Visitors to the Lake District can slow down, relax and take time to discover a new perspective to Cumbria, with their own local guide. Years as a seasoned world traveller and personal coach has taught our Quirky Traveller Editor Zoë Dawes that what most people need in their lives is space, time to reflect and sources of inspiration. Realising that even in Cumbria, the most visited county in England, there was not a service offering people a stress-free way of experiencing the gems of the Lake District, Zoë has set up The Quirky Traveller offering QT Days Out in the Lake District.
The tours will especially appeal to people who are not inclined to scale peaks and mountains but who wish to experience the delightful villages, beautiful views and tranquillity of the area.
Zoë says: “We explain Quirky Travel as travelling with your eyes wide open, using all your senses to experience your surroundings in an inspiring and unique way. To do this you need your mind free to explore what’s around you, to enjoy and appreciate the moment. By freeing people from the stresses of mapping out and driving along what can be difficult and tiring minor routes, we can offer them an experience that is life-enhancing, inspirational and, above all, enjoyable.”
Two Lake District circular tours are available:
South Lakes from Ambleside including Grasmere, Rydal Water, Elterwater, The Langdale Valley, Coniston, Hawkshead and via the ferry back to Ambleside.
North Lakes from Keswick including Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Honister, Buttermere, Whinlatter Forest and the Newlands Valley back to Keswick.
All tours are accompanied by Zoë, the QT Guide, offering little known facts and amusing anecdotes along the way. The Quirky Traveller uses luxury vehicles for small groups and everyone gets a delightful QT Goody Bag full of local treats as a souvenir of a memorable day. The tours are a combination of driving and leisurely strolls to make the most of the sights.
TAILOR-MADE TOURS: Zoë offers a bespoke service for individuals, groups, corporate and business clients who want to explore the area with a personalised itinerary. Perfect for special occasions and personalised service - when only the best will do.
Zoë’s QT Tours are featured regularly on Lakes TV (Sky Channel 203, Virgin Media 878, Freeview Channel 200), she gives talks on UK & American radio and is in demand as a very entertaining public speaker.
We asked Zoë, our very own Quirky Travels Editor, who is the Quirky Traveller?
"Well, I'm a lover of all forms of travel - Mind, Body and Spirit. Living and working in and around one of the most beautiful parts of the world, the Lake District, in the North West of England, ensures that I get a daily dose of all three. I've got Italian, Spanish, Irish, French and Scottish ancestors and have worked and travelled across the globe, from America to the Far and Middle East, Australasia and Africa.
Originally an English teacher, I escaped one day to go and discover my inner Mamma Mia in Greece, spending 4 happy and fun-filled years working English in Athens and exploring the Greek Isles and surrounding area.
Returning to England I worked with European businesses on Communications Skills, before flying off to Hong Kong to explore the Orient. At HSBC I was able to get an in-depth view of the colony just before it returned to Chinese rule - fascinating. During that time I travelled to many quirky and intriguing places including Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Borneo.
Since my return to the UK I have run my own business, Chartwell Coaching www.chartwellcoaching.co.uk specialising in helping others to become inspiring leaders and recapture their passion for work & life.
In April this year I launched Quirky Traveller Tours to share the beautiful Lake District, enabling others to take time out, relax and find out more about inspiring Cumbria.
With a quirky take on life and travel, I write articles and blog regularly for various travel organisations in the UK and around the world. I have a regular programme on Lakes TV and a guest on American Radio. I give talks on my travels and experiences worldwide, aiming to be entertaining, inspiring and fun."
“Zoë has a truly original voice; she makes me laugh, makes me think and, most important, she gives me another way of looking at the world…”
Emmie Ross, USA
To book The Quirky Traveller, telephone 0044 (0) 1524 735715, or contact her via the website.
Click here to read Zoë's Quirky Traveller Columns on Wandering Educators.
All photos courtesy and copyright Zoë Dawes.