3-Night Northern Lake District Festive Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: Lake District & England Trip code: DBXFW-3 2, 3 & 5 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Celebrate Christmas in the Northern Lake District The landscaped gardens sloping down to the stunning lake coupled with the variety of walks on offer make Derwentwater an ideal location for your festive holiday. Warm, welcoming inns round off both lakeside and high mountain walks, where you can enjoy a camaraderie special for this time of year. There’s something magical about walking in winter. Whether it’s the frosty footsteps, the clear crisp air, or the breathtaking views, it’s a wonderful time to go walking. Join our festive breaks and choose from a guided walking holiday in the company of one of our knowledgeable leaders. We pull out all the stops on our festive holidays, with fabulous food, lots of seasonal entertainment and great walks and activities. The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. So wrap up warm, lace up your boots and go for an invigorating walk. WHAT'S INCLUDED • Wonderful meals - full selection at breakfast, your choice of picnic lunch, an excellent evening meal and www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 plenty of festive treats. • A full programme of guided walks or activities • The services of experienced HF Holidays' leaders • Transport to and from the walks • Activities in the evenings • A packed programme of evening activities offering something festive for everyone, including some old HF favourites • A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Years Eve HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Stay in the comfort of our Country House on the shores of Derwent Water • Enjoy an excellent variety of walks boasting stunning views of Lakeland fells, lakes and tumbling waterfalls TRIP SUITABILITY Climb the mighty summit of Blencathra; explore the intricate Grisedale and Glencoyne valleys carved into the fell-side around Ullswater; visit charming Lakeland Villages; soak up the scenery on lakeside paths around Derwentwater, and Buttermere. The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. Typically, easier walks are up to a maximum of 6 miles (9½km), medium walks are up to a maximum of 9 miles (14½km), while harder walks can be up to a maximum of 11 miles (17½km). ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Threlkeld And Blencathra Option 1 - Below Blencathra Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 650 ft (200m) In Summary: We walk from Threlkeld through fields and along part of the River Greta into Keswick and then back to Derwent Bank. Highlight: On a clear day you will get fantastic views of Skiddaw and Blencathra. Option 2 - Glenderaterra Valley Distance:10½ miles (17km) Total ascent: 1,950 feet (580m) In Summary: Walk from the village of Threlkeld into the lonely valley of Glenderaterra Beck. We follow a terraced path high above the valley and take in the stunning viewpoint of Latrigg on our return via Keswick. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Highlight: Look out for the graves of Robert Southey and Canon Rawnsley as you pass Crossthwaite Church. Option 3 - Scales Fell And Blencathra Distance: 10 miles (16.1km) Ascent: 2936ft (895 metres) In Summary: We walk from Scales Farm past Scales Tarn and so on to the summit of Blencathra. We walk along the tops to then descent down the flank of Blease Fell. We then head towards the Cumbrian Way, Keswick and finally Derwent Bank for a well deserved rest! Highlight: Walking past the beautiful Scales Tarn with a grandstand view of the imposing Sharp Edge. Day 3: Newlands Valley And Fells Option 1 - Swinside Circuit Distance: 6.0 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 500 feet (150m) In Summary: This gentle walk takes us into the Newlands valley, a sparsely populated farming area surrounded by high fells. After following Newlands Beck we cross the valley to the lower slopes of Cat Bells returning to the house via fields and woodland. Highlight: Explore quaint Newlands Church, which once inspired William Wordsworth. Option 2 - Newlands Valley Distance: 6 miles (10km) Ascent: 700 feet (200m) In Summary: Walk through the tranquil green Newlands Valley, passing the remote church and charming hamlet of Little Town, on our walk back to our country house. Highlight: Discover the locations featured in Beatrix Potter's Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and find out more about the vicar's daughter who became the book's child heroine. Option 3 - Barrow & Outerside Distance: 8.8 miles (14.1km) Ascent: 2,132 feet (650m) In Summary: Cross the Newlands Valley to climb the neighbouring fells of Outerside and Barrow in the Coledale Valley. Highlight: The grassy slopes of Outerside and Barrow are two delightful lower fells with great views over Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 4: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. ACCOMMODATION Derwent Bank Close to Keswick and situated slap bang on the shore of Derwentwater, with the glassy lake on one side and the razor-edged ridges, humpbacked fells and muscular mountains of the Lake District on the other, beautiful Derwent Bank has been entrancing walkers since 1785. Extensive refurbishment and investment have seen this established walkers’ retreat transformed into a beautiful country house hotel perfect for people looking to explore the great outdoors. It’s also perfect for drinking in the views over a glass of something chilled on the terrace. With 41 bedrooms across the main house and garden rooms as well as a rustic ‘pod’ to sleep in, there’s plenty of space, along with a pretty orangery, large lounge and relaxed vibe. The lakeside land encompasses a formal garden, extensive lawns and mature trees. The emphasis is on enjoying the great outdoors and it’s all made super easy with walkers’ facilities from an inspiration point equipped with maps and route ideas to a boot room and drying space – this is the Lakes, after all. With views of Cat Bells and Grizedale Pike, the inspiration for adventure is never far away. Venture out from the house to head to the high peaks such as Scafell Pike, Blencathra and Helvellyn or stick to the lower slopes and lakes; Ullswater, arguably the most beautiful of the Cumbrian lakes, Borrowdale and Buttermere are all within easy reach. Matchless Country House Accommodation Accommodation Info Need To Know Important Covid-19 Steps We Have Taken For Guest Safety: Please Read Following the relaxation in government guidance on 19 July, we are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place. The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas. You must wear a face covering by law in public areas in hotels in Scotland. This is mandatory in public spaces; however, face coverings will not be required whilst eating and drinking in the restaurant and bar areas or whilst you are outside our houses. In Wales face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. Evening meals will be table service. A dinner order form will be available in each room for completion. Dinner is served at either 7.15pm or 7.30pm. Please check at the house for details. The bar will be open. We will be offering a table service but guests can also come to the bar to order (depending on local restrictions). Join our team after dinner on Wednesday evenings for the HF Big Pub Quiz. There will be one other evening of entertainment at the start of the week, which will vary depending on the country house that you are staying at. Our Walk Leaders will also be on hand in the bar or lounge for individual or small group walks talks briefings, which allow guests to talk through the following day’s walk options and ask any questions.