Do the ‘softer’ snowshoe shuffle in the Lake District’s glorious Eden Valley this year and explore a winter wonderland, without leaving a massive tourism footprint, in the area set to become one of the UK’s most vibrant new tourism destinations in 2012-13.
Peaceful and mystical Eden is being put on the tourism map by Nurture Eden, which aims to make the area in and around the towns of Penrith, Brough, Orton, Shap, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Alston, and stretching across Eden and part of the North Pennines, Britain’s first sustainable and low impact tourism destination.
With snow already falling in The Lakes, Eden’s rolling hills will provide perfect conditions for snowshoeing with Eden Outdoor Adventures – a Nurture Eden member fully committed to the ethos of its Green Eden project.
Snowshoeing is a sport in which participants walk on snow, wearing specially designed shoes made with light, easy-to-use plastic frames and webbing. It is something almost anyone can tackle, as it is a relatively easy skill, yet lots of fun for all the family.
Last year, blue-sky days and fresh powder snow made for perfect snowshoeing in Eden and the Eden Outdoor Adventures team took people across various locations and up on to higher Pennine fells such as Cross Fell.
For those wishing to go a little higher up the adrenalin scale, there is the option of combining snowshoeing with winter mountaineering. This involves the use of crampons and ice axe and adds a different twist to the snowshoeing excursion, for those wanting to be edgier in Eden’s outdoor playground. Eden Outdoor Adventures also stages one-day ‘Skills for the Hills’ courses, covering navigation, route planning and the use of specialist mountaineering equipment. During the festive season, it is offering special rates for people wishing to venture into the hills for some excellent seasonal walking, so whatever the conditions, there is something to do with the team.
The Eden Outdoor Adventures guides can offer suggestions of where to stay, to be close to the action with a recommended accommodation provider. They can also arrange transport pick-ups, for people wishing to travel by train to avoid driving in winter conditions, and can put together a range of tours to help visitors discover the hidden gems of the Eden Valley. There is no need to rely on a car to access enjoyment and memorable experiences.
Children with feet up to adult size 4 can wear snow shoes, while younger ones can walk in their parents' tracks and use sledges to travel down hill - a fun experience for the younger ones.
The cost of a day’s snowshoeing in the Eden Valley is £100 per day for up to 2 people, £140 per day for 3-4 people and £20 per extra person after that. A half-day costs £60 for up to 2 people, £80 for 3-4 people and £10 per extra person thereafter. These costs include safety equipment, snowshoes and ski pole usage and instruction by an International Mountain Leader.
Visit www.edenoutdooradventures.co.uk to find out more about all of the winter outdoor adventure options or call 07525 653099. Further details of Nurture Eden and its other members who can help provide a lower impact holiday experience, can be found at www.agreeneden.org
