This month
news and events for your diary
Cumbria’s new coastal route
A spectacular new 200-mile coastal route has been unveiled, with the aim of making it easier for motorhome and campervan owners to visit some of the hidden gems of Cumbria and the Lakes.
Coinciding with the county’s Year of the Coast 2021, the new Cumbrian Coastal Route – or CCR 200 – allows for easy exploration of some of the lesser-known parts of this beautiful region of north-west England.
The CCR 200 is broken down into sections, and each can be completed within a day. These are:
Morecambe Bay: the Foodie Peninsula
Furness Peninsula and Island Hopping
Haverigg to Seascale: where Lakes meet Sea
Seascale to Maryport: the Nordic Coast
Maryport to Carlisle: Solway Coast to City Stay
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The aim is to make it straightforward for motorcaravanners to find motorhome and campervan campsites in the Lake District and Cumbria, ranging from simple stop-offs to larger holiday parks. There will also be car parks permitting overnight stays along the way, too.
If you decide to pitch up for a while, the region’s recently opened 32-mile stretch of England’s Coast Path is well worth exploring. The route allows you to journey from Whitehaven to Silecroft Beach, while taking in the spectacular landscape of Black Combe.
Cumbria Tourism Managing Director Gill Haigh said: “The CCR 200 route aims to open people’s eyes to all of the hidden gems they might not be aware of, particularly along our stunning coastline, which stretches from Morecambe Bay to the Scottish border, taking in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, layers of hidden heritage and history, and plenty of water-based activities for all the family.”
The freedom factor
A motorhome trip is the best holiday choice in terms of the ‘freedom factor’, according to recent research carried out by motorhome rental platform Goboony. Almost two-thirds of participants selected holiday genres linked with the great outdoors as those that provide them with the best sense of freedom, with motorhomes at 41%, camping 14% and caravanning 8%.
UK lockdowns have highlighted just how important it is to be outside and have access to green, natural spaces, because of the benefits for our mental and physical wellbeing.
The great outdoors also provides lots of positive attributes – mental health charity Mind claims that it can help to improve mood, reduce stress and anger, and raise confidence and self-esteem.
Journeying on the UK open road with your spouse or partner was identified as a positive part of holidays by 46% of respondents. The survey revealed the open road made people feel free (27%), happy (23%), excited (20%) and peaceful (12%).
On the flip side, the research showed that a road trip does not come without a few niggles, with the top three things most likely to cause argument being traffic (32%), directions (22%) and backseat drivers (14%).
On the promenade, you’ll find delicious foods from around the world and local handcrafted lager, cider and beer. Find out more at www. visitbuxton.co.uk/ festivals/buxtonfood-festivals.
18-21 November
Kendal Mountain Festival returns for four days of film, literature, music, art and dance.
Prices and line-up are to be announced, but there are plans for a new live stage. www.kendalmoun tainfestival.com.