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake is one of the largest of the Lake District at approximately 4 miles long and ¾ miles wide. Despite its size this long and narrow lake is very shallow, at its deepest point it reaches a depth of just 70 feet. The Lake is easily accessible with the A66 dual carriageway running along the western edge. The laybys are extremely popular for people wanting to take pictures and a spot of bird watching.

Coniston Water
Coniston is the third largest of the lakes and is approximately 5 miles long and ½ a mile wide. The lake is hugely popular with tourist due to its large expanse of water, which contains a number of tranquil islands, as well as the stunning scenery. The lake was famously the setting for the book Swallows and Amazons as well as the setting for Donald Campbell’s ill fated attempt to break the water speed record.

Derwentwater
Derwentwater is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide making it the widest lake in the Lake District. The lake has a number of islands within, one of which contains Derwent Island House which is open to the public just 5 days a year. The huge Skiddaw overlooking the lake and the nearby market town of Keswick make Derwent one of the most popular lakes for visitors.

Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest of all the lakes in the Lake District at approximately 9 miles long and ¾ of a mile wide. Regarded by many as the most beautiful of all the lakes, Ullswater often finds itself compared to lakes in Switzerland, such as Lucerne. This favourable comparison is thanks to the beautiful scenery with mountains to one side and green fields and woodland on the other. The lake is great for water sports, with canoeing, sailing and wind surfing particularly popular. There are also the more relaxing steamer boats that take you on a cruise of the lake.

Windermere
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and is the largest in the whole of England at approximately 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide. As well as being the largest of the lakes Windermere is also the most well known and has long been a very popular attraction for tourists. Many of the tourists who do visit end up taking part in at least one of the many on water activities available. These range from wake boarding, sailing and canoeing to a more sedate pleasure cruise.

About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Borrowdale Gates – one of the best Hotels in Keswick providing luxury base for your Lake District holiday.

Lying to the west of the Coniston Mountain Range, between the southern reach of the Duddon Valley and the wide gentle plains of the Duddon Estuary, Broughton is a bustling town, full of activities, and a perfect base for exploring one of Cumbria’s most unspoiled and dramatic landscapes.

The history of Broughton dates back many centuries with the oldest building thought to be the church of St Mary Magdelene, first built as part of an eleventh century Saxon settlement. The church today is the result of a major restoration taken place in 1873 by the firm of Paley and Austin.

Over time, Broughton became an important market town, a centre of the wool trade and the manufacture of the oak baskets known as swills. Among the little back streets you would have found blacksmiths, millers, tanners, dressmakers and cobblers carrying out their crafts in readiness for the weekly markets.

During the reign of Elizabeth I the town was granted a charter giving permission to hold fairs. To this day, each year on the 1st August, there is the ceremonial ‘Reading of the Charter’, where pennies are thrown to the children.

Today many of the houses and buildings are Georgian, centred on the elegant town square, built by the Lord of the Manor to resemble a London Square. The Market Hall, a fine structure, was built in 1766, originally housing small lock up shops and is now the home of the Tourist Information Centre, exhibiting locally produced glassware, ceramics and paintings. In the centre of the square is a fine obelisk, erected to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George III in 1810, and stands next to both the ancient fish slabs, used to sell fish caught in the River Duddon and Estuary, and the village stocks for those who broke the laws or behaved in an unseemly manner.

For day to day needs Broughton is perfectly self contained with some good shops, inns and restaurants. On Prince’s Street there is Melville Tysons Grocer and Butcher. The shelves groan with preserves, chutneys, wine and pastas; the deli counter has a fabulous selection of cheeses, hams, salami, olives and pastries and the butcher sells the finest cuts, many from locally produced fell bred stock. Next door is the Village Bakery and Cafe. Using only the finest produce to bake their wonderful fresh breads, pastries and cakes the aroma as you pass is enough to draw anybody inside. Finally on Prince’s Street, is the Post Office selling local maps, books, ice cream and general goods.

To take full advantage of Broughton in Furness visitors should look to stay in one the area’s fine Lake District cottages and self catering holiday homes. Combine stunning architecture and heritage with stunning scenery.

Gilpin, voted England¹s Best Small Hotel 2010 by Visit Britain, launches the idyllic Gilpin Lake House in the summer of 2010.

Along a quiet country lane, 2 miles from Windermere but hidden from the crowds, enter through the electric gates to discover a Lake District sanctuary. Set in one hundred acres of craggy green countryside and woodland, the Lake House is on a private lake exclusively for the enjoyment of Lake House guests.

The Lake House comprises six stunning suites designed by Christine Cunliffe along with award-winning interior designer Sarah-Jane Neilson. The house is set on a stunningly beautiful four-acre private lake with boat-house and boat. The spa’s traditional sauna and indoor swimming pool lead out onto the lakeshore and outdoor cedarwood hot tub; spa treatments can be taken in the privacy of your room.
The one hundred acres of private gardens and grounds includes summerhouse, kitchen gardens, druids circle, lake walk and other walks leading to panoramic views of the Lake District mountain ranges.

Enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea from the fire-lit lounge and conservatory whilst watching wild ducks and geese frolicking on the lake, while for dinner a chauffeur will take you to the main hotel, just a mile away. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks either at the Lake House or in the hotel’s stylish bar and wine cellars. This Lake District hotels 3 AA rosette restaurant is also rated 6 in the Good Food Guide and has four intimate dining rooms; the 5-course dinner has plenty of choice and is a celebration of some of the finest Lake District produce and West Coast seafood.

The Lake House is also perfect for family and friends getting together and the house may be booked as a whole on an exclusive use basis. Dinner may then either be taken at the hotel or our head chef, Russell Plowman, will prepare a special dinner at the Lake House.

Gilpin Lake House

Tarn Hows is perhaps one of the most famous walking spots in the Lake District and surprisingly, is man-made. Whilst slightly smaller in scale, the Lake House and its lake are very similar, but womanmade. It has been in the Cunliffe family since 1919 and great grandmother Gertie and her sisters dammed the lake, known as Knipe Tarn, and planted the stunning woodland which surrounds it.

Gilpin Lake House sits on the banks of the Knipe Tarn, in 80 acres of breathtaking grounds. The original wooden lodge has long since been replaced by a modern house built in 1982. Since 2008, Christine Cunliffe, working alongside Sarah Jane-Neilson, has created a stunning interiors show-piece to match the beauty of the natural surroundings. Ben Cunliffe as ever has been instrumental in the building projects and has extended the house to convert it into an hotel including a modern conservatory overlooking the lake, and new kitchen gardens and a summer house.

Exclusive Use - Families & Friends

Since 1919 and spanning five generations, the Cunliffe family have been coming together at the Lake House for holidays, short breaks and parties. It is a wonderful place for family groups and friends, with an abundance of natural beauty helping create an inner peace.

We have always had our own children at the Lake House, and it does inspire children, even the computer game addicted. Hopefully, after a day making camps in the woods, swimming, boating, fishing etc, they will return exhausted, but exhilarated, with tales of adventure. (However, there are obvious dangers and a full safety briefing and contract will be essential for all parties with children.) 25ft of wall to wall, floor to ceiling, glass windows overlooking Knipe Tarn and the surrounding woodland. Whatever the season, just sink into the armchairs and watch nature at it’s very best. We have always loved the ducks at dusk, in squadron formation, gliding into the centre of the lake.

Meetings

Gilpin Lake House was designed with exclusive use in mind. It is a perfect size for small meetings and whether your event is for leisure or business, the Lake House provides an inspiring and peaceful location. The conservatory is perfect as a meeting room and is an ideal venue for up to twenty, so if your party is slightly larger than twelve, up to four bedrooms may be taken at the Hotel. Our chefs will prepare and provide whatever your party desires, from comfort food to gastronomic tasting menus with perfectly matched wines.

Weddings

The Lake House is the perfect size for small, exclusive weddings and receptions. With its own lake and 80 acres of private grounds, the Lake House provides an inspiring and peaceful location. The conservatory is perfect as a wedding reception room and is an ideal venue for up to twenty, so if your party is slightly larger than twelve, up to four bedrooms may be taken at the Hotel. Our chefs will prepare and provide whatever your party desires, from comfort food to gastronomic tasting menus with perfectly matched wines.

Oldfield House is a former Victorian Gentleman’s residence that now offers high quality bed & breakfast accommodation in Windermere. The house is set in a quiet residential area away from the busy main road, yet is still within easy walking distance of Lake Windermere. This Windermere B&B is the ideal location for your short break in the English Lake District, whether you are walking in the Mountains, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter or taking in all the other events and attractions the area has to offer.

The location allows a for very quiet night’s sleep, so if its relaxation you are after, then Oldfield House is place for you.

All rooms are appointed with many creature comforts with high quality linen, luxury Egyptian cotton towels, LCD Tv’s, beverage tray and bathroom ammenties. And for those worried about car parking, they have ample spaces available for guests.

For more details please visit www.oldfieldhouse.co.uk