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Home , Buttermere, Duddon Valley, Furness Fells, Hardknott Pass, Newlands Valley, Old Man of Coniston

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007

Walk The District - 9 Day Self-Guided , , Black Pass, Valley, ,

Duration 9 days / 8 nights

Start Windemere Railway Station

Finish Windemere Railway Station

Immerse yourself in the majestic landscape of the by walking along some of the most picturesque and dramatic walking routes has to offer, enjoying the freedoms of walking in at your own pace, in your own time. Drink in the landscapes, the (hills), dales (valleys) and the and the stunning colours and light from Easter until the onset of winter. Enjoy the history and heritage of England’s Lake Country and rediscover the English countryside by walking on your own, as a couple or bringing friends and family to walk with you.

We take all the hassle out of walking by including all luggage transfers, organising and booking all accommodation, lunch and dinner recommendations, providing maps, GPS instructions, and by recommending all the iconic views and vistas on route as well as the towns and villages, estates, gardens, ancient sites and more along the way. There is so much to the see - by lifting up your eyes every step of the way!

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007

Itinerary

Pre-Trip, Windemere. Most guests will stay the night before the tour in Windermere and we are more than happy to arrange additional accommodation, please ask when booking! There is much to do in this village set on the shore of the Lake District’s largest lake and it is the perfect place to relax and settle into the local area before beginning your walking trip.

Day 1: Windermere to Coniston. After meeting your guide and following a full safety briefing you depart Bowness on Windermere and catch the famous Ferry House Ferry over the lake. Our route leads you to walk close to the shore of the lake and over the rolling hills to before heading gently downhill to the charming village of Coniston and a well-earned night to relax.

OPTIONS: 9 miles Gently Rolling

Day 2: Coniston to Eskdale. Heading out of Coniston our walking route follows the old Walna Scarr Road below the Old Man of Coniston, travelling through the beautiful and remote before walking around the side of Harter and following the River Esk to Eskdale. The walking is generally easy but you will actually ascent more on this day than any other - with the total of approaching 950m / 3000ft.

There is the option for a different or additional walk on this day by climbing the famous Old Man of Consiton. ‘Old man’ is Norse for a pile of stones or cairn and Consiton is the King’s Town, so it roughly translates as the Old Cairn of King’s Town. It is the highest peak in the Fells at 803 meters in height. From here you climb the , a steep and twisting road that is great fun for those looking for a challenge, into Eskdale. Known as the steepest road in England you’ll certainly have earned your dinner by taking on this challenging route.

OPTIONS: 11 miles (or our extended route) Rolling, 950m elevation

Day 3: Eskdale to Wasdale Head. Following the river Esk downstream we cross over the old Eskdale to railway line and after an easy climb via Iron Fell you arrive at , where there is a choice to walk on the road on the Eastern side of the lake or take on the loose scree slopes on the western bank to the to the Wasdale Head Inn. A stunning loop, and a shorter day which allows those looking for a longer route to consider the climb up Scafell, should you have time, as a substitute walk for the day, England’s highest mountain.

OPTIONS: 8 miles (or climbing Scafell)

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 Gently Rolling (or steep uphill!)

Day 4: Wasdale Head to Buttermere. From Wasdale Head the route heads through Mosedale before you climb up to the col (saddle) of Black Sail Pass to be rewarded with a grand view into Ennerdale with a wide range of peaks forming a superb backdrop. You then head into Ennerdale before a gentle climb brings you to Scarth Gap Pass and into the Buttermere Valley. Buttermere is a beautiful, quiet valley possessing three lakes and well worth an afternoon of pottering around. There is an additional great walk around the lake itself.

OPTIONS: 8 miles Rolling

Day 5: Buttermere to Keswick. You climb out of Buttermere following a well-defined path to the top of Rigg Beck and to where the famous ‘Purple House’ used to stand, a favourite place to stay for Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes among others, though now in ruin from an unfortunate fire. Down the other side into the peaceful , continue on and underneath the slopes of Catbells en route to Keswick and its lively atmosphere after a few days in the wilderness.

We also provide an alternative route via the summit of Catbells, one of the most popular short climbs in the Lake District, which rewards you with spectacular views of the northern fells, and the lakes of and Bassenthwaite.

OPTIONS: 10 miles Rolling

Day 6: Keswick to Rosthwaite. Leaving Keswick, retrace your steps to Portinscale and follow the level lakeshore path along Derwentwater through ancient oak forests and into Rosthwaite, set within the picture postcard Valley. This is a shorter and flatter day and ideal should you want a slightly early finish.

OPTIONS: 7 miles Gently Rolling

Day 7: Rosthwaite to . From Rosthwaite you climb Greenup Edge on a steep but clear path. There is then a choice to take the easier route down to the valley of Far Easedale, suitable for dry days as this can get boggy underfoot after rainfall. Or you can choose to walk over the Lion and the Lamb (also known as Helm Crag) which, despite its low height, sits prominently at the end of the ridge providing incredible views into the valleys below, before heading down into Grasmere.

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 OPTIONS: 8.5 miles Rolling

Day 8: Grasmere to . Today’s route takes in the Helvellyn range, a North-South line of mountains where there are two choices, the lower choice over the pass at Grisedale Tarn or, for the more adventurous, via the summit of Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in the Lake District, before dropping down to Patterdale on the shores of , where the clear lake reflects back the beautiful mountain scenery in a perfect mirror on a wind free day.

OPTIONS: 8 miles Rolling

Day 9: Patterdale to Windermere. Your final day’s walk leaves Patterdale and Ullswater behind as you follow Pasture Beck upstream under Raven Crag. The trail leaves the valley floor and zigzags up steeply until you reach Threshthwaite Mouth with great views over the verdant valley below. You’ll also look down onto Windermere, the final stopping point on your walking journey and the completion of your walking circuit throughout the best of the Lake District. We will help you with all ongoing travel arrangements from Lake Windemere, recommending the train as the best option to begin your onwards journey.

There is the option to spend additional nights in Windermere and we would only be too pleased to organise accommodation for you.

OPTIONS: 13 miles Rolling

The Details Duration 9 Days / 8 nights Start Windemere Railway Station Finish Windemere Railway Station

Level of Activity

This tour is rated 4/5 for difficulty meaning it’s appropriate for guests going for a good hike and can handle a good few inclines and happy to be walking for the majority of the day. The full route is 93 miles (149 km), with an average of 610m (2000ft) each day, though this varies. Walkers must be confident in reading maps with a compass and following route description notes. Be prepare The terrain you cover is varied. You’ll enjoy some rolling hills and

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 mountains, with wonderful downhills and a number of steeper climbs which will be more demanding. Rewarding views are guaranteed! Daily distances are 8-13 miles.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• All accommodation on a twin / double • Daytime Food & Drink and Dinners occupancy basis • Privately Arranged Transportation • All breakfasts (e.g. Evening Taxis) • Walking Poles • Any Private Expenses • Maps, GPS and navigation assistance • Travel insurance, highly • Emergency support recommended for an active holiday • Luggage Transfers • Lunch and dinner recommendations • Transfers to and from the start of the tour from stated pick up and drop off points (see below)

Travel Advice to the Start of the Tour

By Air: The nearest international airports are Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL) or (GLA).

By Train: You can travel by train to Windermere. By Public Transport: Train to Windermere from Oxenholme main line station on the West Coast Mainline.

By Road: From the South: From the M6 take the A65 (Junction35), then the A591 to . About 30 minutes from the motorway. From the North: From the M6 take the A66 (Junction 40), then the A591 to Ambleside. About 40 minutes from the motorway.

For more information please call +44 1865 513007 or contact [email protected]