GILLBANK: THE SURROUNDING AREA

Although most famous for its walking opportunities, the Lakes offer a wide variety of leisure activities. Close to Gillbank is the small gauge railway The La'al Ratty which runs regular steam engine services to the old Roman port of Ravenglass.

There are also many fishing rivers, streams, and lakes. Day passes can be purchased from local ambling associations where needed - click here for further details. Gillbank Cottage runs along a length of stream from which you can fish freely during your stay. There is also free fishing at Burnmoor Tarn or day tickets can be purchased for the River Irt or the River Esk (01229 467211), or Devoke Water on Birker Moor (01229 717237).

Beaches

St Bees is a delightful beach with breathtaking views toward the Isle of Man from St Bees Head. St. Bees is the start of the coast to coast walk and only heritage coastline between Wales and Scotland with an RSBP bird reserve.

Hot Air Ballooning

With a hot air balloon flight over this spectacular scenery you can absorb an unforgettable view of Lakeland and perhaps a little of the cultural inspiration of Britain's heritage.

Golf

Golf Courses in Cumbria provides a list of courses. Within a few miles of the cottage are:

• Eskdale Golf Club (10 mins drive from Eskdale Village)
• Cockermouth Golf Club (45 minutes from Eskdale)
• St Bees Golf Course (30 minutes from Eskdale)
• Seascale Golf Course (15 minutes from Eskdale)
• Windermere Golf Course (50 minutes from Eskdale)
• Workington Golf Course (50 minutes from Eskdale)

Eskdale Events

• Eskdale Art Exhibition - held on the Whit Bank Holiday weekend in May at the Primary School in Eskdale Green.
• Boot Beer Festival - held around 9 June (www.bootbeer.co.uk)
• Eskdale Fete, Held annually at the Outward Bound Centre, Eskdale Green, August Bank Holiday - please visit eskdale.info for further details.
• Eskdale Show - the last Saturday in September in the field by the George IV pub.

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

• Scafell Pike - England's highest mountain
• Wastwater - England's deepest lake
• Hundreds of riverside, valley and mountain walks and climbs
• Ravenglass & Eskdale Miniature Railway: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
• Muncaster Castle, with its azaleas, rhododendrons and Owl Sanctuary:
  www.muncaster.co.uk & www.owls.org
• Hardknott Roman Fort & Ravenglass Roman Bath House
• Eskdale Corn Mill - still working with its waterwheel
• Ravenglass fishing village
• Fold End Art Gallery
• Fishing on river or stocked pool
• Stanley Ghyll waterfall
• 5 pubs in the valley - please visit www.brookhouseinn.co.uk or www.burnmoor.co.uk for the two of the nearest pubs to Gillbank.

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