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The Enchanted Land of Beatrix Potter
May 10 to 16, 2009 · September 6 to 12, 2009
September 27 to October 3, 2009
Our walks allow you to discover the
splendors of the English Lake District
at a relaxed pace. From your hotel in the
tranquil and exquisite heart of the national
park, travel daily with our minibus to different
parts of this beautiful region for our daily walk, returning each
evening to the same fine lodgings. Enjoy fresh
air, tranquil waters, emerald meadows dotted
with sheep, and heather-clad hillsides. Sightseeing
by foot deepens an appreciation
of Lakeland history and landscapes.
And on four days an alternative
longer and steeper hike is available for those who
are tempted by the more robust conditions of
the mountain tops, where the exhilarating
beauty of rugged mountainsides, lakes and
dales can be seen spreading below.
Easy-to-moderate
walks cover 4 to 8 miles, with ascents of
200 to 1000 feet. Challenging options are normally
slightly longer, cross rougher terrain and
have daily ascents of up to 2500 feet.
Itinerary
 Day 1
Arrive during the morning and settle into your Lakeland hotel, where lunch is available. In the afternoon, take a “get acquainted” tour round the village of Troutbeck, which will be your first home for the next three nights. This will include a visit to Troutbeck Church, and a look up the Troutbeck valley, where Beatrix Potter owned land and practised traditional sheep farming methods. Return to the hotel for the orientation meeting, followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2
After breakfast we walk directly from the hotel to the resort town of Ambleside – an opportunity to pick up any last-minute items required for the tour. The challenging hike takes a higher level route via the summit of Wansfell, a majestic viewpoint in fine weather for the Central Lake District. In the afternoon we drive into Grasmere for a visit to Dove Cottage, the home of the romantic poet William Wordsworth for nine exciting years, and the Wordsworth Museum. Back at the hotel, over tea and biscuits, there will be a talk about Beatrix Potter, and her life and work in the Lake District. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Drive to Bowness-on-Windermere, with a detour past Lindeth Howe, a house (now a hotel) where Beatrix Potter stayed frequently. Walk round Cockshot Point, and take the ferry to the west shore of Windermere. Walk to Near Sawrey by way of Moss Eccles Tarn, for a visit to Hilltop Farm, purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1905. Drive into Hawkshead for a pub lunch and short walk round this delightful medieval village. From Hawkshead walk up to Tarn Hows, a beauty spot which Beatrix Potter acquired as part of the Monk Coniston Estate. On the way back to Troutbeck, visit Wray Castle, and enjoy a short walk on the lakeshore. (B,L,D)
Day 4
This day sees a change of base from Troutbeck to the delightful Borrowdale Valley in the northern Lake District.
Drive by a mountainous road across Wrynose and Hard Knott Passes, with a stop at Hard Knott Roman Fort. Continue to the tiny village of Boot, and visit Eskdale Corn Mill, where packed lunches may be eaten. There is time to visit the original Boot station on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, which will be familiar to readers of the books by the Rev’d Awdrey. Then drive via Wastwater, Gosforth (famous for its Viking cross), Loweswater and the Newlands Valley to Borrowdale. Check into the hotel, which will be our base for the next three nights.
(B,L,D)
 Day 5 Ethe easier option will stay on the boat and continue to Keswick and Nichol End. The walk back to the hotel by the shore of Derwentwater passes by several houses where Beatrix Potter stayed, and which influenced her stories. The challenging option starts from Hawes End, and climbs up the ridge of Cat Bells, over the summit, and across Maiden Moor and High Spy, before returning to the hotel by Rigghead and the side of Castle Crag. (B,L,D)
Day 6 We drive to the top of Honister Pass, and visit Honister Mine. The easier walk then follows the length of Borrowdale, descending gently via a delightfully scenic path directly to the hotel. If the group wishes, we may detour to the top of Castle Crag, a proud little peak with an Iron Age fort, set amidst the rugged grandeur of the Borrowdale valley. The challenging hike climbs from the top of Honister Pass, over high moorland, to the summit of Green Gable, possibly continuing from there to the higher summit of Great Gable, the mountain symbol of the National Park. Our Farewell Dinner rounds off a memorable week. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Departure after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $2750
Includes:
- 5 scenic guided walks and hikes
- 6 nights' lodging in a charming country
hotel
- Double-occupancy room with private bath
- 6 sumptuous breakfasts and 6 dinners
- 6 packed and pub lunches
- Lake boat cruise
- Sightseeing visits and admission fees
- Talks by Lakeland experts
- Ground transportation by our minibus
“My
third trip with ELR. They
just keep getting better and
better. I’ve traveled
to many different countries
and this trip ranks as one
of the best. Spectacular!
I’ve been recommending
you to all my friends and
colleagues.”
G Allen & J Ambrozaitis Waterbury,
CT
“The
sightseeing was great. I saw
more than I expected — ruins,
churches, authors’ homes
and gardens, a castle, and
scenery! Meals were excellent.
Always varied so that a good
choice was possible. Surprisingly
sophisticated cuisine for
the remote locations we visited.”
J Schrotz Philadelphia, PA
“The
guides were just wonderful.
Fountains of knowledge and
great fun. I would highly
recommend English Lakeland Ramblers.
Keep up the good work!”
P Hartwell OH
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