England’s Lake District (9 Days)

DAY 1: MEET IN KENDAL, DRIVE TO AMBLESIDE.  HIKE LILY TARN & SWEDEN BRIDGE

DISTANCE: First Hike 2.6 miles, (4.1 km), total ascent 554 ft  (168 m).  Second Hike: 3.3 miles (5.3 km), total ascent 702 ft (213 m)

After meeting up in Kendal we drive north west to Ambleside.  We will hike directly out of town to the beautiful tiny lake of Lily Tarn.  We will be rewarded with fine views of Ambleside and the surrounding fells.   We will then return to town where we can check in to the hotel.  If you have the energy later there is the option of heading north out of town to hike to the old Sweden Bridges.

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: FERRY ACROSS ULLSWATER AND HIKE THE LAKESHORE TO GLENRIDDING

DISTANCE 7 miles, (11 km), total ascent 656 ft (200 m)

Today’s journey begins with a ride on the ferry across Ullswater Lake to Howtown.  Our hiking route follows the lakeside path below Hallin Fell, Kilbert How, Birk Fell and Place Fell, before arriving at Glenridding.  We then drive northwest to our next accommodation at Grange in Borrowdale.

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 KENDAL

Meals included: Breakfast