The Lake District Route in 8 days
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Hotel accommodations
Explore England's largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing the tops of the most famous peaks, amid waterfalls and beautiful pre-glacial lakes or tarns, which give this route its name through the Lake District.
Discover England's mountain scenery and lakes on a tour among the villages of Ambleside, Coniston, Boot, Buttermere, Keswick and Patterdale, amid open moors, picturesque valleys and mixed forest and heather filled trails with literary history.
- Discover Windermere, England's largest natural lake.
- Visit Bowness-On-Windermere with the award-winning Beatrix Potter World, which brings classic children's stories to life.
- Tour Coniston, the town home of writer Arthur Ransome and revolutionary artist John Ruskin.
- Cross the River Duddon, immortalized by the poet William Wordsworth in "The River Duddon, a series of sonnets."
- Get to know Eskdale Mill, one of the oldest corn mills in the country.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Ambleside
Discover one of the most popular cities in the Lake District, located at the northern end of Windermere, England's largest natural lake, which has been a settlement since pre-Roman times.
Tour the Roman fort of Galava from 79 A.D, Bridge House, built on the Stock ravine more than 300 years ago or St. Mary's Church with its stone needles and murals from the Second World War.
Tour the Roman fort of Galava from 79 A.D, Bridge House, built on the Stock ravine more than 300 years ago or St. Mary's Church with its stone needles and murals from the Second World War.
Overnight in Ambleside
Lacet House
Located in the heart of Ambleside, and within the scenic Lake District National Park, this property is surrounded by mountains and with the top of Windermere within walking distance.
It offers six double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy a full English breakfast in the dining room with stunning views of the hills and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers six double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy a full English breakfast in the dining room with stunning views of the hills and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Ambleside to Coniston 12 miles | 19 km
Cross the River Rothay and Loughrigg Terrace and follow the path to Rydal Cave, an artificial 19th-century quarry, and then ascend the hills of Loughrigg Fell. At its top, Trig Point, 335 m and the highest point on the route, admire Lake Windermere's splendid views to the south and hills.
Descend a steep path overlooking northwest to Lake Grasmere and Langdale Pikes and follow the route to Skelwith Bridge. Walk through forests and valleys to the Tarn Hows. After learning about the land that was bought by Beatrix Potter in 1929, you'll enter the village of Coniston through farmland.
Admire the Old Man of Coniston Hill that rises to the bottom of the village and visit the Ruskin Museum which houses an exhibition of Donald Campbell's exploits at Coniston Water and his craft, Bluebird.
Descend a steep path overlooking northwest to Lake Grasmere and Langdale Pikes and follow the route to Skelwith Bridge. Walk through forests and valleys to the Tarn Hows. After learning about the land that was bought by Beatrix Potter in 1929, you'll enter the village of Coniston through farmland.
Admire the Old Man of Coniston Hill that rises to the bottom of the village and visit the Ruskin Museum which houses an exhibition of Donald Campbell's exploits at Coniston Water and his craft, Bluebird.
Overnight in Coniston
The Yewdale Inn
This 19th-century accommodation is located in the center of Coniston, within the Lake District National Park.
Enjoy the bar and café that serves a diverse menu crafted with local ingredients. Additionally, you'll find a variety of shops in the surrounding area.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy the bar and café that serves a diverse menu crafted with local ingredients. Additionally, you'll find a variety of shops in the surrounding area.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Coniston to Boot 12,5 miles | 20 km
Leave from Coniston Water, the third largest lake in the Lake District, and climb the demanding Walna Scar Road slate route, where the side winds in the valley and flying eagles adorn the landscape of the Old Man of Coniston in the distance, the highest peak on the Furness Fells.
Cross a number of hills and mountains on Furness or Coniston Fells and venture into Duddon Valley. Climb to Birker Fell as you admire the views of Scafell Pike at its top.
Descend into the Eskdale Valley, stop at Forge Bridge by the River Esk and picnic on its pebbled shore, before reaching the picturesque village of Boot. Visit its small shop, and the Boot Inn and Brook House Inn pubs or the fascinating Eskdale Mill on the old packhorse bridge.
Cross a number of hills and mountains on Furness or Coniston Fells and venture into Duddon Valley. Climb to Birker Fell as you admire the views of Scafell Pike at its top.
Descend into the Eskdale Valley, stop at Forge Bridge by the River Esk and picnic on its pebbled shore, before reaching the picturesque village of Boot. Visit its small shop, and the Boot Inn and Brook House Inn pubs or the fascinating Eskdale Mill on the old packhorse bridge.
Overnight in Boot
Woolpack Inn
Surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, this award-winning accommodation and traditional pub is located at the top of Eskdale and at the foot of Scafell.
It offers rooms with bathroom, bath or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, toiletries and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy breakfast, and a coffee or a drink in its beautiful bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers rooms with bathroom, bath or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, toiletries and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy breakfast, and a coffee or a drink in its beautiful bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Boot to Buttermere 12,5 miles | 20 km
Take the stony path to Whillan Beck and pass the remote Burnmoor Lodge until you find Burnmoor Tarn, one of the largest natural lakes in the Lake District. It borders the northern part of Lake Wastwater, the deepest in England, at 15 m below sea level, and crosses the grass fields to cross Eskdale Fell.
Climb up Wasdale Valley, the wildest in the Lake District, stretching to the Great Gable and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. Visit very close to the small church of St. Olaf, possibly the smallest in England.
A descending walk through Scarth Gap Pass overlooking Lake Crummock Water will take you to the village of Buttermere. Visit St. James' Church and its monument to the author of tour guides, Alfred Wainwright.
Climb up Wasdale Valley, the wildest in the Lake District, stretching to the Great Gable and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. Visit very close to the small church of St. Olaf, possibly the smallest in England.
A descending walk through Scarth Gap Pass overlooking Lake Crummock Water will take you to the village of Buttermere. Visit St. James' Church and its monument to the author of tour guides, Alfred Wainwright.
Overnight in Buttermere
Wood House B&B
This guest house is set in a beautiful National Trust-owned house in Buttermere Valley, with private access to Lake Crummock Water.
It features rooms with beautiful lake views and a spectacular lounge with a fireplace and a piano where you can enjoy a pleasant break.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It features rooms with beautiful lake views and a spectacular lounge with a fireplace and a piano where you can enjoy a pleasant break.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Buttermere to Keswick 14 miles | 22 km
This route starts on the western coast of Crummock Water and then ascends to the narrow Gasdale Ravine. Reach the top and admire the views of Derwent Valley and the high crags.
It descends past Force Crag, the last working metal mine in the Lake District and runs down the road under Grisedale Pike. Then cross the rocky stretch of Coledale Beck, before crossing the villages of Braithwaite and Portinscale, before reaching Keswick.
Tour this market town and visit Moot Hall, the Theatre by the Lake and one of Britain's oldest theaters, the Alhambra.
It descends past Force Crag, the last working metal mine in the Lake District and runs down the road under Grisedale Pike. Then cross the rocky stretch of Coledale Beck, before crossing the villages of Braithwaite and Portinscale, before reaching Keswick.
Tour this market town and visit Moot Hall, the Theatre by the Lake and one of Britain's oldest theaters, the Alhambra.
Overnight in Keswick
Keswick Park Hotel
A Victorian-style building dating back to the 19th century, it offers spectacular views. In the vicinity, you can find the prominent city market, as well as numerous museums and restaurants.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Keswick to Patterdale 14 miles | 22 km
Start the walk along the River Greta and head west to the famous Castlerigg Stone Circle, a megalithic stone monument dating from 3200 BC.
Explore the conifer forest and admire the scenery through the fields, particularly towards Blencathra, the gateway to St. John's in the Vale glacial valley. Visit the small hillside church before heading through the northern valley to the meandering St. John's Beck, along with the views to the west of Clough Head.
Advance to the headwaters of Thirlmere Reservoir and then descend along the Grisedale Valley to Glenridding, a small village near Kirkstone Pass. Admire the views of Helvellyn Mountain, the third highest mountain in England, before reaching Patterdale.
Explore the conifer forest and admire the scenery through the fields, particularly towards Blencathra, the gateway to St. John's in the Vale glacial valley. Visit the small hillside church before heading through the northern valley to the meandering St. John's Beck, along with the views to the west of Clough Head.
Advance to the headwaters of Thirlmere Reservoir and then descend along the Grisedale Valley to Glenridding, a small village near Kirkstone Pass. Admire the views of Helvellyn Mountain, the third highest mountain in England, before reaching Patterdale.
Overnight in Patterdale
Old Water Wiew
Located on the banks of Goldrill Beck, it was the hotel where Alfred Wainwright stayed while creating the world-famous "Coast to Coast" walk, whose route passes 100 yards from the hotel.
It offers rooms with central heating, private bathroom, wifi, TV and other amenities. Enjoy the Wainwright C2C Bar and Patterdale Ales' own range, made exclusively for the hotel by the famous Tirril Brewery.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers rooms with central heating, private bathroom, wifi, TV and other amenities. Enjoy the Wainwright C2C Bar and Patterdale Ales' own range, made exclusively for the hotel by the famous Tirril Brewery.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Patterdale to Ambleside 12 miles | 19 km
Cross Fairfield Peak through the valley to Grisedale Tarn until you spot the fantastic Lake Grasmere. Walk along the path that runs through the Rydal conservation area, a village scattered between Grasmere and Ambleside on the banks of the river.
Head through forests to Rydal Mount before walking along the hillside over the lake and find the ancient slate huts and Dove Cottage, home to the poet William Wordsworth.
Visit Rydal Mount, another home of the poet from 1813 to 1850, Dora's Field, a field of daffodils that he planted, before reaching Ambleside.
Head through forests to Rydal Mount before walking along the hillside over the lake and find the ancient slate huts and Dove Cottage, home to the poet William Wordsworth.
Visit Rydal Mount, another home of the poet from 1813 to 1850, Dora's Field, a field of daffodils that he planted, before reaching Ambleside.
Overnight in Ambleside
Lacet House
Located in the heart of Ambleside, and within the scenic Lake District National Park, this property is surrounded by mountains and with the top of Windermere within walking distance.
It offers six double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy a full English breakfast in the dining room with stunning views of the hills and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers six double bedrooms, each with a private bathroom or shower, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and complimentary refreshments. Enjoy a full English breakfast in the dining room with stunning views of the hills and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Ambleside
For your return from Ambleside and depending on your next destination, take a bus or train to Manchester, London or Glasgow.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To get to Ambleside, the best option is Manchester Airport, although you can also arrive at London Airport or Glasgow Airport. From Manchester, take a bus or train, via Windermere, to the city of Ambleside (approximately 3 hours).
For your return from Ambleside, and depending on your next destination, take a bus or train to Manchester, London or Glasgow.
For your return from Ambleside, and depending on your next destination, take a bus or train to Manchester, London or Glasgow.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 40 lbs (18 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What is the best time of the year to complete this route?
The route is available between April and October, so any time you choose between these months will give you an amazing experience, as the weather in spring is pleasant and cool for walking.
In summer, the lakes and flowers create beautiful scenery along the route, and in autumn, the trails are not very crowded.
Considering the typical lake climate, there may be persistent rain or strong gusts of wind, so we recommend taking good equipment such as windproof clothing and sunscreen.
Is this walking holiday for me?
Whether you're passionate about walking through World Heritage-listed settings, amid valleys, moors, majestic lakes and national parks, or extreme sporting experiences, this is the ideal route for you.
If you enjoy outdoor experiences observing natural wonders, you will also love sighting migratory birds, visit villages and taste typical coastal food. In addition, you can enjoy adventure on cruises, motor boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing or swimming.
Why should my physical preparation be?
This route is rated as of moderate-strenuous difficulty, with some slightly demanding ascents and descents through steep valleys, mountains or moors and by lakes with rocky or swampy trails.
We recommend having an active lifestyle and be in good physical condition. If not, we suggest preparing the months before starting the route by walking daily in mountainous terrain. You can also improve your endurance with cardio exercises.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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