2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£910GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TED

Lake District Short Break Trip highlights

  • Explore the best of the English Lake District on this short walking holiday
  • Scenic Lakeland hikes with time for tea and scones
  • Savour Grasmere Gingerbread and traditional Cumberland Sausage
  • Learn about the Lake Poets, Wordsworth, Coleridge and Shelley
  • Explore the lively Lake District towns of Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere
  • Relax by the pool at your handpicked Lake District hotel

Shaped by glaciers, the Lake District remained wild until its fells and dales were settled by Vikings. In the 19th century, the Lake Poets – Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey – popularised the region, celebrating its landscape and people.

This short walking holiday enables you to experience the beauty and cultural highlights of this much-loved corner of England. The walks are introductory to moderate and include the best views in the Lakes whilst allowing time for café and pub visits, or exploration at the start or end of the day. Stay in comfortable hotels and guesthouses, and with two nights in Keswick and Grasmere, you can relax without the rush of packing and moving each day.

Your visit begins in Keswick, once home to Coleridge and Southey. Keswick is a market town on the shores of Lake Derwentwater, and the perfect base for a choice of great walks. The town has an array of excellent pubs and eateries and an “outdoors” vibe. Visit 17th century Dove Cottage in Grasmere, home to William and Dorothy Wordsworth to learn about Lake District life in times past and their famous writings. Hike to Ambleside and enjoy quintessential Lakeland views from Loughrigg. Dine out at one of Ambleside’s first-rate restaurants to celebrate the end of your visit.

This short walking holiday is a superb introduction to the Lake District with easy-paced hikes for those who want to take their time to enjoy the views and learn more about the area. If you’d like a more challenging experience, then why not consider Keswick:Lake District Centre Based Walking or traverse the Lake District on the Cumbria Way.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Keswick

Finishing Point:

Ambleside

Itinerary

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Make your way to Keswick, a historic market town in the heart of the Lake District. Easily accessible from the West Coast Mainline train station at nearby Penrith, Keswick is a small town with a population of around 7000 people. The town is clustered around the Market Square and historic Moot Hall. There is lots to see and do – visit the local museums, shop for outdoor gear, take a boat trip on the lake, see a show at Theatre by the Lake or take the short walk down to the lakeshore to enjoy the iconic view of Catbells and the Newlands fells across Derwentwater. Accommodation: spend 2 nights at comfortable, centrally located Keswick hotel.

Meals:  Nil

After a hearty English breakfast, set out on foot for a hike from your door. Today’s walk is the ascent of Walla Crag from where there are panoramic views out to the Irish Sea and the high fells of Borrowdale and the Newlands Valley. Derwentwater Lake glistens below. After an initial gradual ascent from Keswick, the path opens out onto open fell before the final short but steep ascent to the summit. The path meanders along the top of the crag through rocky outcrops and heather affording excellent views. The descent is gradual and a stop at iconic Ashness Bridge for a photo opportunity is a must. Reaching the lake you can choose to follow the path along the lakeshore to Keswick or take a boat or open-top bus back to Keswick. If you’d like a lower level walk, then we recommend the circuit of Derwentwater. This walk is largely flat, on good footpaths, fabulous lake and fell views and sections of trail through ancient woodland home to red squirrels. There are several cafes and many perfect picnic spots on the way, and you can always shorten the walk by taking the launch boat or bus back to Keswick.

Meals:  B

Transfer 12.5 miles to Grasmere, former home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Nestling at the foot of spectacular fells, Grasmere has its own lake and the small village boasts many pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. This unique and delicious gingerbread is made daily from a secret recipe and is the perfect sweet treat for a picnic (or souvenir to bring home!). A visit to Dove Cottage at the Wordsworth Grasmere Centre is essential. The cottage was home to poets William and Dorothy Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808. Even if you are not interested in literary history, this 17th century stone cottage is worth a visit for the insight into Lake District life in times past. Alternatively, take a rowing boat from the village jetty out on to Grasmere, stroll around the valley or while away the afternoon and enjoy the views with an outdoor picnic in the beautifully located park, home to Grasmere sports show in August each year. There is an excellent bus service between Keswick and Grasmere departing every hour, but we can arrange private transfer if you prefer (additional cost). Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at a comfortable Grasmere hotel.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is the ascent of Silver Howe, one of Dorothy Wordsworth’s favourite local viewpoints. It includes a descent via scenic Easedale Tarn to return to Grasmere. A more moderate walk, the path meanders through trees and fields before ascending into open fell. The summit of Silver How (393m/1290ft) is a fantastic viewpoint for the valley below and the high fells of the Lake District on all sides. The trail meanders across the fell tops with the Langdale Pikes on the horizon as you reach Blea Rigg before taking the steep descent down to Easedale Tarn. The path gradient softens for the descent down into the pastoral scenes of the Easedale Valley before returning to Grasmere. Should you wish, you can stop off at Allan Bank house, another former home of the Wordsworth family before reaching the village. If you would prefer a shorter option today, you can opt for the circuit of Grasmere Lake.

Meals:  B

Leave your bags at your hotel, and set out on foot from Grasmere to walk to Ambleside via Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water. Today’s walk is easy-angled for the most part and the views of the lakes and fells are inspiring in all weathers. The trail follows the south shore of Grasmere and then ascends to the terrace path below Loughrigg Fell. Pass by Rydal Cave, a large and atmospheric cavern excavated for the local slate quarrying trade. You will notice many of the local buildings are constructed of Lakeland stone with distinctive slate roofing. Descending to Rydal Village, you have the option to visit Rydal Mount, another Wordsworth home. Grander than Dove Cottage, the Wordsworths lived here in later life when William had become a famous poet. The gardens are lovely and the house offers an insight into the life of an early 19tth century gentleman. From Rydal it’s a short walk to Ambleside. At the northern end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is popular with walkers, climbers and watersport enthusiasts. The town has many excellent bars and restaurants, an arthouse cinema and some interesting museums. Explore the town and celebrate the end of your journey with a well-deserved dinner in one of the local hostelries. Accommodation: your last night in the Lake District is spent at a comfortable hotel in Ambleside

Meals:  B

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area, or travel on to Windermere (5 miles, regular bus and taxi service) where there is a train station connecting to the West Coast mainline between London and Edinburgh/Glasgow.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 nights ensuite accommodation in comfortable guesthouses and hotels
  • 5 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer on day 5
  • Digital Information Pack including navigational app and maps
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunch, dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel to start and from end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Transfer Keswick to Grasmere on Day 3 (excellent low cost local bus service)
  • Unscheduled transfers during the trip
  • A supplement applies if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide – this is a self-guided holiday
  • Excess luggage fees (max weight 18kg)

Accommodation

Keswick Hotel

During your trip, we’ve hand selected a few of our favourite places to stay in the iconic Lake District towns of Keswick, Grasmere and Ambleside. The character of the Lake District is embedded in these comfortable hotels and guesthouses, from the full English breakfast to start you on your day to the tastefully decorated rooms with ensuite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England.

Grasmere Hotel

During your trip, we’ve hand selected a few of our favourite places to stay in the iconic Lake District towns of Keswick, Grasmere and Ambleside. The character of the Lake District is embedded in these comfortable hotels and guesthouses, from the full English breakfast to start you on your day to the tastefully decorated rooms with ensuite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England.

Ambleside Hotel

During your trip, we’ve hand selected a few of our favourite places to stay in the iconic Lake District towns of Keswick, Grasmere and Ambleside. The character of the Lake District is embedded in these comfortable hotels and guesthouses, from the full English breakfast to start you on your day to the tastefully decorated rooms with ensuite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will try to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England.

Trail Surface

Natural terrain and hill paths with uneven surfaces

The trails in the Lake District are a mix of mountain footpaths, woodland trails and farm tracks. Note that you will be following Lake District paths on all options – trails that are stone and gravel and can be muddy when wet. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky paths is required. You need good boots throughout the tour: The trails are generally good, but on occasion there are steep, winding sections. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

The walking on this tour is varied: Introductory - Moderate. (Grade 2). The walks include lower level Lakeland fells, and we have given 2 options for each day (other than the walk from Grasmere to Ambleside) that include a more gentle alternative should you wish to take a more relaxed day or if the weather is inclement. Note that you will be following Lake District paths on all options – trails that are stone and gravel and can be muddy when wet. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky paths is required. You need good boots throughout the tour: The trails are generally good, but on occasion there are steep, winding sections. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.

Departure dates

Daily Year Round

Notes

DN1
There are options to shortern your daily walks in the winter months should you wish.

Priceper person from

£910GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£480
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£510
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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You will be walking on well-trodden paths on open fell, through woodland and moorland. Trails are not always waymarked. Being able to follow a map is important but you will have access to the routes and walk information through our smartphone app.

We recommend footwear with ankle support to prevent the risk of a twisted ankle. Please note that on this walk sections can be muddy after rain and it is certainly worth having boot-type walking shoes that have got soles with good grip.

The walks are designed mainly as loops to be done from your hotel base. Some walks include the use of local ferries, with the option to take a local bus should you wish to shorten the journey. You will need to take the bus from Keswick to Grasmere (excellent hourly service and in summer, some of the buses are open top). If you prefer, we can arrange for a private transfer service - please ask your travel consultant to arrange this.

We have chosen some of our favourite places to stay in the pretty Lake District towns of Keswick, Grasmere and Ambleside. All are of a higher standard of comfort than the hotels and B&Bs we choose on our long-distance walking trails. Our first-choice accommodation in Grasmere has an indoor pool, and in Ambleside a pool and spa area for you to relax after a rewarding day outdoors. The hotels are comfortable, stylish, friendly and centrally located making it easy for you to explore.

Your trip has been specially designed to ensure you have time to explore and enjoy interesting things to do. The literary history of the Lakes is exceptional, and in Grasmere we strongly recommend a visit to Dove Cottage, home of William Wordsworth. In Keswick you can take a scenic lake cruise on Lake Derwentwater to enjoy mountain views from the water, visit the Pencil Museum, take in a show at Theatre by the Lake or see a film at the art deco cinema. From nearby Lingholm house you can even take a walk with Alpacas! Grasmere is a smaller town, beautifully located, and in addition to a visit to Dove Cottage, the 14th century St Oswald's Church is home to Wordsworth's grave. You can visit Allen Bank and Rydal Mount, also former Wordsworth residences. Visit Bridge House in Ambleside, or take a wander to Waterhead for a cruise on Lake Windermere. All 3 towns have a real outdoors vibe and are excellent places to purchase outdoor gear for your adventures, gifts for family and friends and for dining out at the plentiful cafes offering tea and scones, pubs with local ales and fine dining restaurants.

The itinerary for this trip is flexible, and the walks are shorter and more leisurely whilst still offering a challenge and fine mountain views. We have also chosen a higher standard of accommodation, and designed the itinerary to ensure you can experience interesting cultural sights as well as enjoy interesting hikes.

We have included lower level options, and suggestions of alternative activities should this be the case. Most of the walks are introductory to moderate, so can be undertaken in most weather conditions. The walks are such that we are able to offer this trip year round. In winter daylight hours are shorter, so we suggest taking the easier options on these days or getting an earlyish start so you can complete the hikes in daylight. If you don't want to walk there are many other things to do.

Mainline trains to Penrith then hourly bus to Keswick. there are also buses to Keswick from other places in the lakes such as Grasmere and Windermere. From Ambleside, it's a short bus or taxi journey to the rail station in Windermere. If you prefer, we can arrange for a private transfer service - please ask your travel consultant to arrange this.

Lake District Short Break Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.