A Taste of the Lake District on Foot

Make your way to Keswick, a historic market town in the heart of the Lake District. Easily accessible from the West Coast Mainline train station at nearby Penrith, Keswick is a small town with a population of around 7000 people. The town is clustered around the Market Square and historic Moot Hall. There is lots to see and do – visit the local museums, shop for outdoor gear, take a boat trip on the lake, see a show at Theatre by the Lake or take the short walk down to the lakeshore to enjoy the iconic view of Catbells and the Newlands fells across Derwentwater. Accommodation: spend 2 nights at comfortable, centrally located Keswick hotel.

After a hearty English breakfast, set out on foot for a hike from your door. Today’s walk is the ascent of Walla Crag from where there are panoramic views out to the Irish Sea and the high fells of Borrowdale and the Newlands Valley. Derwentwater Lake glistens below. After an initial gradual ascent from Keswick, the path opens out onto open fell before the final short but steep ascent to the summit. The path meanders along the top of the crag through rocky outcrops and heather affording excellent views. The descent is gradual and a stop at iconic Ashness Bridge for a photo opportunity is a must. Reaching the lake you can choose to follow the path along the lakeshore to Keswick or take a boat or open-top bus back to Keswick. If you’d like a lower level walk, then we recommend the circuit of Derwentwater. This walk is largely flat, on good footpaths, fabulous lake and fell views and sections of trail through ancient woodland home to red squirrels. There are several cafes and many perfect picnic spots on the way, and you can always shorten the walk by taking the launch boat or bus back to Keswick.

Transfer 12.5 miles to Grasmere, former home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Nestling at the foot of spectacular fells, Grasmere has its own lake and the small village boasts many pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. This unique and delicious gingerbread is made daily from a secret recipe and is the perfect sweet treat for a picnic (or souvenir to bring home!). A visit to Dove Cottage at the Wordsworth Grasmere Centre is essential. The cottage was home to poets William and Dorothy Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808. Even if you are not interested in literary history, this 17th century stone cottage is worth a visit for the insight into Lake District life in times past. Alternatively, take a rowing boat from the village jetty out on to Grasmere, stroll around the valley or while away the afternoon and enjoy the views with an outdoor picnic in the beautifully located park, home to Grasmere sports show in August each year. There is an excellent bus service between Keswick and Grasmere departing every hour, but we can arrange private transfer if you prefer (additional cost). Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at a comfortable Grasmere hotel.

Today’s walk is the ascent of Silver Howe, one of Dorothy Wordsworth’s favourite local viewpoints. It includes a descent via scenic Easedale Tarn to return to Grasmere. A more moderate walk, the path meanders through trees and fields before ascending into open fell. The summit of Silver How (393m/1290ft) is a fantastic viewpoint for the valley below and the high fells of the Lake District on all sides. The trail meanders across the fell tops with the Langdale Pikes on the horizon as you reach Blea Rigg before taking the steep descent down to Easedale Tarn. The path gradient softens for the descent down into the pastoral scenes of the Easedale Valley before returning to Grasmere. Should you wish, you can stop off at Allan Bank house, another former home of the Wordsworth family before reaching the village. If you would prefer a shorter option today, you can opt for the circuit of Grasmere Lake.

Leave your bags at your hotel, and set out on foot from Grasmere to walk to Ambleside via Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water. Today’s walk is easy-angled for the most part and the views of the lakes and fells are inspiring in all weathers. The trail follows the south shore of Grasmere and then ascends to the terrace path below Loughrigg Fell. Pass by Rydal Cave, a large and atmospheric cavern excavated for the local slate quarrying trade. You will notice many of the local buildings are constructed of Lakeland stone with distinctive slate roofing. Descending to Rydal Village, you have the option to visit Rydal Mount, another Wordsworth home. Grander than Dove Cottage, the Wordsworths lived here in later life when William had become a famous poet. The gardens are lovely and the house offers an insight into the life of an early 19tth century gentleman. From Rydal it’s a short walk to Ambleside. At the northern end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is popular with walkers, climbers and watersport enthusiasts. The town has many excellent bars and restaurants, an arthouse cinema and some interesting museums. Explore the town and celebrate the end of your journey with a well-deserved dinner in one of the local hostelries. Accommodation: your last night in the Lake District is spent at a comfortable hotel with spa in Ambleside. Note our first choice hotel requires 2 night stays on Fridays and Saturdays so please factor this in when planning your dates. Or why not stay an extra night? There is lots to see and do in Ambleside. Alternatively, we can book other local accommodation for you. Speak to a member of our team for advice.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area, or travel on to Windermere (5 miles, regular bus and taxi service) where there is a train station connecting to the West Coast mainline between London and Edinburgh/Glasgow.