For those who are visiting Windermere in a 'supportive' role, rather than as competitors, I thought you may like a tip or two on what to do.
First I shall deal with the boring, but essential stuff;
Supermarkets - The main supermarket is E.H.Booth & Co, which is located next to the railway station in Windermere. The post code is LA231QA if you wish to 'multi-map' it. Booths is a cut or two above Asda and Sainsbury, it specialises in stocking high quality local produce, plus the usual named brands. The car park is huge and has NO height barriers, so Motorhomes are OK for a visit. Opens 08.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon - Fri; 8.30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday Website -
www.booths-supermarkets.co.uk/
Petrol stations - there are three BP stations between the M6 and Windermere. these are less expensive than the ones in the village. If you are desperate, there is a filling station on Rayrigg Road, but it is generally a few pence a litre dearer than the BP garages. The garages can get busy on Sunday afternoons, so it may be advisable to fill up before then!
Chandlers
Maiden Marine, Ferry Nab, Bowness - Good for dinghy bits and have sponsored the prizes for this event. Website -
www.maiden-marine.co.uk/
Shepherds (Windermere) Ltd, The Glebe, Bowness (across bay from RWYC) website -
www.shepherdswindermere.co.uk/
Not so good for dinghy bits. Very good for speed boats and Cruisers. Also good for Hire Boats you may wish to use for pottering about on the lake or following the races, tel 015394 44031 for more information.
Lake Wardens - Ferry Nab, Bowness. Tel 015394 42753
Touristy things to do;
Retail therapy -
Lakeland Limited - website
www.lakelandlimited.com
The shop is next to the Railway Station and has a lovely cafeteria and free internet access points. If you are 'caught short' you must visit the loo there. They are a revelation!
Exercise - 18 hole pitch & putt and tennis courts (tarmac) on 'The Glebe' by the Tourist Information office.
Walking - several short walks in the hills around Bowness. You can start (or finish) the Dales Way. I will do a quick guide for anyone who is interested - But beware, they all involve going up a hill or two or three. (For guide e-mail
Tony@Houlihan2.wanadoo.co.uk
)
Steamboat Museum - about ¼ mile from RWYC see website -
www.steamboat.co.uk/
That's it for now. If I think of anything else I will add it on.
Houlie
