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Lake District Walking Tour

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Lake District Walking Tour
From $850USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
7 Days from $850USD
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Wasdale by Andrew Locking
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Keswick, located in the heart of the Lake District, provides the perfect base for exploring one of England’s most stunning landscapes. This seven-day self-guided walking tour includes a variety of routes, from gentle walks around Derwentwater Lake to more challenging ascents of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Daily hikes offer breathtaking views of lakes, valleys, and historical sites such as the Castlerigg Stone Circle. Accommodation is provided in comfortable guesthouses in Keswick, with breakfast included, while local restaurants and pubs serve traditional Cumbrian specialties for dinner.

The tour is flexible, catering to different fitness levels, with options for shorter or longer variations each day. For those looking for additional activities, boat trips on Derwentwater, exploring the charming town of Keswick, or visiting museums and local festivals are great alternatives. Trails pass through unspoiled nature, forests, and mountain landscapes, offering a true English countryside experience. With well-marked routes and a digital guide, participants can enjoy the freedom of independent exploration without the need for guided groups.

England, Europe
Happiness promise

Lake District Walking Tour

Walk in the very heart of the Lake District with your group only
4.70
(45 reviews)
7 Days from $850USD
Easy quote
Duration
7 Days
Season
Mar-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $850USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Wasdale by Andrew Locking
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Keswick, located in the heart of the Lake District, provides the perfect base for exploring one of England’s most stunning landscapes. This seven-day self-guided walking tour includes a variety of routes, from gentle walks around Derwentwater Lake to more challenging ascents of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Daily hikes offer breathtaking views of lakes, valleys, and historical sites such as the Castlerigg Stone Circle. Accommodation is provided in comfortable guesthouses in Keswick, with breakfast included, while local restaurants and pubs serve traditional Cumbrian specialties for dinner.

The tour is flexible, catering to different fitness levels, with options for shorter or longer variations each day. For those looking for additional activities, boat trips on Derwentwater, exploring the charming town of Keswick, or visiting museums and local festivals are great alternatives. Trails pass through unspoiled nature, forests, and mountain landscapes, offering a true English countryside experience. With well-marked routes and a digital guide, participants can enjoy the freedom of independent exploration without the need for guided groups.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Observe the stunning mountains & shimmering lakes

Stay in a good selection of BnB’s and inns along your route

Enjoy the touch of Victoria Heritage and Beatrix Potter

Hike at your own pace with all the logistics being taken care for you

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10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrival in Keswick
Make your own way to Keswick, located in the heart of the northern lakes, nestled between Derwent Water and the towering Skiddaw peak. This lively market town, with its agricultural and industrial history, revolves around the historic Moot Hall, which once served as a courthouse and jail and is now a tourist office. Keswick is home to a range of outdoor shops, restaurants, an old cinema, a theatre, and even a pencil museum, where graphite was first discovered in the surrounding fells and used for marking sheep. There's plenty to explore, even on rainy days, including boat trips, a variety of pubs, and, if time allows, a short walk to the Keswick Stone Circle, a Neolithic structure offering breathtaking views.
Distance None
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Scenic walk around Derwent Water and Lodore Falls
This walk is suitable for most weather conditions and takes you all the way around Derwent Water. You can shorten the route by taking a ferry to various points along the lake. The path gently winds along the water's edge, occasionally following roads where direct lake access isn't possible. Along the way, you'll spot the striking Centenary Stone sculpture in the water. A brief detour leads to Lodore Falls, which are especially dramatic after rain. Crossing the 'Chinese Bridge' on the southern side of the lake, you'll return to Keswick via Lingholm, Beatrix Potter's former home, where you can enjoy a café and walled gardens. The route also takes you through lovely mixed woodlands, and on a warm day, you might even want to take a refreshing swim in one of the quieter bays or beaches on the lake’s southwestern side.
Distance 4 hours, 17.3 km
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
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Ascent of Skiddaw and views from Latrigg
At 931 meters (3,054 ft), Skiddaw is the sixth-highest mountain in England. Dominating the skyline of Keswick and the northern lakes, it is one of the easier peaks in the Lake District to climb at this height. The route passes over a smaller peak called Little Man, which can be bypassed, though it provides the best views of Derwent Water. On clear days, the wide summit ridge offers stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the remote fells to the north. While it’s easiest to descend the same way you came, there’s also a steep route down to villages south of Skiddaw, followed by a cross-country trail back into Keswick. If the weather is unfavorable on the peaks, but the views remain, there’s a shorter option to Latrigg, a famous viewpoint. From there, you can continue on a circular walk through Brundholme Woods, returning to Keswick.
Distance 5-6 hours, 16.5 km
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Castlerigg Stone Circle and St. John’s in the Vale Walk
This delightful "figure of 8" walk begins with an ascent to the popular Castlerigg Stone Circle, then takes you along quieter trails to the peaceful St. John’s in the Vale, a charming valley with a small church. You’ll follow a scenic lane above St. John’s Beck, passing through woods and fields, with the opportunity to stop for tea at Low Bridge Farm. After crossing the A591 road, you can shorten the walk by taking a bus back to Keswick, or continue along a minor road around Thirlmere, then follow tracks via Shoulthwaite and Shaw Bank, retracing part of the path in reverse before heading through fields and into the trees of Springs Wood on your way back to Keswick. For those seeking a longer walk, a short bus ride to Borrowdale leads to a low to medium-level linear walk along the Cumbria Way. Enjoy the scenic route as you follow the River Derwent to the stunning, island-studded Derwentwater. The Cumbria Way hugs the valley floor and lakeshore, offering opportunities to stop for coffee or lunch at a café in Grange-in-Borrowdale, or to picnic along the lakeside. If you wish to extend the walk, you can make a detour from Hawse End to climb the beautiful little peak of Catbells.
Distance 5-6 hours, 21.6 km
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
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Newlands Valley and Hindscarth Ridge Walk
This stunning walk is perhaps the best of the holiday and should be saved for a clear, sunny day. Newlands is a hidden gem, a tranquil area of farms and pastures nestled behind the popular peak of Catbells, far removed from the bustle of Keswick. After a pause to enjoy the breathtaking views, the walk continues up to Maiden Moor, then on to High Spy. From there, you’ll follow cairns across the moors, descending to Dale Head Tarn, before climbing steeply to Dale Head at the top of the Newlands Valley. After briefly skirting the head of Buttermere, the path descends sharply through heather and bracken along Hindscarth Ridge into the Newlands Valley. Leaving the fells, you’ll pass through farms on your way to Little Town, which is more of a hamlet than a village. There’s no public transport here, and no pub, but a farm café usually provides refreshments near the end of the walk. From there, you can either walk out or arrange a taxi from Keswick. Alternatively, you can take public transport further along or walk back to Keswick via the village of Portinscale.
Distance 5.5-7 hours, 18 km
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
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Blencathra summit and Threlkeld village walk
After a short bus ride to the hamlet of Scales, this scenic walk takes you up Blencathra (868 m / 2,848 ft) via a remote path near Scales Fell, leading to the oval-shaped Scales Tarn, nestled in the upper part of a small valley. From here, a short but steep climb takes you to the summit, where you’ll follow the broad ridge all the way to Blease Fell at the ridge's end. The descent is easy, leading you back to the Blencathra Centre. From here, you can either walk back through Brundholme Wood along the woodland road or follow the railway track back to town. Alternatively, you can head down to the charming village of Threlkeld, where you'll find a couple of pubs and a coffee shop. A bus runs every hour, offering a convenient ride back to Keswick.
Distance 5 hours, 14 km
Overnight Location Keswick
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
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Departure day
After breakfast, the tour concludes as you depart Keswick.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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4.70 (45 reviews)
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Dates and prices
👇 Prices below are per person

Price Per Person Sharing Double

Single Travelling in Group

Solo Traveller

DatesPrice Per Person Sharing DoubleSingle Travelling in GroupSolo Traveller
Low Season - April & October$850USD$975USD$975USD
Mid Season - July & August$950USD$1,050USD$1,050USD
High Season - May, June, September$975USD$1,095USD$1,095USD
*Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group
What’s included

Meals

6 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage is not included throughout the tour.

Also Included

  • Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees where applicable
  • Detailed route information and GPX files
  • Access to a personalized digital itinerary and roadbook

Not included

  • Flights to and from Keswick
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions

Accommodation for Lake District Walking Tour

This tour is based on bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and small hotels. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Lake District Walking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. This tour offers a mix of easy lakeside walks and more demanding mountain hikes. While some routes, like the Derwentwater circuit, are relatively gentle, others involve significant ascents, such as Skiddaw (931m) and Blencathra (868m). Trails are well-marked but include uneven terrain and steep sections. Suitable for those with moderate fitness levels, with options to shorten or extend daily walks.

Do I need a visa to travel to England?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Lake District Walking Tour?

6 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover walking. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Keswick to start this tour?

Fly into Manchester or Newcastle airports, then take a train to Penrith, about 17 miles from Keswick. From Penrith, you can take a bus or taxi to Keswick. Alternatively, you can drive directly to Keswick via the A66 or A591.

Is the Lake District Walking Tour in English?

This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as a helpline phone number.

Where does the Lake District Walking Tour end?

The tour ends in Keswick.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to England?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for England?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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