Tour Code: 71312 SOUTHERN LAKELAND - BITE SIZE Grade 4 BREAK Holiday Duration: 3 days HOLIDAY DATES Peninsulas, Coast, Lakes and Fells 13th May 2018 - 15th May 2018, 24th Jun 2018 - 26th Jun 2018 15th Jul 2018 - 17th Jul 2018, 19th Aug 2018 - 21st Aug 2018 23rd Sept 2018 - 25th Sept 2018 Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs and shores of the Cumbrian Coast, together with the rolling wooded fells, tranquil tarns and lakeshores of the south western Lake District. HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Panoramic views at the summit of Latterbarrow Fell. The Cumbria Coastal Way with great coastal views over Morecambe Bay. The Furness Peninsula and southern lakes. SOUTHERN LAKELAND The glittering expanse of Morecombe Bay is spread out in front of you as you pause for rest on a clifftop path fringed with sea thrift. This is Southern Lakeland rambling at its best. Explore the dramatic scenery and shores of the Cumbrian coast, together with the rolling wooded fells, tranquil tarns and lakeshores of the south western Lake District. Before the coming of the railways, this was the gateway to The Lakes with the route being a guided walk across the sands of Morecambe Bay from Lancaster to Grange- over-Sands on the inner of the Furness Peninsulas. We walk up to the limestone summit of Hampsfell for magnificent views over Morecambe Bay and the southern Fells towards Keswick. There's an enjoyable scenic train journey across the Kent Channel estuary to Arnside to explore the lovely coastal area around Silverdale as well as climbing ‘The Knott'. Inland we walk the south-eastern Fells around Windermere and Coniston Water with panoramic views over the lakes from the surrounding hills or from the closer viewpoint of a motor launch. We're based to the south of the Lake District National Park boundary and right on the Morecambe Bay coast at Kents Bank, just along the coast and one stop on the railway line from the genteel but faded Victorian resort of Grange-over-Sands. The Cumbrian Coastal Way runs past the end of the hotel's gardens. WHATS INCLUDED Half board en-suite accommodation. All transport necessary to and from the walks. HOLIDAY GRADE This Grade 4 moderate holiday includes full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain and is likely to include an element of sightseeing as well. Half day walking will probably include about 3 hours of walking, with full days having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to about 600m. See the Walks & Excursions section for more information. Proposed Itinerary Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice. Key to Meals: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner. In flight meals, if appropriate, will be advised in your final travel documents Day: 1 - Grange-over-Sands (D) Independent travel to Abbot Hall Hotel in Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria. Check in is from 2pm. Meet in the hotel lounge at approximately 6:30pm to meet your tour leader and group companions. Dinner will be at approximately 7:00pm. Day: 2 - Grange-over-Sands (B,D) One day guided walking along the coastal and hills with country scenery and magnificent views. Dinner will be taken in the hotel. Day: 3 - - (B) Departure from the hotel after breakfast. Check out is by 10am. You are welcome to participate on the group walk this day after you have checked out of the hotel. Walks & Excursions If you're short of time and just want a very quick break, or are considering a first guided small-group walking holiday and are unsure about committing to a longer duration holiday then this short break is perfect for you. This break includes two nights' half board with one day's walking. You can also opt to walk on the second day at no additional charge after checking out of your room after breakfast and departing for home before dinner. We are based in an ideal location to explore the often overlooked south Cumbria coast and the hill country of the southern Lake District fells around Coniston and Windermere. We'll walk sections of the Cumbria Coastal Way with great coastal views over Morecambe Bay towards Lancashire and head into the higher ground of the Furness Peninsulas and south Lakeland hills. The nearby Victorian resort of Grange-over-Sands, with its traditional old stone buildings, promenade along the bay shore and tea shops is also worth a look. On your arrival or departure day the house and grounds of Holker Hall stately home near Cark-in-Cartmel and still occupied by the Cavendish family make for a good day out. Visit www.holker.co.uk for more details. The walking programme may include one or two walks from the following, which may give an indication of the nature of the walking terrain and the format of the holiday. Bigland Tarn, How Barrow & Cumbria Coastal Way. From the southern end of Lake Windermere we cross open moorland to Bigland Tarn. Walking through High Stribers Wood (carpeted with bluebells in the Spring) we reach Grassgarth Heights for good views west over the Leven Estuary to Ulverston. Below us are the salt marshes known as mosses and mires - a protected site of SSI. We head south to take in How Barrow which, at 170m, offers views of Blackpool Tower some 28 miles away then, picking up part the Cumbrian Coastal Way, the route descends through woodland to Cartmel racecourse. Cartmel (the home of sticky toffee pudding) is a large village dominated by its 12th century priory with its unique offset tower. The 14th century gate house and market square with its cross and fish slabs are surrounded by pubs and cafes and local shops. Opposite the priory is Unsworth Yard housing a brewery and modern artisan food shops. About 8 miles with 320m of ascent and descent, 5 hours including rest stops. Arnside Knott, Eaves Wood & Gait Barrows. We take the train from the hotel across the Kent Viaduct to Arnside and walk around the coast before ascending, through mixed woodland, to Arnside Knott for views back across Morecombe Bay to the high Lake District fells. We walk down and pass the ruined 15th century Arnside Tower before ascending to Eaves Wood and its limestone pavement. From here it is downhill through woodland to Hawes Water and Trowbarrow Quarry Nature Reserve before finishing at RSPB Leighton Moss. There will be time to visit and use the cafÉ before taking the train from Silverdale back to the hotel retracing by train much of our walk. About 7.5 miles with 260m of ascent and descent, 5 hours including rest stops. Latterbarrow & Claife Heights. We take a coach to Outgate and walk down to Blelham Tarn before a long but steady ascent on footpaths and road up Latterbarrow (224m) for our first view of Lake Windermere and high fells behind Ambleside including Helvelyn. We take undulating paths and wide tracks though forests (with some forestry workings) and open moorland at Claife Heights before the descent through woodland to Claife Station. NT Claife Station is an 18th century viewpoint. Beatrix Potter's house is nearby at Near Sawry. We take the short car ferry trip across Lake Windermere and walk into the busy tourist hub of Bowness with its quays and pleasure boats before taking our coach back to the hotel. About 8m with 400m of ascent and 450m descent, 5½ hours including rest stops. Selside, Grizedale Forest & Coniston Water. We take a coach to Nibthwaite Grange. Nibthwaite was the childhood holiday home of Arthur Ransome (Swallows and Amazons was set on Coniston Water). We ascend to open moorland and after an hour have our first view on Coniston Water and Peel Island. From here we follow broad open tracks below Selside with the lake below us into Grizedale Forest. We head down following good tracks to ornamental gardens of Brantwood House, the home of John Ruskin, where we can take refreshments at the cafÉ or, time permitting, visit the house. From here it is a short walk to the pier at Brantwood where we take the NT Steam Gondola around the northern end of the lake to Coniston village. Our coach will take us back to the hotel. About 7.5 miles with 350m of ascent and 360m descent, 4¾ hours including rest stops. Optional Excursions A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book in your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Leaders Evening Briefing Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Personal Expenditure You will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, possible non-included entrance fees, any optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally as well as any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry when budgeting for your holiday. Small Groups Group Size Coming from all walks of life your fellow travelling companions will share your desire to discover great things and have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy their infectious enthusiasm, cameraderie and great dinner conversation.