Friendz road trip to Rheged and Ullswater.

Coach started at the Civic Centre in Gateshead. Picking up at the car park on Lowry's Lane in Low Fell. 32 friends attended the trip. Allison had organized a two-part quiz and a 'Guess the Distance' competition.

First stop Rheged where ......
Rheged was the name of the Ancient Kingdom of Cumbria in the Dark Ages. At its peak around 590AD, the Kingdom of Rheged stretched from Southern Scotland to the Midlands and from coast to coast. Rheged’s most famous King was Urien meaning “city born”. Urien was known as the “Raven King” because of the talisman or good luck charm, which he wore around his neck and bore the symbol of a Raven. It was this symbol which provided the inspiration for our logo. The stone on which the Rheged Raven is often shown reflects the shape of the County of Cumbria today.

Rheged - The Movie: A dramatic journey through myths, legends and a chance to fly over lakes & mountains.

Everest - The Movie: A spectacular jaw-dropping journey to the top of the world - feel like you're actually there!

Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure - A fun-filled journey; see the world through the eyes of a caterpillar and praying mantis - a worldwide family favourite!

Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets - Heart-pounding excitement as you fly and raft your way through the Grand Canyon! The classic giant movie of all time.

The National Mountaineering Exhibition: Discover mountaineering history through stunning artefacts, audiovisual presentations and interactive fun for all the family! Visit our new gallery area - The Story of Kangchejunga and you could win a trip to visit the mountain itself!

12 Rather Special Shops and Artists Galleries including Mountain Life Outdoor Adventure Shop, The Paper Mill Shop, Taste@Rheged Food Bar and Shop, Talent Design-Led Gallery Shop, The Chocolate Workshop, Made in Cumbria Shop, The Toy Shop, Tourist Information Centre, Children's Indoor Play Area, Restaurant and Cafes Special events all year round include mountaineering lectures, live music, children's workshops, craft fairs and movie meal evenings.


Then on to Ullswater and a boat trip from Pooley Bridge Pier House to Glenridding Pier House, stopping at Howtown Pier.

Click an image to see a bigger picture and use the "BACK" button to return to this page.

Lady of the Lake had already been launched in 1877 and over the last 116 years both vessels have been in service on Ullswater. During the 1930s both vessels were converted to diesel and the programme of preservation and refurbishment continues today providing greater comfort in the saloon where passengers can enjoy central heating, beverages and drinks.

Lady Dorothy; was brought over from Guernsey in March 2001. She was restored by local boat builder Frank Howard in time to run our new winter service.

Totnes Castle was brought to Ullswater early in 2005, sailing round the coast to Whitehaven and finishing her long journey on a flat back trailer. Following an intensive program of refurbishment, she will be relaunched and renamed 'Lady Wakefield' by Serptember of 2006.

Raven and M.Y. Lady of the Lake are two 19th century steamers, now converted to oil, cruising on Ullswater, the most beautiful of the English Lakes. M.V. Lady Dorothy is their smaller sister, who joined them in 2001. They have recently been joined by a new vessel, Totnes Castle who is presently undergoing an extensive refurbishment program. She will be relaunched in September 2006 and renamed Lady Wakefield.

Ullswater 'Steamers' operate cruises all year round, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Five different timetables operate, dependant on the time of year, offering one and two hour cruises all year round. A Cruise aboard an Ullswater 'Steamer' is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy 'England's most beautiful lake', opening up fantastic vistas of Helvellyn, the Pennines and the beautiful shoreline of the lake itself.

Then we were off to Keswick for a couple of hours.

England lost on penalties.

Then we set-off for home. What no singing???? I thought we were Methodists?