Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast - Season 1

This week, in the market town of Ulverston, distillers Andy and Zoe hope to create a fizz with a brand-new gin at the County's biggest agricultural event - The Westmorland County Show. Using all locally foraged ingredients, the gin tickles the taste buds of a popular TV chef.

In the heart of the Lake District National Park a hardy group of women hike up to the top of Helvellyn, which pierces the Cumbrian skyline at over 3000 feet. At their finish line awaits the chilly waters of the majestic Red Tarn. After swapping hiking boots for swimming costumes, the fearless group take the plunge and soak up the beauty of this natural wonder.

At the northern tip of the county on the Solway Firth, close to the Scottish border, it's a race against time for farmer Rauri Martin who has to manoeuvre 1000 cattle off the expansive salt marshes before the incoming swells of the Irish sea take hold.

In Lamplugh, on the Western edge of the National Park, vintage car restorer Chris Spencer readies his 1946 Morris Z van for a special classic car show. But the car needs to drive up some of England's steepest hills for its 40-mile journey to the event, before it's in with a chance of scooping first place.

In Keswick, third generation farmer Glenis Cockbain has been preserving one of the county's rarest native animals, the Cumbrian fell pony. For nearly 70 years Glenis has been breeding and showing these sturdy horses that call the Cumbrian Fells their home. But as she prepares to hang up her reins, she looks to granddaughter Imogen to secure the future of this treasured breed.

In Windermere, street food chefs Charlotte and Jeffrey cook up a storm as they attempt to bring a taste of the Caribbean to the streets of Cumbria with a Jamaican inspired dish using all local produce. They hope the tantalising smell will be enough to pull in the crowds at the upcoming Westmorland Show and put their foodie business on the Cumbrian map.

In the South, on the Lancashire border, the King's Guide to Morecambe Sands, Michael Wilson has the difficult job of ensuring safe passage of this perilous bay. It's a role that dates back to 1548, under the reign of Henry VIII. Today, Michael has to escort 30 horses and riders for a 5 mile gallop across the sands.

Along the coast, in Whitehaven, first generation boat builders Mark and Julie race against time to get a very special craft finished in time. After a year of restoration work, the boat takes to the water for the first time.

In the market town of Ulverston, the town is gearing up for one of Europe's largest lantern festivals. Community group leader, Mervyn Bedford gathers his team to craft a very special lantern for the event. As dusk falls, the group can only hope it's a showstopper and lights up the streets.

In Buttermere, the peace and tranquility is interrupted as one of Cumbria's most unique sports, hound trailing, takes off over the fells. Trainer Sarah Harper and her trusty dog Rosie are going for gold as they take to the start line.

In Appleby-in-Westmorland, it's milking time for Harriet and Chris McPhee's 300 goats. But Harriett plans to turn today's milk into cheese - if successful it could secure their future on the farm.

In Penrith stands the impressive Lowther Castle. This iconic landmark has been part of the Cumbrian landscape for the last 200 years. To ensure it remains for another 200 years, the 8th custodian of the Castle, Jim Lowther, has commissioned local stone mason James Lightfoot to save it from turning to rubble, but a building of this age comes with some challenges.

In Cartmel, the village comes together to celebrate its rich, medieval heritage. Local horse trainer Tracey Alexander has been tasked with emulating the famous knight, William Marshal. But no knight is complete without a brave war horse. Tracey will charge into battle on the back of her newest ride, Bear. But it's his first public outing, and Tracey can only hope he keeps in line.

On Ullswater the iconic steam boats have been transporting people and goods across the water for the last 150 years. Today, they welcome a brand new skipper on board: Todd Cumberpatch. But as his first training session gets underway, a storm is brewing…

Levens Hall is home to the world's oldest topiary garden, with its bushes dating back to the 1600s. Head Gardener Chris Crowther is responsible for the upkeep of these ancient trees, which are only trimmed once a year. Today, Chris has to expertly trim the most iconic piece of topiary, The Great Umbrella, but it requires millimeter precision to keep it in shape.

The Pennington family have resided at Muncaster Castle since 1208. Its newest manager, 33-year-old Ewan Frost Pennington has a plan to diversify. He's opening the doors to rooms previously shut to the public and offering exclusive stays. His first guests have traveled 4000 miles from Dallas, Texas to try out this once in a lifetime experience.

In Kendal, butter maker Harry Jackson has been specially commissioned to create a unique product. A local deli requires 70 kgs of fresh butter every week to make their famous flakey croissants. But will the croissants rise to the challenge?

In Ainstable, Alpaca breeder Barbara Hetherington is stepping back and handing over the reins to son-in-law Craig Kerr. Craig has decided that, in an effort to secure the farm's future, he's going to introduce alpaca trekking across the beautiful Eden Valley. But as his first booking gets underway, his mischievous alpacas threaten to stop this trek in its tracks.

In Brampton, Michelin starred chef Hrishikesh Desai cooks up a mouthwatering masterpiece with ingredients from his garden. But it's a nervous wait as some familiar faces gather to taste the new dish.