Self-guided walking holiday from East to West through the beautiful English Lake District.
The English Lake District is one of 15 National Parks in Great Britain, and fully justifies its status on account of its outstanding scenery. It is sometimes compared to a wheel, with a central point, and spokes (or valleys) radiating outwards. These valleys are lush and green, and many of them contain lakes. The mountains include Scafell Pike, the highest summit in England, at just under 1000 metres. You’ll also see varied examples of history and heritage, unrivalled in such a small area.
Accommodation in the Lake District
Accommodation is available in two categories:
A: Standard. Guest houses, bed and breakfasts or farms, with twin or double occupancy (private bathrooms may be available some nights and are booked if available, but are not guaranteed). Breakfast is included. Dinner is not included but is always available within easy reach of the accommodation base.
Walking in the Lake District
This walking holiday can be done at two levels of difficulty, moderate or strenuous. The strenuous applies if you walk literally from door to door every day, and involves one day of 20 kilometres (12 miles) with 800 metres (2600 feet) of height gain. But every day, there is the option of terminating the walk at the midway point**, then completing it by public transport (on the one day when public transport is not available we can arrange a taxi pick-up, which is at no extra cost provided it’s set up in advance).
** The midway point is between half and two thirds of the daily distance, but ensures that on no day is it necessary to cover more than a moderate distance, which we take to be up to 11 kilometres (7 miles).
Height gained on the walks is mainly up to 300 metres, but up to 600 metres on one day. Some previous hiking experience is advisable.
Cross Lakes Ramble walking holiday itinerary
The schedule of the Cross Lakes Ramble is flexible and extra days can be added at any point for sightseeing or further walking.
Day 1 – Arrival in Windermere and meeting with a representative of English Lakeland Walks.
Day 2 – Walk to Coniston via Hawkshead and picturesque Tarn Hows, with public transport available from Hawkshead if required (7 miles or 12 kilometres to Hawkshead, 11 miles or 18 kilometres to go the whole way, with 350 or 500 metres respectively of height gain).
Day 3 – Walk to Eskdale via Seathwaite in Dunnerdale, which many regard as the most beautiful and peaceful of the Lakeland valleys. A taxi rendez-vous can be arranged if required at Seathwaite around lunchtime (7.5 miles or 13 kilometres to Seathwaite, 12 miles or 20 kilometres to go the whole way, with 600 or 800 metres respectively of height gain).
Day 4 – Walk to Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast, from where it is possible to take a train on the Cumbrian Coastal line, either northwards to Carlisle, or southwards to Barrow-in-Furness, Lancaster and destinations further south. The walk can be done mainly in the valley floor, or by following the scenic ridge of Muncaster Fell.
Dates and Availability
Prices for this walking holiday are from £299.- for 4 nights/5 days in standard accommodation; from £395.- for 4 nights/5 days in superior accommodation.
The Cross Lakes Ramble walking holiday can be booked to start on any dates after Easter and up to mid October, subject to availability of accommodation. Tours “straddling” Bank Holidays are not normally possible.
The price per person for this walking holiday is for up to 4 people travelling together. For larger groups, a special package with a group rate can be put together. Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form, for more information and prices for larger groups.
The nearest airport to the English Lake District is Manchester. From Manchester airport it is possible to reach Windermere by train in around 2 hours. Liverpool Airport is a similar distance, but the journey from there to the start of the walking tour is more complicated. From the train station in Windermere to the first accommodation is 15 to 20 minutes walk, or a taxi can easily be picked up at the station.
Personal guiding can be provided on a day by day basis (at extra cost), but would need to be booked in advance.
Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form below, for more information.
