A crowdfunding campaign to raise £5,000 for the much loved walking path, the Ullswater Way, in the Lake District, is now within reach of hitting its target thanks to a generous donation boost.
The £1,500 donation came from Inspired by Lakeland, the publishing company for the official Ullswater Way Guide book. The publishers have donated £1 from every book sold to the Ullswater Way Fund.
The Official Guide has proven extremely successful since the launch last year, which has been made possible by the hugely supportive Ullswater valley retailers who have sold the book through their channels.
Dave Felton, Inspired by Lakeland, said: “We were delighted to be approached to publish the official Ullswater Way Guide, and equally delighted to plough profits from sales of the Guide back into the Ullswater Way Fund. The Lake District makes my business possible, and one of the best things I can do to help maintain the landscapes I love – both now and for future generations – is to support them financially.”
The Ullswater Way was created by the local communities and partners to show that the Ullswater valley was open for business after the devastating floods in 2015. The 20 mile circular route is a superb example of sustainable business partnerships in action. Local businesses are working alongside the Friends of the Ullswater Way, the Lake District National Park and the Lake District Foundation to educate and re-invest back into the area, to protect and care for the beautiful environment.
Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation’s CEO, said: “It is fantastic to receive a donation from sales of the official guide to the Ullswater Way. We’d like to say a massive thank you to Inspired by Lakeland, local businesses and of course those who have bought the guide. We are now 94% there on hitting the target of £5,000. We have less than a week to go, so please dig deep and donate, as a small donation makes a big difference.”
The money raised through this crowdfunding appeal will allow work to be carried out by the Lake District National Park ranger team and volunteers to reduce the impact of the busy summer season ahead. The route needs drainage works, improvements to the path surface, new drystone walling, waymarker signs and to ensure the path is litter free.
Mark Richards, Author of the Ullswater Way Guide, said: “Ullswater is the scenically most uplifting valley in the Lake District, I am constantly drawn back to it and delighted to be giving something back. All who walk the Way and buy the Guide should know they too are supporting its upkeep.”
Anne Clarke, Friends of the Ullswater Way, said: “Through the Ullswater Way, the Friends of the Ullswater Way Heritage Trail and the official Ullswater Way Guide, visitors are seeing our valley through more curious eyes, discovering its cultural history, being inspired by its beauty and lingering longer. Purchasing the Ullswater Way Guide is a great way to support the upkeep of the Way.”
To donate any amount, visit the Ullswater Way project page on the crowdfunding website at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ullswaterway before May 27.
Inspired by Lakeland continue their support for the Ullswater Way with the launch of a new guide book next month from Lowther Castle. A £1 donation from sales will also go into the Ullswater Way. You can purchase a copy online at www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk, at Lowther Castle or at the retailers around the Ullswater Way.
