Lake District Walking Tour

Make your own way to Windermere. Train links to Glasgow.

If you arrive early, you can go for a walk through leafy Windermere, passing the lake and a viewpoint above the town. It’s a great introduction to the Lakeland, as we call the Lake District.

Make your way by bus or on foot to the ferry for the crossing to the westside of Windermere Lake. This is the start of the walk, which is marked by a tough climb in a beautiful deciduous forest. The climb will lead you above the treeline with views of Windermere. The route winds through meadows and forest and after a long descend takes you to the picturesque village of Hawkshead. It’s a pleasant town with lots of options for a meal and to learn more about the art of Beatrix Potter. From here, follow the walk through a park-like landscape dotted with huge solitary trees and the occasional house. Climb to the viewpoint of Tarn Hows and descend in an ancient forest to reach Coniston.

Add a maximum of 4 km when you walk to the ferry (optional). Optionally, after 9 km in Hawkshead you can take the bus to Coniston.

Near Coniston is a valley full of tarns and relics of old copper mines, enclosed by an 800 m high ridge. You start with the ascent of the Old Man of Coniston (803m), the most famous peak in the area. After half an hour leave the lovely English landscape behind and enter the rugged barren Fells. From the Old Man you continue on the broad ridge, with enormous views, to the almost equally high Swirl How. Then you descend along the beautiful mountain lake Levers Water, in the nineteenth century a water reservoir to power the mining machinery.

If the weather is too bad or if you don’t fancy getting into the mountains, we recommend a flat walk along Lake Coniston (4-6 km), followed by a boat trip to Brantwood, home of the 19th century writer John Ruskin. Here you can visit the beautifully landscaped garden and the house with an interesting art collection, finishing with an afternoon tea with a view of the Old Man (or the clouds around it).

The brisk walk from Coniston to Eskdale starts with a long climb over the flanks of the Old Man to a 600m pass – with good weather, beautiful views. A descent then takes you from the rugged 'moors' to an inn located in an idyllic valley. Enjoy a break before a short climb takes you to a new valley. From here, a soggy path through spruce forests leads you to a lookout point (350m) that offers views over the evergreen Eskdale, with its distinctive dry-stacked stone walls.

A taxi rendezvous can be arranged if required at Seathwaite around lunchtime. (Additional charge payable to the driver)

You start the walk at the twelfth-century St. Catherine's Church on the River Esk and follow this clear stream through a beautiful and ancient British landscape. There are century-old oaks and a stately manor. Then ascend to the Muncaster Fell, a narrow ridge, from where you have clear views of the coastal plain and the mountains behind you. On your way down, pass the estate of Muncaster Castle, an imposing castle with beautiful gardens, a renowned owl center, and lovely cafe. An hour later you'll be walking along the tidal coast into the small town of Ravenglass. Hop on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for the journey pace back to where you started this morning.

If you miss the last train, which leaves early in the afternoon before 16.00hrs, you can always take a taxi back to your accommodation. Or choose to follow this walk in reverse direction.

Of course you can also make it a quiet day: take the train back and forth to Ravenglass and from there walk up and down to Muncaster Castle.

From Boot cross an ancient arch bridge, walk past the equally old water mill and into the hills. After only 5 minutes you are alone with the sheep, the mountains and the beautiful view. The gradual climb takes you to quiet Burntmoor Tarn and the flat pass between Eskdale and Wasdale. To your right is Scafell Pike, with 978m the highest peak in England - unfortunately often surrounded by clouds. That's why you climb the 609m Illgill Head, where chances for a good view are much higher. It is rewarding: the coastal plain, Lakeland's highest peaks, and deep below Wastwater: one of the region's prettiest lochs. At the far end of the loch is our aim for today: Wasdale Head. Just before reaching the local inn for a well-deserved pint, take a quick glance at Cumbria's smallest church.

Accommodation: Burnthwaite Farm and Wasdale Head Inn are our two main options here.

Burnthwaite Farm is a traditional farmhouse bed & breakfast as well as a fully working farm with both cattle and traditional Lakeland Herdwick sheep. Situated at the head of the Wasdale Valley, the farm covers part of the flat valley floor and a large area of upland fells.

Wasdale Head Inn has a long history, having been used by travellers for 200 year or more. Most of the early passers by would be farmers, miners, merchants, smugglers and others travelling over Black Sail, Sty Head and Burnmoor passes to ply their trade in adjacent valleys. It is also the birthplace of British climbing. With modern facilities whilst keeping the friendly traditional welcoming Lakeland Spirit.

Via a climb to Sly Head Pass, you’ll leave beautiful Wasdale behind. If you look back in the distance, you will catch a final glimpse of the sea. Today though is marked by imposing mountains of 900 metres high. Descend into Borrowdale on a path that is laid out for horse transport and dates back to the Middle Ages. Here you have an option to take the bus (after 10 km). If you continue walking, there is a short but powerful climb, with a beautiful view of the green valley as a reward. Back along the Derwent River you can take a break at a cafe before walking the last few flat kilometres to a jetty on the mysterious Derwent Water. Take the ferry across this lake with many islands and bordered by ancient forest (ferry ticket is included in the package). After half an hour you will reach stately Keswick, with a beautiful historic centre, where you can take the bus to travel back to Windermere in 1 hour.

Arrangements end after breakfast.