‘Ranger boats’ offer a fresh look at the wonders of Windermere

Published: 17th June 2013

Sit back and enjoy a fresh look at Windermere this summer aboard one of the special ‘Ranger Boats’ setting sail on England’s largest lake.

Complete with live commentary from dedicated Lake District National Park Rangers, these three hour sailings aboard the lake’s historic steamers will run in July, August and September and will provide a unique perspective of the lake, its wildlife and its history.

The sailings showcase a range of popular - and lesser-known - lakeside locations, and will take in an array of interesting stories and quirky facts, from Windermere’s creation in the Ice Age to its more recent development as a tourist destination.

Along the way, passengers will hear about the key locations they can see. Take Wray Castle, at the northern end of the lake, which is a talking point for all things Beatrix Potter as well as the creation of the National Trust.

There’s also plenty for wildlife lovers, with visitors poised to spot a variety of ducks, geese and swans, including the distinctive red-breasted merganser and the impressive cormorant colony living on the islands in the centre of the lake.

The Rangers will be based on the top deck of the appropriately named Swan or Teal.

John Woodburn, Operations Director at Windermere Lake Cruises, says, “Windermere’s wildlife, history and industrial architecture make it a very special place, and these cruises are a great way for people to be inspired by their surroundings. There’s no fixed script, as it’s all about what’s happening in the landscape right now. They’re ideal for all the family, with the chance to relax and escape everyday stresses and strains, but also to learn more about the lake and what makes it such a popular destination for visitors.”

These ‘Ranger boats’ will set sail from Windermere Lake Cruises’ Steamer Pier at Bowness at 12.20pm on Wednesdays in July, August and September 2013. The full dates are:

  • July – 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
  • August – 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
  • September – 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th

These are all scheduled sailings, with tickets available to book online at:

www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

There is no additional cost for the Ranger talks.

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