3 reasons to sign-up to our Lake District challenge
It’s not long till Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and teams from across the country head to the Lake District for our Lake District Triple Challenge weekend.
There is still time to book your place on this challenge, where teams will cycle, hike and kayak in three stunning Lake District locations. So, whether you’re an individual looking to try something new or you’re a team of six looking for your next adrenaline filled adventure – this challenge could be perfect for you. Places are still available, so click here to reserve your place today.
Taking place on the weekend of the 25-26th April across different areas of Coniston, teams will be taking on three exciting disciplines all while raising money for the Trust to help us continue to put Champions shoulder to shoulder with young people across the UK.
Furthermore, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust athlete mentors will be joining some of the teams as their Team Captains. We’ll have Adam Whitehead, Olympic, and Commonwealth Gold medallist swimmer and James Kirton, a swimmer who represented Great Britain for over six years, reaching Olympic, World and European level.
Last month we shared 5 reasons why you should get involved in this challenge, which you can read here; this month we wanted to give you three more reasons!
Grizedale Forest
Part of the Lake District World Heritage Site, Grizedale Forest is where you’ll take part in the cycling part of the challenge. If you’re a bit of a history buff, Grizedale is not short of that. Its name means Valley of the Pigs and is home to the last native herd of Red Deer.
Back in 1905 Grizedale Hall was built by Harold Brocklebank, and during World War II was used as a prisoner of war camp for German Officers – the hall was demolished when the forest was sold to Forestry England in 1957.
In past years, several stages of the WRC RAC Rally were held at the Forest, and now two annual rallies take place on the trails – the Malcolm Wilson Rally and the Grizedale Stages Rally.
So, Grizedale is rich in history and is partial to some rally car enthusiasts, but it’s also a cycler’s haven, specifically mountain bikers. It has fabulous tracks for beginners, intermediates and experts – but if you haven’t done much cycling, don’t worry there will be people on hand to help and encourage you throughout this part of the challenge.
If you’re still thinking about whether to push the button to enter our Triple Challenge – just doing the cycling part of the challenge is worth it. You’ll experience breath-taking views, stunning artwork as you cycle round Grizedale Forest.
2.Lake Coniston
One of many lakes in the Lake District, what a coincidence hey?
Coniston Water is where you’ll enjoy the kayak section of the challenge. At an impressive five miles long and half a mile wide Coniston Waters is impressive – but don't worry you won’t be kayaking the whole length, we’re not that cruel...
You’ll also get a peak at the mountain you’ll be hiking up from the kayak. Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village.
Coniston Water is also synonymous with a British speed record breaker who tragically lost his life on the waters whilst trying to attempt to break the water speed record. In 1967, Donald Campbell and his hydroplane, Bluebird K7 took to the waters – it was recovered in 2001 and is now on display at the Ruskin Museum which is a short walk up into Coniston from the waters – it's well worth a visit.
If you’re planning to stay longer in Coniston after the challenge, visiting the Bluebird Cafe is a must. With stunning views across the Lake, it will be a perfect pick-me-up after a big weekend.
3. Old Man Coniston
Our final reason to join our Lake District Triple Challenge is the Old Man Coniston. Lake District boasts several popular mountains which hikers flock to each year and the Old Man Coniston is one of those.
You might be wondering how the mountain got its name, well here you are: the ‘Old Man of Coniston’ comes from a combination of the Celtic word ‘Alt Maen’ (meaning ‘High Stone’) and the Old Norse ‘Konigs Tun’ (meaning ‘King's Farm’).
The mountain is the highest point of the historic county of Lancashire, being 802.42m high. Old Man Coniston has also seen extensive copper and slate mining activity for eight hundred years, and the remains of abandoned mines and spoil tips are a significant feature of the north-east slopes.
There are several ways you can ascend Old Man, but one of the popular routes, and the one you will take on the challenge will be via Low Water which is around 6 miles long, taking anywhere between 4-6 hours – but it’s not about the time, it’s all about the fun, enjoyment and connection you’ll make on the route up to the summit.
So, there you have it, three fabulous reasons to take part in our Lake District Triple Challenge! If you would like more information and how to book, please click here.