A Lake District Cottage Stay with Gyrocopter Adventure
The Ultimate Gift Experience for the Man Who Has Everything
What do you get the man who has it all?! The infernal dilemma keeping me awake at night as I weighed a world of options for my soon-to-be septuagenarian father. My dad loves having his family around him so I knew it had to be a meaningful location close to his heart. Lake District holiday cottage lets: check!
We’d also need a large self-catering accommodation big enough for 10 people. A quick filtered scroll through the thousands of holiday properties, lodges and lakeside cottages on offer at HolidayCottage.com and and we eventually landed on the perfect place just outside the historic village of Grasmere. Now for the icing on the cake… and what better way to marvel at the majestic Lake District scenery than from the air!
Exhibit One: the Gyroplane. Also known as a gyrocopter, invented more than a hundred years ago. Although you wouldn’t have wanted to ride on the prototype…
If you’re of a certain generation (ahem), you’ll remember Sean Connery famously flew a missile-toting gyroplane by the name of Little Nellie in You Only Live Twice, whizzing about the villain’s hidden volcanic lair.
Its large rotor on top and propeller at the back give it the look of a homemade helicopter. But there is one huge difference – the main rotors are propelled by the air flowing through them. That’s right, there’s no engine turning the overhead blades. They call it ‘autorotative force,’ which actually drives the blades around. What could possibly go wrong?!
They’re actually incredibly stable, handle rough air with ease, and only require a short, smooth runway like a field to take off and land – no long, paved runways needed. Easy to fly (unlike helicopters), they have a helicopter-like versatility but are among the cheapest to own and operate.
Enter Roger Savage and Lake District Gyroplanes.
With more than 40 years and 9k+ hours of flight experience, Roger is a top gyrocopter pilot and instructor in Europe, who also knows his way round aeroplanes and helicopters. At his Lake District Gyrocopters flight school, located in the stunning Lake District National Park, Roger provides hands-on flights in open-cockpit gyrocopters, with unforgettable views of the Lakes and mountains right after takeoff.
After Roger’s briefing it was time for my dad to suit up and go full Top Gun flyboy for an exhilarating 40+ minute tour of the Lake District’s stunning vistas. The flight also included parts of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria’s beautiful Eden Valley and Hadrian’s Wall.
It was also a perfect way for my dad to scout out lake district cottages on the Lakes for our next family holiday. And it really was a true hands-on experience, as my dad took complete control of the hydroplane for nearly half the flight.
The smile on his face said it all.
Find your perfect Lake District Cottage at HolidayCottage.com. And book your flight with Roger today at Lake District Gyroplanes today.
Wherever your next holiday takes you – from adventure to relaxation – be sure to escape, explore and ENJOY!
Adam
Top 10 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in the Lake District: Hiking, Wild Swimming, and More
1. Hiking and Walking
- The Lake District is a paradise for hikers of all levels. Must-do trails include Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak), Helvellyn, and Catbells. For a gentler walk, try Buttermere or Tarn Hows.
2. Wild Swimming
- With its crystal-clear lakes and tarns, the Lake District is ideal for wild swimming. Try Ullswater, Rydal Water, or Grasmere for safe, scenic swims.
3. Paddleboarding and Kayaking
- Paddleboard or kayak on Derwentwater, Coniston Water, or Windermere. These lakes offer calm waters and stunning views, with rentals available nearby.
4. Rock Climbing and Scrambling
- Famous climbs like Gimmer Crag or scrambles like Striding Edge on Helvellyn offer challenging routes with breathtaking views. The Langdale Valley is also a hotspot for climbers.
5. Canyoning and Gorge Walking
- Explore natural rock formations, waterfalls, and gorges with canyoning. Stickle Ghyll and Esk Gorge are popular choices for an adrenaline-filled experience.
6. Mountain Biking
- Trails like Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with designated paths and bike rental shops.
7. Sailing and Windsurfing
- Windermere and Ullswater offer perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing. Local clubs provide rentals, lessons, and guided trips.
8. Horse Riding
- For a different way to explore, horse riding tours are available around Ullswater and Coniston, with trails that wind through woodlands, fields, and valleys.
9. Paragliding
- For the truly adventurous, paragliding offers panoramic views of the landscape. Blencathra and Buttermere are popular launch points with stunning aerial vistas.
10. Caving and Potholing
The Lake District has limestone caves perfect for exploration. Cathedral Quarry and Rydal Cave are accessible options, while Long Churn Cave offers a more challenging experience.