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Hiking in the Lake District


The Lake District is the perfect destination for a walking holiday with scenic trails, captivating fells, and spectacular scenery. Base yourself in Keswick, a charming market town surrounded by mountains and serene waterways, where you will be perfectly placed to take in the best of the Lake District and only have to unpack once. Along with conquering the highest peak in England, you’ll hike through an ever changing landscape, and discover Lake District walking expert Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell, Cat Bells. Add a charming English town and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this walking trip has it all.

5 days, from

$1,705

per person

GROUP SIZE

16 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

4
Trip code: BWXK
Style: Original
Theme: Walking & Trekking

Details

Countries Visited:  United Kingdom
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (4 nights)
Transportation: Walking , public bus , private vehicle , boat
Included Meals:

  • 4 breakfasts

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 16

  • Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Keswick is a charming and vibrant market town that makes for the perfect base for your entire trip.

  • Safety always comes first – let your experienced and qualified leader show you the way as you experience the spectacular scenery of the Lake District.

  • Tackle the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike, which is also a home to Broad Crag Tarn, the highest standing water in England.

  • Enjoy a selection of walks up and around the most beautiful fells, including the favourite one of Alfred Wainwright – Cat Bells.

  • This trip is as green as it gets. We only use public transport and our accommodation can be reached from major cities in the UK by train.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Keswick

Welcome to Keswick! This bustling market town enjoys a dress circle location on the shores of Derwentwater, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Its mountains and lakes are so incredible that Keswick is home to the UK’s premier mountain festival. After you’ve settled into your cosy accommodation – there’s no packing and unpacking to worry about on this centre-based trip - meet your leader in the early afternoon and kick off your Lake District hiking adventure with an easy round-trip hike. Latrigg Hill offers incredible views of Keswick town, Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, an Old Norse term that refers to mountains located above the endpoint of the alpine trees.

Day 2: High Spy and Cat Bells

After a short transfer to the trailhead at the foot of the Derwent Fells, join your leader on the trail which climbs to Dalehead Tarn before a final ascent takes you to the summit of the aptly named High Spy which sits at 653 metres above sea level. Take time to admire the sweeping views, then follow the broad ridge north to Cat Bells, a favourite peak of British author and keen walker Alfred Wainwright. His seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells is still considered a definitive guide to the Lake District more than 65 years after it was written. From here, the group will follow the Cumbria Way back to Keswick where you may like to join your fellow walkers for a meal at one of the local restaurants or a cosy pub.

Day 3: Coast to Coast Trail

Today we will hike one of the most dramatic stages of the famous Coast to Coast Trail, a long-distance footpath originally devised by Wainwright. It’s one of England’s most famous walks and one you don’t want to miss. Take in the stunning views on a scenic boat trip from Keswick across Derwentwater to the start of the trailhead. From here, we will walk through gorgeous Borrowdale to Rosthwaite, where we begin an ascent to Greenup Edge before descending through craggy Easdale Gill all the way to the charming village of Grasmere. Enjoy free time here as you choose to perhaps visit the home of William Wordsworth, or stock up on snacks at the famous gingerbread shop before we catch a local bus back to Keswick.

Day 4: Scafell Pike

Today is the pinnacle of your Lake District walking trip, the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. This classic walk is famous for being part of the three peaks challenge and you will complete it with two guides who will share their expertise and give you the support and encouragement you need to finish your walking holiday on a natural high. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see mountain peaks as far away as Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man when you reach the top and enjoy tremendous views across the Lake District National Park. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing evening at your comfortable accommodation in Keswick.

Day 5: Keswick

It’s an easy walking day today with a short morning hike to either Castlehead Viewpoint, or perhaps along the lake shoreline to the Centenary Stone. Looking across the still water here provides the opportunity to reflect on a wonderful few days hiking in the Lake District. After you’ve had time to enjoy the scenery, your walking adventure comes to an end. If you would like to spend more time in the Lake District, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).