Lake District (UK) Local Knowledge
 

I’m spending a few days visiting and flying around the Lake District and interested in any local knowledge such as particular must-see locations (for photos) or commercial heli-tour routes to be aware of and keep a lookout for. As they don’t even like power boats on Lake Windermere, any noise abatement info for the area would also be appreciated.

Watch out for RAF traffic, mostly C130 and equiv, Hawk, Tucano, Osprey (US) and Chinook at low level, especially in Lake District valleys and vale of Eden. Mallerstang is popular for low level transits incl multi heavy transports, and Ravenstonedale to Asby is a popular Hawk v Chinook training area (all low level). Very little available in radar so mark 1 eyeball all times.

Limited fuel in region. Kirkbride only. EGNC closed at present.

keep high.

yes, avoid the 250' to 500' band particularly.

CANP worth a look to see if it's useful? https://www.bhpa.co.uk/documents/safety/canp/

The Roman Fort remains at the top of Hardknot Pass is sight not to miss from the air for photographs, can be misty though.

I agree with helicopter-redeye

Be very careful and you will need a great lookout, I knew the crew of a Jetranger who were killed at Farelton, near Kendal when they were hit by an RAF Tornado. Apparently the Tornado felt a bump and carried on, it severed the tail and boom of the Jetranger ! I have flown down the M6 motorway corridor many times and encountered lots of low flying military aircraft.

Enjoy the wonderful scenery and keep safe !

Avoid the osprey nests at the north end of Bassenthwaite.

Check the weather thoroughly and expect it to change in minutes.

Be very aware of your aircraft’s gust limits, especially if you’re in a Robinson or 206. If you’ve plenty of mountain flying time you’ll already be well aware of this, but if not get some advice about flying around mountains, get clued up on rotor and curl over, and as everyone else has said expect the military at low level anywhere.

I go about once a month, it’s beautiful, but I respect the area a lot.

SND

Thanks to all for the above feedback. All is correct; military does indeed fly down to 250ft and the only fuel north of Blackpool is the man-and-a-bowser at Kirkbride.

For information on military low-level flying, you can call the RAF’s Low Flying Booking Cell (info below)

Low Flying Booking Cell
01489 443093
MF 0700 – 2300

For low-level military flights on weekends, they say to call them on Friday afternoon and they have all info for the weekend.

I never see any low level mil flying round here at weekends (At low level). Have a nice trip and watch out for the downdraughts

If it is weekend mil low flying it is probably a big exercise, it's certainly not the norm and requires prior approval.

The UK Mil Low Flying System closes at 23:00 on a Friday night and doesn't reopen until Monday morning.

Hi RMK. I’m not sure if you’ve been or not but I’m based at the southern end of lake Windermere and can help out.
Im on 07774 942169. Fire me a message I’d be glad to help. I could arrange jet A1 at a push.

Stringfellow, Thank you for the kind offer; heading up there in the next days. I’m flying an R44, so Avgas not JetA.

I’m going to top up the tanks at Blackpool before landing at our hotel at the top of Windermere. If I need to refuel while in the area, I was going to fly up to Kirkbride.

I’ll give you a call re any local tips; I’ve made a note of your number, but it may be a good idea to edit it out from the post above.

These are 100 north of Backpool- enjoy your adventure [email protected]

Thanks for the replies above and private messages. It was great flying and here are a few heli-friendly places, should others be interested:

Armathwaite Hall www.armathwaite-hall.com
Low Wood Bay https://englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay/
Storrs Hall www.storrshall.com
The Swan Hotel www.swanhotel.com
Leeming House www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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