By Steph Johnson

Last updated at 12:12, Saturday, 07 November 2009

A virtual reality game is allowing players to skim stones across Cumbria’s lakes from the comfort of their own chair.

Skim stones across Windermere

GoSkimming is a free application for iPods and iPhones which has been launched by Cumbria Tourism, who hope it could help lure more visitors to the county.

It transports players to the pebbled shores of Windermere, Ullswater, Wastwater or Derwentwater and invites them to pick a stone.

They then flick their wrist to see how far they can make it bounce.

The number of hops their stone makes, the speed, distance and height they achieve is all recorded to give a points total.

Cumbria Tourism called in a stone skimming expert to share some of his top tips in a short film to help users get started.

Cumbrian Phil McChesney holds the All England stone skimming record of 76 metres.

He said: “The new GoSkimming app is a fun way for busy people to take time out and enjoy the spectacular Cumbrian scenery from anywhere in the world.

“Players just need to remember to keep a firm grip on their iPhone as they won’t achieve any points for throwing that!”

It is hoped the game will appeal to people couped up in offices who are looking for a bit of escapism during their breaks.

GoSkimming has been introduced as part of the campaign to publicise Cumbria Tourism’s new mobile site www.golakes.mobi.

It provides tools and information so people can plan their trip to Cumbria from their mobile, and access information when they arrive.

Cumbria Tourism marketing director Alex McCoskrie said: “We are incredibly pleased with the new GoSkimming app and are proud to lead the way with our innovative use of technology.

“GoSkimming app is a new way to entice people to come and see the Lake District’s stunning landscape for themselves and try their hand at skimming stones for real.”

The mobile site and GoSkimming has been funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

First published at 09:09, Saturday, 07 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk