Published: 15/03/2022
A SERIES of interactive story walks based around fictional characters and local points of interest are to be launched along Copeland’s coast.
Writer Anja Phoenix has been working with Copeland Borough Council and The Outdoor Partnership over the last year to create a series of six ‘Tale Trails’ that run between Whitehaven and Millom.
This is being delivered as part of the council's Connecting Cumbria’s Hidden Coast programme, which is funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and Sellafield Ltd.
Each walking trail is based around a story and accompanied by a colourful hand-drawn map. The stories have been written to encourage families to get outside and explore the natural environment, discover facts about the area, use their imagination and spend time outdoors.
Maps of the trails will be launched at the band stand at Whitehaven Harbour on Friday, April 15, where families will be able to pick up a free full colour copy of the map for Whitehaven and listen to storytelling sessions.
This event will also launch story maps for St Bees and Drigg, all will contain information on parking, places to eat, local wildlife and more to help families construct a fun day out.
The launch event will run from 10am until 3pm, with hands-on interactive history workshops ran by Ancient Britain, and guided walks above the harbour with Laura from The Hiking Household running throughout the day.
Some of the routes within the Tale Trails are already popular walking destinations, while others explore lesser-known footpaths that could turn into new family favourites.
Copeland’s Mayor Mike Starkie said: “The interactive trail maps will encourage the younger generation to be inquisitive about their local environment while enjoying the fresh air and a good story.”
Anja Phoenix, author of the Tale Trails, said: “I have really enjoyed creating these stories and am excited to see them inspiring families and schools to explore and discover more about their area together.
“I hope the stories will also enable visitors to better explore the beautiful Western Lake District and its coast”.
A second event will take place early this summer to launch the maps for Haverigg, Silecroft and Drigg.
Visit www.taletrails.co.uk to find out more, A3 versions of each Tale Trail will be available to download from the site from April 15.
