Lake District Featured in New Series of Great British Railway Journeys
A new series of Great British Railway Journeys, following Michael Portillo as he travels the country by train, has featured the Lake District in Cumbria. The series, which airs on BBC Two, explores various regions of the UK, showcasing their unique culture, history, and landscapes.
According to a report by the North West Evening Mail, series 16 of the documentary features roughly half-hour-long episodes airing every night at 6:30pm from Monday April 14 to Friday April 18. One of the episodes, which focused on the Lake District, saw Michael Portillo travel from Maryport to Penrith, exploring the Northern Lake District.
The Lake District has been a source of inspiration for many famous poets, including William and Dorothy Wordsworth, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The North West Evening Mail reported that Michael visited Greta Hall, where Coleridge stayed for three years from 1800, to learn more about the poet’s experiences in the area. There, he met Simon Bainbridge, an English Professor at Lancaster University, who discussed Coleridge’s love of nature and his poetic inspirations.
The North West Evening Mail also reported that Michael learned about a famous 13.5-hour, 21-mile trek from Keswick to Grasmere via Helvellyn, which is now used as a form of therapy. Ian Whiteside, who runs Trek Therapy, a project started in 2023, uses the outdoors to benefit people’s physical and mental health. Michael heard about Ian’s experiences working with people bereaved by suicide, dealing with addiction, long-term unemployment, as well as veterans.
In addition to exploring the Lake District’s literary and natural heritage, Michael also visited the striking ruins of Lowther Castle. The North West Evening Mail reported that the castle, which belongs to one of the oldest arms-bearing families, has been transformed into an extraordinary garden by Jim Lowther, who took over the estate in 2006. The castle welcomes around a quarter of a million people a year, with 130 acres of grounds designed by Dan Pearson.
The North West Evening Mail also reported that Michael spoke to a local litter-picking group in Martindale, who are working to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the Lake District’s natural beauty. With 18 million visitors a year, the area faces significant challenges in maintaining its environment. Michael joined Kay Andrews, a group leader with The Friends of the Lake District, a charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the area.
Furthermore, Michael visited a sheep farm near Ullswater, where he met Gary Miller, who grazes his herd across 250 acres of Lakeland Fells. The North West Evening Mail reported that Gary explained the importance of native breeds, such as Herdwicks and Rough Fells, which are well adapted to the local climate. Michael also visited the headquarters of Thermafleece, a company that uses unwanted sheep wool to make insulation.
As the North West Evening Mail reported, managing director Mark Lynn explained that the company has been using Herdwick wool to make insulation for nearly 25 years. The raw wool is cleaned and turned into roof insulation, which has a number of benefits, including breathability and humidity regulation. With its natural fibre, the fleece is equivalent to having a duvet in your roof, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for home insulation.
The Great British Railway Journeys series continues to showcase the diversity and richness of the UK’s regions, highlighting their unique cultural, historical, and environmental attractions. As reported by the North West Evening Mail, this latest episode has provided a fascinating glimpse into the Lake District’s literary, natural, and cultural heritage.
