Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour

Arrive in the morning at the Penrith train station. Here your guide will welcome you and give you a brief introduction to your tour. Transfer from Penrith to a scenic location along Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient fortification built to defend the northwestern frontier of the Roman empire. Walk a loop around this area, following a segment of the wall and visiting one of Britain’s best archaeological sites at Vindolanda fort. Return to the van and drive to the coast of Northumberland National Park. Check in to your hotel near the well-known Bamburgh Castle and relax after a busy day.

Travel a short distance north to Holy Island to explore the ruins of a 7th Century priory that was destroyed by a Viking raid during the 8th Century. There is also a museum where you can learn more about the area’s history. Spend either the morning or the afternoon on Holy Island, depending on the tide schedule, since you will reach the island by crossing a tidal causeway. Before or after your trip to the island, take a walk along St. Oswald’s Way starting in Bamburgh. This beautiful walkway follows the shoreline beneath the walls of the mighty castle.

Today you’ll walk through the moors and hills of Northumberland National Park. Travel via the town of Wooler into the northern part of the park and walk through the Cheviot hills. Traverse the ups and downs of the open countryside, enjoying marvellous views on each summit. Be sure to bring your camera today to capture the spectacular panoramic views. The route takes you from the fort at Humbleton Hill to the rugged Watch Hill.

Before leaving Northumberland today, stop to visit the iconic Alnwick Castle and Gardens. You’ll have the morning to explore this historic castle that you may recognize from the Downton Abbey series or the Harry Potter films. Meander through the extensive gardens, find your way through the maze, and so much more. After leaving the castle, check out the famous second-hand bookstore Barter Books, located in an old railway station. In the afternoon, travel west to Buttermere in the Lake District and check in to your hotel.

Explore the Buttermere Valley today with a walk that starts right at the door of your hotel. Notice the contrast between this landscape and that in Northumberland. Here there are high dramatic crags and ridges (known as fells) that tower over the valley in all directions. There are a number of walking routes to choose from in this area, so your guide will select the best route based on current conditions and the needs and wishes of your group. Today may be a gentle stroll around the lake or a more challenging hike to higher ground.

Head to the town of Keswick in the morning and start your hike through the Borrowdale Valley. Discover why this valley is considered among the most beautiful in the Lake District. Leave Keswick and follow the trail south along the Derwentwater lake, then climb to the summit of Cat Bells (451 m / 1,480 ft). From here you’ll have spectacular views of the whole Borrowdale Valley. After pausing to absorb the view, hike down again and return to Keswick by ferry. Spend some time exploring the town, then return to your hotel for a special dinner to celebrate the completion of your tour.

On this last day of the tour, travel to Ullswater to explore another valley that’s regarded among the most beautiful in the Lake District. Ullswater is a 7.5-mile glacial lake which was formed by three glaciers. This beautiful lake is the focal point of a breathtaking valley surrounded by green, grassy slopes and rugged peaks. From the shores of Ullswater, walk uphill along the Aira Beck stream. You’ll pass the dramatic Aira Force waterfall as you make your way to the open fell above it. The view from here is incredible as you can see not only the Ullswater lake and valley but beyond to other Lakeland fells. Hike back to the van for a traditional cream tea to end your tour, then drive back to the train station at Penrith. Please plan your onward travel for after 4:00 PM.