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Walking in Lake District National Park (Centre-based)

Walking in Lake District National Park (Centre-based)

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7 Days From

~~$955~~

$912

Walking in Lake District National Park (Centre-based)

7 Days Starting in 55.941761,-4.311290 and ending in 56.818802,-5.109660

Visiting: United Kingdom

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

446

Recommended For:

Singles

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

Fit

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$955

$912 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$43

NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

A centre-based Lake District short break, staying in Keswick in the heart of the national park. With a wide array of walks on the doorstep, each day brings another lakeland landscape, ranging from the heights of Skiddaw (931m) or Honister Pass to the iconic and idyllic circuit of Derwentwater. The finale is a trek across Walla Crag, with superb views across Derwentwater and the fells beyond. This holiday is particularly popular with hikers who love to walk with their dogs. It is also reachable by rail, making this one of the UK’s most sustainable and stunning walking holidays

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Keswick
Arrive in Keswick, a market town in the Lake District National Park in the north-east of England. Depending on arrival time, visit Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick Museum and Art Gallery or enjoy refreshments at one of the local cafes.

Day 2: Castlerigg and Castlehead 8.7km
Today’s hike begins by ascending a hill to the east of Keswick to visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is thought to have been constructed around 3,000BC. From here, the route follows quiet country lanes and farm tracks, through Springs Wood, to the summit of Castlehead which overlooks Keswick. The summit also offers views over Derwentwater and a cairn topped with a brass sighting dial gives the names of thirty fells that can be seen from this viewpoint. Finish the day with a quick descent from the summit before arriving back to Keswick for the evening.

Walking for the day: 8.7km, 2-3h, ?340m

Day 3: Honister Pass 14.5-19.5km
There are two options for today’s walk. Both start with a short transfer to Honister Pass, which links Borrowdale with Buttermere and is one of England’s highest road passes.

Option one (moderate): From the top of the pass, the original mine road descends into Borrowdale, skirting around the edge of High Spy. From here, there is an optional detour to make a short but steep ascent to Castle Crag. Stop for refreshments at one of the cafes at Grange in Borrowdale, before continuing along the Cumbria Way back to Keswick.
Walking for the day: 19.5km, 4.5-5.5h, ?500m
Option two (moderate to strenuous): From the top of the pass, ascend Dale Head to reach its prominent cairn. The summit offers views over Newlands Valley, as well as the fells of Buttermere and the Scafell group. After descending, the route climbs to the summit of High Spy, before following an undulating ridge, crossing Maiden Moor and Catbells. Descend into Derwent Bay and continue along the Cumbria Way back into Keswick.
Walking for the day: 14.5km, 4.5-5.5h, ?770m

Day 4: Derwentwater circuit 14.5km
No visit to Keswick is complete without a circuit of Derwentwater. This varied route leads through mixed woodland, across beaches and over marshland, via a series of raised boardwalks. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop for refreshments and admire sculptures and ancient stones. As the elevation changes are minimal, the walk can be completed in 3.5-4h.

Walking for the day: 14.5km, 3.5-4h

Day 5: Skiddaw 14.5-20.5km
The mountain that dominates Keswick’s skyline is Skiddaw (931m). Its relative isolation from other fells also provides an excellent viewpoint for the north, east and western peaks. Choose from two walking options, which can both be shortened by taking a taxi (not included) to the car park on Latrigg, reducing the distance by approximately 3.8km and the total ascent by 250m.

Option one (moderate): The most popular route to Skiddaw’s long summit ridge is via Jenkin Hill Path, first established as a pony route for Victorian tourists. The path is easy to follow with an option to detour to the summit of Skiddaw Little Man.
Walking for the day: 14.5km, 5-6h, ?900m

Option two (moderate to strenuous): A quieter route to Skiddaw’s summit follows Glenderaterra Beck to Skiddaw House, once a gamekeeper’s cottage, and now one of England’s most remote hostels. From the back of the hostel, ascend Sale How to reach the long summit ridge of Skiddaw. After reaching the summit, follow Jenkin Hill Path back into Keswick.
Walking for the day: 20.5km, 7-8h, ?1,100m

Day 6: Walla Crag 11km
Today’s walk follows a route across Walla Crag, which forms the eastern ridge above Derwentwater. Pass through Ashness Bridge, before returning to Keswick on a trail below Great Wood, passing Calfclose Bay, Friars Crag and the Theatre by the Lake.

Walking for the day: 11km, 3-4h, ?490m

Day 7: Departure
Departure by bus to Manchester (2-3h) or take a train direct to Manchester Airport from Windermere, which is a 19km or 30mins taxi journey. Additional nights at the end of the walk can be arranged should you wish to explore the Lake District further.

Check out our Q&As

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

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May 28, 2024 - Jun 03, 2024

~~$955~~ $912