A festival of the outdoors.

It’s been a busy time this last week as we finalise preparations for the Trust’s part in the Keswick Mountain Festival.  This takes place from May 16^th to May 18^th and there will be lots to do for all age groups.  The best place to start a Festival visit is at the Festival Village on Crow Park opposite Theatre by the Lake.  Entry to the Village is free between 10 am and 6 pm and you will be able to find the Trust easily because we are just inside the main entrance. 

I spent 3 days recently outside the Trust shop distributing 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 scrapbooks and pointing people in the right direction for a trail we had set out. You could also build a den, explore inside a tree, hunt for bugs, go bare-foot walking, skim a stone, create wild art and climb a tree. It seems from the huge number of conversations I had that many people are planning to join in with some of what is on offer at the Festival.  It was a Bank Holiday weekend and very busy and I have to admit that I was shattered after my days outside the shop.

I’ve also been working with volunteers to set out seven more Geocaches on the summits surrounding Borrowdale.  There were already some in place but we wanted to fill in the gaps so that people can enjoy a complete sky-line route around the valley peaks.  This will be a hard challenge for the fit and active.

For family groups with a variety of ages, fitness and interests, there will also be plenty to do.  On Crow Park you will be able to take part in some more of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 activities.  We've chosen to do building a den, making mud pies, navigation with a map and compass, and climbing a tree.   There are lots more things on the list and, although the Trust does lead some activities at events like the Festival, you can just check the list and go off yourselves at any time to enjoy them.  You can find the list here.  Just print it and away you go.

It would be nice to meet blog readers if you are coming so be sure to introduce yourselves.

Daisy here,

Roy was stood outside a shop for hours and hours and I was on my lead.  I hated it.  It was boring.  People stroked me and said, “Hello” but I couldn’t run around.