LAKE DISTRICT EXPLORER – KESWICK & THE NORTHERN
LAKES
A 7 night self-guided route around one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. Visit glistening lakes,
thrilling summits and tranquil valleys on this journey amongst England’s wild Lake District, with
daily luggage transfers
www.colletts.co.uk
At a glance
A 7 night self guided walk across the stunning English Lake District. Our hand picked route visits some of the most incredible landscapes the area has to offer. Six of the most famous lakes in the National Park, all whilst walking amongst the highest peaks in England. Visit Grasmere home of poets, painters, writers and craftsmen for generations, perhaps William Wordsworth is the most famous of it’s sons who described the area as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. Onwards we hike towards Helvellyn and Glenridding, on the shores of the second largest lake in the region, Ullswater. Returning to Keswick, the week is completed with a circuit of Derwent Water and the staggering view from atop Catbells.
Dates & Prices
Walking season is from 1st April to 31st October – Standard accommodation £695 per person, accommodation upgrade from £875 per person, these are based on two people sharing a room. Single occupancy rates available from £875.
If you wish to book out of season, please contact us to discuss potential options (prices may vary)
Arrive either on a Sunday or a Friday.
Prices are per person and based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please note that all bookings are subject to availability in our chosen accommodation.
Please do not make any travel arrangements until we have confirmed your accommodation dates. The minimum party size is two (for reasons of safety no single travellers are permitted).
Grade : Moderate/Hard – Some long days Ascents: 350m to 950m each day
Descents : 350m to 900m each day Walking Time : 5 to 8 hours each day
Terrain : This route primarily follows tracks and well-trodden footpaths which are good underfoot. Areas above the tree line can be difficult to navigate in adverse weather, being prepared for all types of weather is a must.
If you are in any doubt whether this holiday is suitable for you, please call the office on 01799 513331 or email enquiries@colletts.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss the route in more detail with you.
Included in the price
• 7 nights B&B accommodation in handpicked 3* hotels or bed and breakfasts.
• Luggage transfers each day from hotel to hotel
• Detailed route cards (including maps, route descriptions, places to visit, important telephone numbers)
• Telephone support throughout your holiday (provided by CMH)
Not included in the price
• Travel to Keswick & Travel Insurance
• Onward transport from Keswick at the end of the holiday
• Packed Lunches, Dinners (budget £15-35 pp per day)
Lake District Explorer – The Northern Lakes
The Itinerary
Day 1 (Sun) – Arrive in Keswick and settle In
As places go to begin your week, it can’t get much better than Keswick, the gateway to the northern Lake District set amongst striking
mountains on the shores of Derwent Water.
Overnight in Keswick
Day 2 (Mon) - Keswick – Causey Pike – Buttermere
14.5km, 5 - 6 hours walking, 475m ascent / 450m descent (easier option)
15.7 km, 6 – 7 hours walking, 975m ascent / 950m descent (harder option)
We set off from Keswick towards Portinscale and along the Rigg Beck valley. With the looming Causey Pike and Crag Hill above, we make our way through the valley towards Buttermere, where your overnight accommodation can be found. For those wanting a more demanding day out, take the climb up to Causey Pike and along the ridge up to Crag Hill. The descent off the top is very steep but drops you directly into
Buttermere via Whiteless Pike.
Overnight in Buttermere
Day 3 (Tues) - Buttermere – Haystacks – Honister Pass - Borrowdale
14.1km, 5 - 6 hours walking, 650m ascent / 650m descent
Today we leave the shores of Buttermere to reach Haystacks, with one of the finest views across all of the Lake District. The route passes the Honister slate mine, and descend into Borrowdale via the Honister Pass. Picking up Wainwrights Coast to Coast path, you can enjoy the delights of Borrowdale with the quaint villages and gorgeous scenery for the evening. Overnight in Rosthwaite
Day 4 (Weds) - Rosthwaite – Helm Crag – Grasmere
14.1 km, 4-5 hours walking, ascent 625m / descent 650m
Heading south out of Borrowdale, we follow Greenup Beck up to Greenup Edge. Crossing the watershed from the northern to the southern lakes, our route takes us to Helm Crag for a view across Grasmere lake before descending into the village below. For a shorter day and the chance to visit some of the delights that Grasmere has to offer, take the path straight down Grasmere Common into the village.
Overnight in Grasmere
Day 5 (Thurs) - Grasmere – Grisedale Tarn – Glenridding
12.8 km, 5 - 6 hours walking, 500m ascent / 425m descent (easier option) 16.3 km, 6 – 7 hours walking, 950m ascent / 875m descent (harder option)
Leaving the village of Grasmere, we take a remote valley towards Grisedale Tarn, following Wainwrights Coast to Coast path and continue along it down into Grisedale and to Glenridding beyond. Located on the shores of the second largest lake in the region, Ullswater, Glenridding is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and a stunning setting for the evening. For those wanting a more demanding day, from Grisedale Tarn, take the tougher path up towards Helvellyn, the second highest peak in England and onwards to Glenridding.
Overnight in Glenridding
Day 6 (Fri) - Glenridding – Sticks Pass – Keswick
19.1 km, 6 - 7 hours walking, 650m ascent / 700m descent
Leaving Glenridding we take the valley towards Helvellyn, before turning right and up towards Sticks Pass. The steep descent on the other side takes us towards Thirlmire, a reservoir that provides drinking water for much of the North West. The path skirts the base of High Rigg before dropping into Keswick with fabulous views across Derwent Water and to Skiddaw beyond.
Overnight in Keswick
Day 7 (Sat) – Keswick – Catbells – Derwentwater – Keswick
15.9 km, 375m ascent / 375m descent
Catbells, simply follow the path for a splendid lakeside stroll to end your week. Overnight in Keswick
Day 8 (Sun) - Departure
Enjoy one final breakfast before your departure, independent onward travel or the possibility to extend your stay. For those looking for more walking options in the Lake District, why not try our Lake District Southern Loop.
Keswick is connected to the surrounding villages by bus routes, where train connections can be made in Windermere and Penrith.
Travel
Getting to and from Keswick
Getting to Keswick is easiest done by car, access from the M6 is along the A66 from Penrith. Bus routes are frequent from both Penrith and Windermere where you can find National Rail links to Manchester and Glasgow. For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Luggage Transfers
We will pick your bags up for you each morning and deliver them to your next overnight stop, this allows your walking days to be easier and lighter.
Accommodation
All of the accommodation that you will stay in has been handpicked and are family run B&B’s or country pubs.
Please let us know the dates you would like to book as soon as possible as we need to contact all the chosen accommodation for availability at each stage of the route. If you require a single or twin room please also try and book early as these tend to be quite limited and therefore sell out quickly.
“Your Own Risk”
Your self guided “Lake District Explorer – Keswick & The Northern Lakes” holiday will be spent entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided “Lake District Explorer – Keswick & The Northern Lakes” has been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a beautiful walk in a part of this wonderful walking area, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett's Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your
