Charity partnership for Mountain Goat

Three Goats traveled the Lakes for Mr Taylor's family and friends to honour his memory

Earlier this year Mountain Goat heard the saddening news of the death of the company’s founders, Chris Taylor, who started the company in 1972.

Mr Taylor, who loved Lake District Life, also made an impact on the national park itself. 

In 1972 he saw an opportunity to reconnect valleys in the area with a bus service to assist both locals and visitors, Mountain Goat Tours.

Nearly 50 years on his visionary idea has reached worldwide renown, with travellers visiting the north west corner of England to follow the scenic routes Mountain Goat have pioneered since Mr Taylor's first flame of an idea.

Mr Taylor's wife, Carol, and his family want to ensure he remains connected with the Lake District and so, accompanied by a group of local friends, they met to spread his ashes.

Earlier this month, on an autumnal Sunday, three Goats with the group of 44 intrepid ‘Goaters' travelled through the incredibly beautiful valleys of the central Lakes, from Windermere through the Langdales to Blea Tarn.

Stephen Broughton, managing director of Mountain Goat Tours and a close friend of Mr Taylor, said: "The setting for the spreading of Chris' ashes was simply perfect, Blea Tarn nestled between the spectacular Langdale Pikes in the heart of the Lake District. 

"The mirror flat water showed breath-taking reflections and a little light rain only served to confirm a typical Lakeland day.

"Of course any day like it has always a twinge of sadness and solemnity, but it truly was a celebration of a life well lived, and of a person who contributed to the Lake District visitor life."

Mr Broughton said he was also pleased to have the honour of arranging the event and would like to express his thanks in memory of Chris for an idea which has been carried forward to become an integral part of the Lake District.

Carol Taylor, Mr Taylor's wife, said: "I'm glad I now have somewhere to regularly come back to in order to say "hello" to Chris along with enjoying a day walking the area and seeing old friends."

Mountain Goat is a testament to Mr Taylor's passion for the Lake District and promoting the UK to visitors. The company has expanded to other areas of the UK including York, Manchester, Chester and Liverpool as well as providing transport for group activities in Wales, Scotland and Northumberland.