Outdoors
Low Gillerthwaite was established with an aim of encouraging a love and respect for wildlife and nature. We are situated on our own private 2-acre field that can be used for outdoor games, camping, stargazing, birdwatching and much more. Part of this area has been fenced off as a private garden for the warden and family so please be respectful of this.
Many activities can be pursued using the Centre as a base, including:
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Fell walking/running/climbing
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Navigation/orienteering
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Night walks
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Birdwatching
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Canoeing
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Abseiling
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Mountain biking
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And much more!
Whilst swimming is not permitted in the lake, there is a beautiful river nearby that has pools for swimming, it is refreshingly cold on a warm summer’s day.
Dark Skies
On a clear night, amateur astronomy and star gazing opportunities are excellent at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre.
We are an accredited Dark Sky Discovery site, part of the UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership, and the first site accredited in North-West England. This is a network of national and local astronomy and environmental organisations which aims to:
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Engage people from diverse backgrounds with the night sky
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Encourage positive attitudes towards science and technology
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Support the development of dark sky places
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Develop a national network of dark sky communicators
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Create long-lasting organisational partnerships in this area
Dark Sky Discovery sites are seen as being the best locations from which to observe the natural beauty of our night sky. Most of us live in permanent sodium glare where starlight cannot complete with the terrestrial haze which isolates us from one of nature’s principle wonders. It is estimated that 70% of us have never seen the Milky Way. Here at Low Gillerthwaite, we are endowed with the most spectacular night skies in England. All of this can help facilitate learning opportunities for young people to appreciate the wonders of the universe and our place in it. It also benefits the local community, astronomical societies and many others including photographers, poets and dreamers through night sky observation.
