Centre-based

Walk the Lake District

United Kingdom - Trip code WLD Walking and Trekking
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116Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

This walking holiday explores the trails and scenery of the beautiful Northern Lake District. From our comfortable 3-star hotel base located in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, we have easy access to some of the best walking in Wainwright country such as Scafell Pike, Haystacks and Cat Bells.

Why we love this trip
  • Northern Lakes - Superb hiking amongst the rugged hills and mountains
  • All meals included - Excellent dinners with seasonal ingredients
  • In expert hands - Knowledgeable and experienced mountain Leader
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 6

    Lunch: 5

    Dinner: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    On Foot

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    Accommodation

    6 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Seatoller in the Borrowdale Valley

Arrive at the hotel in Seatoller, a hamlet with a handful of houses and farms. Our peaceful and comfortable base for the week is located in the Borrowdale Valley with commanding views of the surrounding fells. It is a perfect location for exploring the hiking trails of the northern Lakes.

Check in is possible from 3 pm. There is a car park for hotel guests. If arriving by train, Penrith Station is around 40 minutes away by taxi.

The Tour Leader plans to meet you in reception at 6 pm for the introductory briefing, followed by a chance to get acquainted with your fellow guests over dinner.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Hike to Keswick via Cat Bells

We start our first walk from the door of our hotel after breakfast. Heading up through open countryside we hike for 45 minutes and then make a short, steep ascent to a mountain pass over-looking Dale Head and the tarn below. We continue up to High Spy and then ramble along the top of this wide ridge for an hour to reach Maiden Moor and then on to Cat Bells. There are fabulous views over Derwent Water and mountain peaks in all directions. At Cat Bells there are 360-degree views of the surrounding fells and from here we descend to the valley floor and continue walking to Keswick. This pretty market town is home to some great shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Later this afternoon we head back to the hotel in our minibus.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 6 hours and will cover a distance of 14 kilometres/8.70 mile with a total ascent of 700 meter/2297 feet and 530 meter/1739 feet descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Hike Buttermere and Haystacks

A short drive from the hotel over Honister Pass takes us past stark, rocky scenery towards Buttermere Lake. From here, we start our hike up towards the imposing band of rocks that stand like the wall of a fortress. Our route ascends through the hills and soon we reach the top of Haystacks (597 meter/1959 feet) with fabulous views across Ennerdale Valley and to the great peaks of Pillar and Great Gable. Haystacks gained fame thanks to the writings of Alfred Wainwright as his favourite fell-top of all, and his ashes were scattered here. We continue towards High Crag on the Red Pike Ridge before descending along a different route with beautiful views of Buttermere and Crummock Water.

Today's moderately-graded walk will take approximately 5-6 hours and will cover a distance of 11 kilometres/6.80 mile with a total ascent of 700 meter/2297 feet and 600 meter/1969 feet descent.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Scafell Pike: highest mountain in England (978m)

The ascent of Scafell Pike is the most challenging hike of the week and takes us to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. After a very short drive we start at the hamlet of Seathwaite and follow the river to the 18th century packhorse Stockley Bridge. We continue beside Grains Ghyll to the impressive gullies of Great End and then to Sprinkling Tarn. From here we make our way through heather and grasslands and on to rocky terrain following a good path through the scree and boulders. We reach the summit plateau of Scafell Pike in around 4 hours. The views from the top on a clear day are outstanding with Moasdale and Wast Water below us and the Irish Sea and Southern Lakes in the distance. We will descend, steeply at first, with some scree to join up with the classic Corridor Route that leads us past Styhead Tarn and eventually back to our start point. There is one very short section of easy scrambling.

Today's challenging-graded walk will take approximately 7 hours and will cover a distance of 15 kilometres/9.30 with a total ascent of 970 meter/3183 feet and 970 meter/3183 feet descent.

Please note that if you prefer an easier guided walk, there is the option to do the 2 tarns hike which follows the same route from Seathwaite and along Grains Ghyll to the impressive gullies of Great End. We descend to Sprinkling Tarn and enjoy the views of some of the highest mountains in England before descending to Styhead Tarn. We then follow the path down Styhead Pass, past the lovely waterfall of Taylor Ghyll Force, and the famous Stockley Bridge back to Seathwaite.

This alternative easy-moderate graded walk will take approximately 4 hours and will cover a distance of 10 kilometres/6.20 mile with a total ascent and descent of 510 meter/1673 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Drive to Keswick; Walk up Latrigg and Lonscale Craggs

We drive the short distance back to Keswick where our circular hike commences. After crossing the River Greta we gently climb through the forest on the Cumbria Way. There are lots of birds and wildlife and the views of Derwent Water get better as we climb. We will take a breather at Latrigg, with wonderful views over Keswick and Derwent Water below and Skiddaw and Blencathra above us. We continue up above Latrigg and on to Lonscale Craggs. Our return route takes us through Brindholme wood and eventually we join the dismantled railway and follow its course, crossing the river a number of times. We end back in Keswick with time for visits to teashops and pubs before driving back to our hotel.

Today's moderate-graded walk will take approximately 5 hours and will cover a distance of 14 kilometres/8.70 mile with a total ascent and descent of 350 meter/1148 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Walk from Stonethwaite to Grasmere

For our final walk of the holiday, we make a short journey by bus to the pretty hamlet of Stonethwaite. Starting here, we cross the river and briefly follow the Cumbria Way and then the path south that runs next to the river. Very gently we gain height as we head towards a small pass at Greenup Edge, just under High Raise. There are wide views of the valley that we just hiked up and over to the valley on the other side. Hike amongst the hills of Grasmere Common and on to the beautiful Easedale Tarn before heading into Grasmere itself. Grasmere is associated with the Lake Poets, most notably William Wordsworth. Finally, we drive back to our hotel.

Today's moderate-graded walk will take approximately 5-6 hours and will cover a distance of 13 kilometres/8.10 mile with a total ascent and descent of 650 meter/2133 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Trip ends in Seatoller

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

United Kingdom

Climate

The UK has a temperate but very variable climate. In general the summers are warm with July and August being the warmest. The winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is advisable to be prepared for rain!

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Christian

Language

English

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

A warm sweater or fleece and long trousers are advisable, especially in early and late season when the weather tends to be cooler. Come prepared for all weather - waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece, warm layers, hat, gloves as well T-shirts, sunhat, good sun cream and sunglasses.


Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots - leather or fabric are both fine. Waterproof boots are advisable. Some of the paths are rocky underfoot and you could twist an ankle if not wearing boots. Trainers are not recommended. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Comfortable footwear to change into after the walk.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a waterproof rucksack large enough to carry what you need for the day - waterproofs, warm layer, water, picnic, sun-cream, phone etc. On hot days you will carry more drinking water.



Equipment

Bring a rucksack for the walks and a water bottle. You may like to bring trekking poles. If your rucksack doesn't have a waterproof cover then consider plastic bags to keep things dry should it rain. It is important to stay well hydrated during the walks. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't always be places to refill on the walks. We encourage our clients not to buy mineral water because of the negative environmental impact with plastic bottles.

Tipping

Explore leader
At your discretion you might consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

United Kingdom

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£18
Beer price
£4
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Pounds Sterling.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Carry a combination of UK Sterling cash, ATM and credit cards.
Where To Exchange
Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATM's are widely available in main towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Widely accepted.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, On Foot

Accommodation notes

We stay at the comfortable and inviting Glaramara House located in the heart of the Northern Lake District on the doorstep of the fells amongst some outstanding scenery. All of the rooms are en-suite and recently refurbished to a good standard. There is ample parking, a restaurant, lounge and a bar with real ales and plenty of wines. There are log fires, Wi-Fi (intermittent) and a drying room for wet gear. Don't rely on having mobile phone coverage, if urgent reception has a landline.

All breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners are included. Meals are prepared using local in-season ingredients. The hotels caters to most diets and have a range of vegetarian options.

Arrival and departure information

Transfers to and from our accommodation are not provided for this trip. If you are planning to arrive or depart by train, this information may be useful to you. Whilst we are unable to make a reservation for you, we have provided contact numbers to enable you to make a direct booking.

Arrival from Penrith railway station: Our accommodation recommends using one of the following taxi companies, based in Keswick. The journey should take about 45 minutes.
Ashness Taxis: 07729149046
Iain's Taxis: 07540530466 or 01768736333
Davies Taxis: 017687 72676

Alternatively, Stagecoach buses run a service from Penrith Train Station to Keswick (40mins) and from Keswick to Borrowdale (30mins). Please check the timetables and costs for this journey ahead of time directly on the Stagecoach website - https://www.stagecoachbus.com/

If you are joining the trip from overseas, the best way to get here is by flying to either Newcastle International Airport or Manchester International Airport where you can then rent a car and drive approximately 2 and a half hours to the start hotel. If you arrive at Manchester airport and do not want to rent a car, you can get a direct 2-hour train (book in advance) to Penrith Station where you can then get a 40-minute taxi to the start hotel. If you are coming from London, there is a train from London Euston to Penrith which takes under four hours.

United Kingdom

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

UK: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Australian, New Zealand, US, EU and Canadian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, work, leisure are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Australians can apply for an ETA through the UK ETA app https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app or online https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. The ETA costs approximately AU$20 and takes about three days to process. Once approved, ETAs are valid for up to two years and tourists do not need to reapply for subsequent visits within that period.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

United Kingdom

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

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Airport Transfers
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