This September Ambleside Festival of the Fells arrives with activities for all abilities
Itʼs a mountain, outdoor-activity and cultural festival for fell lovers of all levels. Activities include, ghyll scrambling, abseiling, high and low level guided walks, and swims.
A new trail race from the lake shore at Waterhead to the summit of Wansfell is being organised by Glenridding-based Mountain Run. The weekend also sees top triathletes in action in the Half X race.
The festival also aims to make accessibility the heart. A new trail race, a series of Nordic walks, and a chance for wheelchair users to try off-road machines. Wheelchair users will have the chance to try out some off-road machines, including one that could get them to the top of fells – even Helvellyn.
“We want this to be a festival that genuinely offers something for everyone,” says Andrew Hewitt, chair of Ambleside Together which is heading the festival.
The festival is working with Freedom Wizard, a new charity set up by qualified mountain guide Allie Pennington to help wheelchair users enjoy the very best of rugged Britain. “Thanks to new technology and a number of exciting new wheelchairs, what was once an impossible outdoors dream is now becoming reality,” says Allie.
There’s a full programme of indoor events, talks, lectures and films, and the festival will end on a high note with a special comedy night hosted by Pete Otway, who has his own show this summer at the Edinburgh Festival, at The Lily bar.
Festival of the Fells runs from Sept 22-25, and the full programme of events can be found at http://www.loveambleside.uk/festival-of-the-fells/
