Why I love the Lakes, by Rev Kevin Price (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Why I love the Lakes, by Rev Kevin Price

4:21pm Wednesday 12th January 2011 in Why I Love The Lakes

What is the best thing about the Lakes?

The relative peace and quiet away from the busy towns and cities. As the Lakes covers such a wide area it is easily possible to reach the remoter parts by travelling only a few miles from areas thronged with people.

And the worst?

The congestion of both traffic and services due to the over-development of tourism. Bowness often seems like a mini-Blackpool in summer and on wet days crowds can be seen milling around with little to do. Perhaps they come to the Lakes and fail to appreciate Lakeland.

Favourite view? The head of Ullswater and surrounding fells from Place Fell. Ullswater is, for me, the finest of the Lakes – what Wainwright referred to as ‘supreme loveliness’. As a boy I used to visit relations at Glenridding and was always inspired by the awesome beauty.

Favourite place?

Kirkby Lonsdale – not technically in the Lakes, but ‘Ruskin’s View’ inspired the poet and still inspires many today.

Favourite memory?

I shall never forget my first visit to the little Pentecostal Mission at Elterwater in 1971, while still a schoolboy. This little group encouraged me in my faith and it was a joy to worship with them.

What one thing would you change?

It is difficult to strike a balance between encouraging visitors to come here and preserving the character of what most come for. I think the volume of traffic should be controlled at peak seasons by ‘park and ride’.

Sum up the Lakes in 5 words:

A great place to live.