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People staying in Lake District holiday cottages in the future could benefit from a more sustainable energy supply as plans to develop a new hydro-electric power scheme get under way.

The initiative would see a weir being built across the River Kent that would harness electricity, which the local community then hopes to sell onto the national grid, the Westmorland Gazette reports.

If successfully approved, the venture could generate 1,250MWh of energy every year, which is the equivalent of 300 properties worth of power.

Trustee of the Kentmere Hydro Trust Dr Jackie Bettess said that the profits earned through the project would be used to benefit individuals living in the region.

She remarked: "The people in the valley thought it would be a good idea to try and generate power from the River Kent to help reduce the use of carbon-fuelled power generation."

Earlier this month, the National Park Authority supported proposals that would see the development of a new cycling and horse riding network in the Lake District, which could lessen the impact of transport on the environment.

Posted by David Sollberger

People staying in Lake District holiday cottages this winter have been told they may miss something special if they fail to take a walk around Waterhead and Ambleside.

Writing for the Westmorland Gazette, Ron Freethy noted that the trek offers "fascinating contrasts" and is a gentle stroll for those not in it for the long-haul.

Commenting on Waterhead, he stated: "There have been pleasure steamers plying the 11 miles of Windermere from Lakeside, near Newby Bridge to Waterhead, at Ambleside, since 1845."

Following from this, walkers will follow riverside paths to Rydal, Mr Freethy added, before returning back to the "tourist-orientated" Ambleside village.

Once there, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of pubs, tea shops and restaurants if they want to be fed and watered, he explained.

In recent news, the Lancashire Telegraph reported that fans of Alfred Wainwright may be encouraged to book a holiday cottage in the Lake District next year as enthusiasts of the walker and author recreate his first trip to Orrest Head.

Posted by Ben Webster

Those planning to visit Cockermouth during a stay in a Lake District holiday cottage next year could find a new and improved town upon their arrival.

Council bosses are looking to use the recent floods that hit the area as a catalyst for regeneration, a move that is set to make the area better than ever before, the Guardian reports.

Architect and head of Cockermouth and District Civic Trust Darren Ward told the news source the floods that devastated parts of the town have offered a "golden opportunity".

He explained that there is now the chance to not only repair the town, but also to "transform it into something much better".

Money will be used to revamp Cockermouth”s Main Street and Market Place with Georgian touches, meaning even those that have visited may times before are likely to want to return and check out the improvements once they have been finished.

Cumbria Tourism recently set up an advice line for those that are planning a trip to the Lake District following the floods, informing people of which shops and attractions are open for business.

Posted by Ben Webster

Those wanting to take part in next year”s annual Great North Swim will need to act fast in order to secure their spot.

The event is held in the Lake District every year and sees hundreds of budding swimmers tackle the waters of Windermere.

Fewer than 1,000 spots are left for the event, which takes place in early September and might be ideal for active types that are planning a late summer break in a Lake District holiday cottage.

It is organised by Nova International and project manager Colin Hill said that in the past, the event has attracted swimmers "from all around the country".

He noted that its popularity is a boost for the area given the recent floods, adding: "Hopefully the sudden uptake in entries for the swim will show that the Lake District is very much open for business."

Windermere is the largest lake in England, measuring over ten miles in length and 219 feet in depth.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

Plans are underway to give fans of Alfred Wainwright the chance to follow in the footsteps of the fell walker and writer.

Next year is the 80th anniversary of the author”s first visit to the Lake District and the Wainwright society is planning a special event to mark the occasion, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.

Research by the society concluded that Wainwright and his cousin Eric Beardsall will have travelled to Windermere and climbed Orrest Head on June 7th 1930 and the organisation is set to recreate the trip on the same day next year.

Those planning on taking part might want to book a Lake District holiday cottage and take the opportunity to explore the rest of what the Lakes has to offer.

The society is also asking members to take part in its ”best of the rest 2010” challenge, which involves people completing a total of 122 walks between May 1st and 23rd.

Posted by Matt Smith