England’s Lakes, Mountains and Valleys (9 Days)

DAY 1: MEET IN WINDERMERE,  HIKE FROM WRAY CASTLE TO LATTERBARROW.

DISTANCE:  5 miles, (8 km), total ascent 780 ft  (224 m).  

After meeting up in Windermere we drive north west to Wray Castle.  We will hike directly from the castle through woodland and lanes to the low peak of Latterbarrow.  From here there is a fine panoramic view including the surrounding fells and the nearby village of Hawkshead.  We will then travel to Ambleside where we can check in to the hotel.  

Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria. Meals Included:  Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 2: HIKE ELTERWATER AND THE CATHEDRAL CAVERN

DISTANCE 7.8 miles, (12.5 km), total ascent 1000 ft (304 m)

We begin this hike at the head of the Great Langdale Valley at the village of Elterwater (the name comes from the Old Norse, meaning “swan lake”). We then visit two waterfalls: Skelwith Force and Colwith Force. Our hike then takes us to the Cathedral Cavern: a spectacular man-made quarry with an amazing echo. One of the tunnels is over 100 m long and requires a torch to see. We will also be crossing the delightful packhorse bridge, “Slater’s Bridge” at Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale.

 Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria. Meals Included:  Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: LOUGHRIGG FELL AND A VISIT TO RYDAL MOUNT

DISTANCE 7 miles, (11 km), total ascent 1362 ft, (415 m)

A wonderful circuit of Loughrigg Fell on easy paths with spectacular views. We will enjoy our first glimpse of the Langdale Pikes: a stunning backdrop to Loughrigg Tarn. The return route passes the beautiful lakes of Rydal Water and Grasmere.  Then we will have time for our own private guided tour of Rydal Mount, the long-time home of poet William Wordsworth.  At the end of the tour we will be sampling the legendary Grasmere gingerbread, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4: A CIRCUIT OF TROUTBECK VALLEY AND ASCENT OF WANSFELL PIKE

DISTANCE 6.5 miles, (10 km), total ascent 1609 ft (490 m)

We head directly on foot out of Ambleside to Jenkins Crag viewpoint and Skelghyll Woods.  On arrival at the village of Troutbeck, we will call in at Townend: a 17th century farmhouse open for visitors.  Return to Ambleside is via Wansfell Pike, enjoying superb views of Windermere and the Kirkstone Pass.  Finally we head back to town by the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.

Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 5: TRAVEL NORTH TO KESWICK STOPPING EN ROUTE TO HIKE AT LOWESWATER

DISTANCE 7 miles, (11 km), total ascent 890 ft (270 m)

We leave Ambleside today to travel north to our next accommodation on the shores of Lake Derwentwater.  Today’s journey begins with a hike from Loweswater.  Stepping out across the slopes of High Nook and Holme Wood, we can soon enjoy the seeping views across the Lake and beyond to Crummock Water in the distance.  Keep an eye out fro the red squirrels.  Some of this route was part of what was known as a “Corpse Road”  – there were no burial sites in Loweswater so coffins had to be carried to St Bees Abbey on the coast.

Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 6: BUTTERMERE CIRCUIT AND RANNERDALE KNOTTS

DISTANCE: First Hike 4.7 miles (7.5km), ascent 393 ft (67m), Second Hike 3.5 miles (5.6km), ascent 928 ft (283m)

Two beautiful short hikes in magnificent Buttermere: a quintessential Lake District hike around a lake with fine mountain views all around.  There is then the option of the second hike to Rannerdale Knotts: a steep climb initially with the reward of fine views from the ridge of Crummock Water and Rannerdale Valley on the other side.  A steep, stony descent brings us back in to Buttermere via the shore of Crummock Water.

Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 7: GRANGE, CATBELLS AND MAIDEN MOOR

DISTANCE: 6.6 miles (10.7 km), total ascent 1640 ft (500m)

This morning we walk directly from the hotel and trace a route along the edge of Derwentwater, later scaling  the summits of Catbells and Maiden Moor: two of the best-loved fells in the Lake District.  A rewarding climb with fine views.  We then return full circle back to the hotel via the pretty village of Grange.

Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 8: ROSTHWAITE TO WATENDLATH CIRCUIT VIA DOCK TARN

DISTANCE: 6 miles (9.7 km), ascent 1490 ft (454m),

A beautiful hike to complete our Lake District adventures.  But a tough one – you’ll be ready for this!  The initial climb is steep and stony up through the forest.  We are then rewarded with fine views and a rest beside remote Dock Tarn.  We make our way across the open moor to the tiny hamlet of Watendlath, perhaps to enjoy refreshment at the tea room?  We hike  via an easier path back to Rosthwaite.

DAY 9: END OF TOUR, DEPART FOR WINDERMERE

Meals included: Breakfast