Explore the beautiful Lake District National Park during this self-guided walking holiday in northern England.
The English Lake District, or English Lakeland, is famous throughout the world for its beautiful and dramatic scenery. Mountains rise from sea level to almost 1000 metres and are intersected by lush green valleys, containing numerous beautiful lakes. You’ll also see many examples of the rich history and varied heritage of the 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.
B: Superior. It’s possible to upgrade to ‘superior accommodation’ at additional cost. In this category you will stay in small hotels, inns or luxury bed and breakfasts (rooms with private facilities en suite available every night) with twin or double occupancy. Again breakfast is included every day, and dinner may be included (except for night(s) spent in Windermere at the beginning and/or end of the tour). Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form, for more information.
A limited number of single rooms is available on payment of a supplement.
Walking in the Lake District
This walking holiday can be done at two grades, moderate or strenuous. The strenuous applies if you walk literally from door to door every day and involves distances of up to 20 Kilometres (12 miles) with up to 800 metres (2600 feet) of height gain. But on every day with more than 11 kilometres (7 miles) of walking, there is the option of doing the first half of the walk, 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).
Height gained on the walks is mainly up to 500 metres, but up to 600 metres on one day and a second day optionally. Some previous hiking experience is advisable.
Heart of Lakeland walking holiday itinerary
The Heart of Lakeland walking holiday itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your wishes and preferences. It’s possible to extend the tour by adding extra sightseeing or walking days.
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 – Day in Coniston. Sightseeing or further self-guided walking available.
Day 4 – 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 5 – Day in Eskdale. Sightseeing or further self-guided walking available. It is optionally possible to walk up Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, on this day, but it involves a long approach march, and a better option is to book an extra night at Wasdale Head and climb the mountain from there.
Day 6 – Walk to Wasdale Head via Burnmoor (6 miles or 10 kilometres, with 250 metres of height gain). There is a highly scenic (but longer) alternative for a fine weather day, through Miterdale and by the dramatic ridge of Illgill Head.
Day 7 – Walk to Brandelhow via Styhead Pass and Seatoller in Borrowdale (where public transport is available if required). At Brandelhow catch the launch service to Keswick (6 miles or 10 kilometres to Seatoller, 11 miles or 18 kilometres to go the whole way, with 500 or 700 metres respectively of height gain). A taxi can be booked from Keswick back to Windermere (at extra cost), or the regular service bus may be used.
Day 8 – Departure day
Dates and Availability
Prices for this walking holiday are from £590.- for 7 nights/8 days in standard accommodation; from £675.- for 7 nights/8 days in superior accommodation.
The Heart of Lakeland walking tour can be booked to start on any date after Easter and before mid October, subject to availability of accommodation. Starting or finishing during Bank Holiday weekends is not normally possible: tours “straddling” Bank Holidays may be possible if booked well in advance, and with some flexibility over the itinerary.
There is a train station in Windermere, where this walking holiday starts. From Manchester airport it is possible to reach Windermere by train in around 2 hours.
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.
