What your day will look like
Day 1
Arrive at our first hotel in Grange-over-Sands, where lunch is available, if required (at own expense). In the afternoon we drive to the medieval village of Cartmel with its imposing 12th-Century Priory church and on the way back take a short walk along the bay promenade. A tea reception and orientation meeting is followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D)
The hotel is located next to the train station in Grange-over-Sands. You can take the train from Manchester Airport to Grange-over-Sands for your arrival. Should you require a pre night, please let us know.
Day 2
Walk through delightful limestone woodlands and up grassy slopes to the top of Hampsfell escarpment to enjoy the spectacular views across Morecambe Bay and towards the Lakeland mountains. In the afternoon, follow country byways through the gentle Cartmel Valley and Bigland Estate to our next inn at Newby Bridge. (B, L, D) 9 Miles
Day 3
This walk includes a delightful variety of countryside, with ever-changing views. Woodland, green fields and a moorland ridge bring us to our lunch point in the peaceful Rusland valley. Then an enchanting walk across heather-clad Bethecar Moor, until Coniston Water opens up below. Drive in our minibus to reach the next inn by the shore of Coniston Water, where two nights are spent. (B, L, D) 10 Miles
Day 4
We enjoy a short cruise across Coniston Water to Brantwood, home of the poet, artitst, and social reformer, John Ruskin. Then choose between a walk up the Coppermines Valley to absorb the spectacular scenery (and a fascinating insight into an industry which supported the local economy for over 300 years) or sightseeing in Hawkshead and Sawrey, where Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm is situated. (B, L, D) 4 Miles/Optional
Day 5
Leave Coniston for a ramble over lush green rises to Tarn Hows, a jewel-like lake built by a Victorian landowner to enhance the view. Walk up the Tilberthwaite Valley, with an optional diversion to Holme Fell to admire the incomparable views in all directions. The next three nights' accomodation will be in either a traditional Lakeland Inn in Little Langdale, or a delightful country guest house, superbly encircled by nearby Lakeland hills. (B, L, D) 8 Miles
Day 6
We motor along England’s steepest road across spectacular Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, stopping to tour a 2nd-century Roman fort. Continue to the tiny village of Boot, and visit Eskdale Corn Mill, where packed lunches may be eaten, or a visit to a nearby pub in case of bad weather. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of the wonderful Lakeland village of Boot, before rejoining the minibus for the drive to the Irish Sea coast at Ravenglass, and a walk through rolling pastures, past the ruins of a Roman Bath House, for a visit to medieval Muncaster Castle and its world-famous Owl Centre.(B, L, D) 2 1/2 Miles
Day 7
Walk by Elterwater and follow in Wordsworth’s footsteps along Loughrigg Terrace for a superb view of Grasmere Lake and vale, the inspiration for many of his great poems. We arrive at the village of Rydal, which Wordsworth made his home for the final 37 years of his life. After lunch in a traditional “tearoom” we visit Rydal Mount, the poet’s home and its gardens, which were lovingly landscaped by the poet during his time there. In the afternoon we walk along the valley side to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Wordsworth’s home during his nine most productive years as a poet, and visit the cottage and nearby museum (a visit to Grasmere village can be arranged instead of this final walk). Return to our accommodation for the final night, and our Farewell dinner.
(B, L, D) 7 Miles
Day 8
Departure after breakfast. To depart from the tour, you can take a taxi from the hotel to the train station in Windermere or you can hire a private transfer back to the airport in Manchester. Should you require additonal nights, please let us know. We can also arrange for an extension in Grasmere should you want to spend more time in the beautiful Lake District. (B)
