DAY 1

The North Lakes Hotel and Spa is your meeting point, and you immediately transfer to the village of Askham to walk through the Lowther Estate, owned by Lord Lonsdale. Continuing on over the fell and into the Lake District National Park, you pass ancient prehistoric settlements and enjoy first views of the Cumbrian Mountains and Ullswater. Descending to the village of Pooley Bridge at the edge of the lake you pause for lunch in a local pub. This village was one of the earliest settlements on the lake, dating back to the Celts.

Following lunch, you transfer to the hamlet of Dockray, overlooking the lake, and walk by Aira Beck toward Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District’s waterfalls. Here you admire the views and are regaled with tales from your guides about the romanticism that the region has long inspired. The short drive to the hotel on the edge of Keswick allows plenty of time to settle in before meeting for a pre-dinner drink and a fuller introduction to the week ahead. The hotel restaurant features local produce whenever possible, so tonight’s dinner promises excellent cuisine.
Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick

DAY 2

After a breakfast buffet consisting of cereal, fruit, pastries, and cold meats, or a traditional hot Cumbrian breakfast, you follow in the footsteps of the men of Borrowdale, quarrymen and miners of yesteryear. In this valley there were many working slate mines, most of which are now closed. Beginning at the head of the valley you follow a rambling trail along the side of the dale before descending to the hamlet of Grange. This village is noteworthy for its double arched bridge of 1675 that crosses the River Derwent. Stone and whitewashed cottages sit snugly in this village set in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley. After lunch, take a lakeshore path which provides a relatively flat walk and traverses the pretty woodlands revealing glimpses of the lake. Finish the afternoon in Hawes End for a fun ride on a Victorian ferryboat back to town.

Dinner tonight is at the Lyzzick Hall Hotel located on the lower slopes of Skiddaw Mountain, with stunning views across the vale. The restaurant here prides itself on using freshly prepared local ingredients and herbs from their own garden.
Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick

DAY 3

Today you cross Whinlatter Pass, which connects the beauty of the Keswick Valley to Buttermere and beyond. Here magnificent nature predominates, and as you take a walk which skirts Crummock Water, you can see the stirring views of the high mountains surrounding this pretty vale. Completing the walk at the hamlet of Buttermere, you enjoy a pub lunch and afterwards walk along the pretty shore of Buttermere Lake, before boarding the coach to ride over Honister Pass and back to the hotel via Borrowdale.

There is time to refresh at the hotel and enjoy the spacious gardens, before strolling into Keswick, where you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick

DAY 4

Today you meander through one of the region’s prettiest dales, walking in the area around two of the smaller lakes, Grasmere and Rydal Water and in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets of the early 19th century. You begin the walk around the valley along level tracks enjoying lovely views along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous, you ascend Loughrigg. This wooded fell hill was the backdrop for scenes filmed in the latest Beatrix Potter film. A free lunch is taken in the village of Grasmere, where you approach Dove Cottage, Wordworth’s first home. The day is complete with a walk to his last home at Rydal Mount, where you take a tour and admire the views and the gardens he designed.

At day’s end, you transfer to the next hotel on the itinerary, located on the edge of the lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here a warm welcome awaits, and later enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the hotel’s chef. Local favorites such as steak and ale pie, or delicious Cumbrian beef are presented.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 5

Following a full English breakfast you drive (about 30 minutes) north to explore this remote area on foot. Today’s walk is one of the Lakeland’s most beautiful with stunning views of the Ullswater Valley and the Helvellyn range. As you progress grand views emerge across the region’s fourth deepest lake, Ullswater, which snakes its way between the hills. You walk from Patterdale to Howtown, where en route you observe stone bridges, and pass old barns and quaint white cottages, typical of this area. Upon arrival in Howtown, you enjoy a sandwich lunch at a quaint lakeside pub before boarding a boat back to Glenridding.

Later on you drive back over the high Kirkstone Pass to your hotel, where your evening is free to explore the town on the shore of Windermere Lake, and eat in a local pub or restaurant.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 6

Coniston is a charming locale alive with history that reaches back to Roman times. Today you explore the famous Copper Mines Valley, a source of this valuable metal through the 19th century. In the 20th century, Coniston gained recognition as the site of Donald Campbell’s speedboat record attempts. After a morning walk you picnic by a mountain stream. This afternoon hardier souls can attempt an ascent to Lever Waters tarn (the name for a small mountain lake in Cumbria). Coniston Old Man, is the mountain towering over the village and lake. Despite its relatively low height of 2,600 feet it forms a grand ridge with an east facing escarpment. On our descent on clear days you can see breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay and the hills of Wales. If you decide not to take this option, you can descend into Coniston Village and visit the Ruskin and Campbell Museum. This museum is a celebration of the area’s heritage with exhibits relating to slate mining, geology, the coppermines, and Donald Campbell himself. You may then board the restored Victorian steam yacht “Gondola” for a ride on Lake Coniston.

This evening you toast your explorations with a farewell drink and celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere

DAY 7

Departing the hotel, you ascend Orrest Head, which presides above the village; magnificent, lasting views of Lake Windermere are yours to carry home. Orrest Head was the hill first climbed by Alfred Wainwright, Britain’s most famous hillwalker, on his first visit to the Lake District, an ascent that inspired him to begin authoring the guidebooks for which he is renowned. After the descent, you board the minibus, and transfer to the mainline train station of Penrith for your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Derwentwater Hotel
Portinscale, nr Keswick, England

The epitome of a country house hotel, situated on the tranquil shores of Lake Derwentwater amidst 16 acres of conservation land and beautifully maintained gardens.

Nights 4, 5 & 6

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Bowness-on-Windermere, England

A classic country house hotel, once owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter. The property features a sauna, swimming pool, and rooms overlooking a peaceful lake, gardens and woodlands.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Geoff Price

Geoff has been a registered tourist guide since 1990, specializing in hill-walking tours of northern England. Growing up on the edge of the Pennine Hills, near Manchester gave him a love of the mountains. He lived in Switzerland for 9 years, returning to England with his family and settling down in a small borders village near Carlisle. He is a fountain of local knowledge and enjoys sharing his love of this area.

Rob O'Hara

Rob has taught in many different countries, schools, and work environments for 26 years. He loves new challenges and has varied interests from acting and singing in local plays to road running. He was once among the top 20 road runners in England. He is well-known for his keen sense of humor and positive attitude and is looking forward to showing Country Walkers guests the beauty of the English Lake District.