Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast first episode recap

'Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast' premiered on Channel 5 on Wednesday, July 17 and took viewers on a journey to all corners of the region.

Read more: Lake District, Cumbria to star in new Channel 5 series | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Filmed across the summer last year, the five-episode series will explore what sets Cumbria apart from the rest of the country and explains why so many people are attracted to the region.

Farm estate manager Rory Martin (Image: Channel 5)

The first episode featured five different stories, initially following Rory Martin, the estate manager of a farm on the edge of the Solway Firth.

Tasked with looking after 4,000 sheep and cattle, viewers were given a front-row seat as Rory and his team battle the conditions, including perilous patches of quicksand, to keep their animals safe.

To the south of the county, the episode introduced husband and wife duo Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett.

Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett on the lookout for new ingredients (Image: Channel 5)

The pair are the minds behind Shed One in Ulverston, a gin distillery 'turning Cumbrian water into gin'.

Having moved to the area two decades ago, and now moving 4,000 bottles a year, the couple went into detail about what it takes to run a business.

As Andy said: "You're only as good as your last hit - it [launching a new drink] is always a financial gamble."

The 'South Lakes Women Go Swimming' group searching for the best spot to take a dip (Image: Channel 5)

To Ullswater, the 'South Lakes Women Go Swimming' group was captured putting their bodies on the line to experience the health benefits of plunging into icy water.

And, in Keswick, 15-year-old Imogen was shown to be learning the ropes of caring for Cumbrian fell ponies.

Imogen with one of her Cumbrian fell ponies (Image: Channel 5)

It is the work done for three generations at Rakefoot Farm, with the episode detailing how younger people - such as Imogen - are needed to keep the tradition alive.

The episode finishes with two events, the Westmorland Show - where Shed One revealed their latest offering - and the Cumbria Classic and Motorsport Show.

Chris Spencer pictured with his late father (Image: Channel 5)

There, viewers get to spend time with Chris Spencer from Lamplugh, who shares how his father built up his love for classic cars.

You can watch the first episode of 'Cumbria: The Lakes and the Coast' now, with the next one airing on Wednesday, July 24.