Wallow in Windermere this weekend

‘Wallow in Windermere’ is the message from the organisers of Windermere on Water 2008, as they invite visitors to head to the lake, and revel in a vast array of activities celebrating life on and around it, over the weekend of June 6-8.

The second Windermere Open Sailing Regatta is heading up the events bill, with races involving all types of craft, from dinghy to yacht, competing for sailing trophies on all three days. Set against the glorious backdrop of the Cumbrian fells, this promises to be a spectacular occasion.

Others may prefer to chance their arm in the All England Open Stone Skimming Championships. This activity, organised by the South Cumbria Rivers Trust, takes place on June 7, at the Wateredge Inn, Waterhead, Ambleside. Registration starts at 8.30 am, with stone skimming from 10 am. All the family are welcome to enter for small entrance fees, with funds going to the SCRT.

Family fun can also be found at Brockhole, Windermere, on June 7, where there will be circus-based activities, as well as badge making and colouring in activities. Most activities are free, but car parking charges apply.

Those wishing to dip their toe in the water of watersports can take part in free taster kayaking sessions at the Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole, at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm on June 7.

Circus skills workshops are also being staged in the Library Gardens, Windermere that day, with activities including juggling, diabolo, plate-spinning and peacock feather balancing! All activities, organised by Jesters of Ambleside, are free and take place between 10am and 5pm.

Meanwhile, at The Glebe, Bowness, families can have a go at making musical instruments out of recycled rubbish, thanks to free-of-charge activities organised by South Lakes Action on Climate Change.

On June 7, walkers can take advantage of a National Trust discovery walk around Galava Roman Fort on the lakeshore in Ambleside. Real and replica artefacts will be used to piece together the history of the fort, as time detectives suss what life might have been like within the fort. The activity costs £2 and takes place between 10.30 am and 1pm.

Another walk on June 7 will leave the Bowness Tourist Information Centre and take participants up Brantfell, to three great local viewpoints. Each offers stunning views and the cost is just £3. Don’t forget the walking boots and sturdy shoes!

The National Trust is organising a unique 'Wray Castle Revealed' tour the same day, taking in a full exploration of the castle, from cellar to servants’ quarters. Visitors will hear fascinating stories and learn of many mysteries, at a cost of just £2. Tickets can be bought at the Windermere Lake Cruises booking office, Waterhead, Ambleside.

Keen nature lovers can book a place on an evening event available on both June 7 and 8, to help celebrate National Moth Night. The Freshwater Biological Association are inviting participants to enjoy some moth identification and a moth count. The event is free, with booking essential.

Life in the Lake can be explored between 2pm and 5pm on June 7, at Ferry Landing, Far Sawrey. The Freshwater Biological Association will be looking at some of the things that live in Windermere at stalls laid out at this location.

The same theme is being explored at Lakeside, near Newby Bridge, as The Lakes Aquarium invites visitors to speculate as to what might live in the lake and whether the notion of a Bownessie has any validity. Normal admission charges apply. Visit lakesaquarium.co.uk for more details.

If patrolling the lake is more your bag, join the Lake Ranger at Brockhole between 1pm and 4pm on June 7 and see inside the ranger’s boat, asking questions about the ranger’s role and learning all about the things that happen on the lake.

Other activities such as Tai Chi, photographic and Swallows and Amazons exhibitions and rock and roll on The Glebe at Bowness, are also on the events schedule.

With all of this activity being laid on at little or no cost, the Windermere on Water activities are hard-to-resist. Visit wow2008.co.uk to find out more.