If anywhere is the heart and soul of walking in England, it's the Lake District in the northwest of the county-a wonderful area of high mountains, deep valleys and of course, deep blue glacially formed lakes.
The reason for its popularity may be historical with a strong connection to the literature of England; this is where Beatrix Potter, Williams Wordsworth and the Romantic writers first engaged in walking and enjoying the outdoors for aesthetic or spiritual reasons only, rather than just a means of transportation. Many famous walkers from Sir Walter Scott to Queen Victoria became frequent visitors of this "earthly paradise that only England knows."
Another reason this particular Lake District Walk is popular may be appearances. You will be walking in the very heart of the Lake District: The incredibly charming village of Hawkshead, the "Vale of Grasmere", with is lovely town and tranquil lake, Rydal Mount-The Wordsworth home, and beautiful Borrowdale. Each day walkers are surrounded by ever-watchful mountains and fells, wild and rugged, with the quiet lapping waters of the Lakes Grasmere, Windermere, Rydal Water, and Derwentwater-created by glaciers 10,000 years ago, now reflecting each day's moods-dazzling blue, deep green, slate grey.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: An introductory tour of Hawkshead, a delightful Lakeland village, where walkers will discover quaint National Trust homes and properties, 16th and 17th century cottages and inns, and all the nooks and crannies of this historic market town. See Hawkshead’s ancient church and the 16th century Grammar school that William Wordsworth (the 19th century romantic poet) attended. Walkers have a chance to explore local shops. Overnight in Hawkshead.
Day 2: Follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, writer of exquisitely illustrated children’s stories, respected farmer and conservationist. You will see Wray Castle where Beatrix stayed on her very first visits to the Lake District when her love affair with the area began. Make your way to Moss Eccles Tarn, where Beatrix spent hours fishing, via England’s largest lake - Windermere. Descend into Near Sawrey and Hill Top, a typical Lakeland farmhouse that became the setting for several of Beatrix’s stories involving Jemima Puddleduck, Pigling Bland and Tom Kitten. Walkers have the opportunity to view Esthwaite Water, which was the inspiration for the “Tale of Jeremy Fisher”. Walk: 7 miles, 4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight in Hawkshead.
Day 3: You will walk to Tarn Hows’ taking in its beautiful views and make your way to Little Langdales and the wonderful English pub - The Three Shires Inn. Continue through pastoral scenery to the village of Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge, where you may see a local slate craftsman at work. End the day in the Vale of Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever known”. Walk: 8 miles, 5 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight in Grasmere.
Day 4: Walk the Rydal Round in the footsteps of the famous poet William Wordsworth. This area inspired some of his best poetry. Visit Dove Cottage where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy whose journal describes their daily life. Continue along the Coffin Route to Rydal Mount, the elegant final home of the Wordsworths with its beautiful gardens which remain as Wordsworth designed them. Walk by the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere, a path trod by the Wordsworths almost daily. You will have a chance to explore the village of Grasmere and enjoy the shops including the famous Gingerbread Shop. Walkers may want to pay their respects in St. Oswald’s church where William Wordsworth is buried. Walk: 6 miles, 3-4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight in Grasmere.
Day 5: This day begins with a dramatic drive over Kirkstone Pass and descent to the beautiful Ullswater Valley. Visit the unique Lakeland hamlet of Hartsop where the locals will welcome you. After a picnic lunch you will continue through Patterdale by way of Lanty’s Tarn, enjoying the panoramic views across the southern end of Ullswater where William Wordsworth first saw the daffodils inspiring his most famous poem. End the day in Borrowdale, often referred to as the most beautiful valley in England, famous for the discovery of graphite from which the pencil industry began. Walk: 5 miles 3 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight Borrowdale.
Day 6: Your route today starts from Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, an area immortalized by Hugh Walpole in his Rougue Herries Chronicles. Continue on to the hamlet of Watendlath where one of Walpole’s characters, Judith Paris, lived. Enjoy the classic views from “Surprise View” and Ashness Bridge as you walk towards Derwentwater, the Queen of the English Lakes and the setting for more of Beatrix Potter’s characters. The day ends with a cruise on the lake with one imagining Beatrix Potter’s Squirrel Nutkin paddling over to Owl Island! Overnight in Borrowdale. Walk: 6 miles 3-4 hours plus stops and visits. Overnight in Borrowdale.
Day 7: Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
Please note that non walking alternatives are offered to those who wish to take a break from walking. (Entrance fees not included unless in the itinerary). These are:
Monday: Time to sightsee in Hawkshead.
Tuesday: Sightseeing in nearby Coniston to include the John Ruskin Museum and/or his home Brantwood.
Wednesday: Sightseeing in Ambleside and Grasmere areas to include the Armitt Library; Adrian Sankey's Glass showrooms, garden centers. Lake cruise.
Thursday: Dalemain Historic House.
Friday: Sightseeing in Keswick to include the Pencil museum, Keswick Museum, Cars of the Stars, Honister slate quarry.
2008 Dates: June 1-7, June 22-28, August 3-9, September 14-20.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Hawkshead. Transfers are not included.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking along footpaths, narrow earthen tracks which can sometimes be uneven and a little rocky in places. Occasionally there will be farm tracks and paved minor roads.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$3,500 per person, shared.
$275 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights B&B accommodation
- 5 days of guided walking
- Breakfast each day
- 5 picnic or pub lunches
- Fruit and juice breaks
- 4 dinners
- All entrance fees in the itinerary
- Blue Badge Tourist Guide
- Back-up transport during walk
- Luggage transfer
- Tax.
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