The Lake District England's largest national park, covering an area of approximately 2259 square kilometers and is made up of rugged mountains, smooth open countryside and peaceful lakes (tarns). Mixed together it has created a walkers paradise all year round, and the perfect place for a great tour across the picturesque north west of England. This 6-day tour gives you the opportunity to experience not only the natural beauty of the Lake District but also some cultural history of the area.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: We will catch the ferry from Dublin North Wall to Holyhead on our departure day. From Holyhead we will drive through Wales to England, arriving in Keswick, which will be our base for the duration of the tour.
Day 2: Our first walk takes us through the valley of Borrowdale, over the river Derwent and into our parking spot for the day at Seathwaite Farm. From here the trail takes us over Stockley Bridge to follow Grains Gill and Ruddy Gill River to the base of Great End. Here we join the famous Styhead Head Pass to Esk Hause, where we will have sweeping views down into the valleys. Our trails then turn right to take us past Great End and Broad Crag and finally into Scafell Pike itself. Should we get the views that we deserve from the summit we will be able to see as far away as the Welsh and Scottish mountains and across the sea to the Ireland. Our descent route takes us down what is known as the Corridor Route and back to join Styhead Pass and Styhead Tarn to follow the trail back to Stockley Bridge and back to our bus at Seathwaite Farm. Distance: 14km, 8.75 miles, Total Ascent: 1031m, 3093ft.
Day 3: We will be departing our accommodation at 8.15 (Sharp) for the village of Ravenstonedale, where we will catch the 09.50 vintage coach to Hawes. The tour is approximately two hours and takes us through many small villages and fells on route to Hawes, arriving at 11.50. This thriving market town of Hawes is home to Wensleydale Cheese and the Dales Countryside Museum. There are several craft workshops, antique and other specialty shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafés which, together with local tradesmen, will cater to your every need. In 1998 Hawes was awarded the English Tourist Board Silver Award for the "Best Day Trip Out".
Day 4: Today you have a choice of two walks, A or B and they both start and finish in Buttermere.
- A. Walk: From the small village of Buttermere the walk takes us South to Burtness Wood, where we join a trail that takes us along by Buttermere Lake. At the end of the lake the trail starts to climb steadily upwards towards Scarth Gap Pass. Stopping every so often to look back at the fabulous views over Buttermere Lake and valley. To our left we will be looking at the giant bulk of Haystack and to the right the impressive High Crag, which in our first peak of the day. From the time we lave the lake until we reach High Crag the going is rather tough but on a very good trail. Once we reach the summit of High Crag the rewards of our labors will be well and truly rewarded. The views from here are unbelievable, as it will for the rest of the walk. From High Crag we go to High Stile and finally Red Pike before making our descent back down into Buttermere for some very well deserved refreshments. Distance: 11.5km, 7.2 miles, Total Ascent: 803m, 2409ft.
- B. Walk: Starting and finishing in Buttermere the walk heads South and turns right to join a trail that takes us along the shores of Crummock Water. Along under the base of High Ling Crag to Highpark. This is a particularly beautiful section of the walk and should be savored at every opportunity. From Highpark the trail takes us around to the northern side of the lake to Lanthwaite Wood and over Rannerdale Farm. Into the base of Rannerdale Knotts and back to Buttermere. This is a fantastic low level walk, but we have left it that you will have an option to take a somewhat higher level at a few points. Distance: 14km, 8.75 miles, Total Ascent: 180m, 540ft.
Day 5: Today we take things a little easier by taking a 10-mile cruise on Lake Windermere. Starting at Waterhead and stopping off at Bowness, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lake District. While we are there you may wish to visit the world of Beatrix Potter. This award winning attraction has delighted well over a Million visitors since it opened in 1991. Bowness has also got an array of shops, café and museums for you to visit. Our trip also takes us to the town of Lakeside, which is the traditional home of the lake steamers and is situated on the southern end of the lake. While we are here we will visit the Aquarium of The Lakes, which houses the largest collection of fresh water fish in the British Isles.
Day 6: We started our week together so I would like us to finish together or at least walk part of today's walk as a group. No bus today, we start and finish at the front door of our accommodation. The walk takes us out of the town to meet the southern shores of Darwent water, which sets the scene for the day. Heading clockwise around the lake the trail takes us past Lord's Island, Calf's Bay, to Ashness Gate. At this point we can split if we wish with some of the group staying by the banks of the lake and the rest climbing gradually up to a somewhat higher path. If the plan goes the way it should we will all meet again in the little village of Grange for a liquid lunch. After lunch we simply follow the trail back to Keswick on the other side of the lake at a very leisurely pace. Distance: 16km, 10 miles, Total Ascent: 225m, 675ft.
Day 7: Depart Keswick at 10.00am to catch the 20.15 sailing from Hollyhead to Dublin North Wall arriving at 10pm. You may also join this tour in Keswick instead of Dublin if you wish.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights Accommodation
- 5 guided walks
- All transport
- Return ferry trip to Wales
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Europe
England
Walking Tours
Cultural Journey
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