English Lakes Explorer Northern England England Join us for this hiking tour of England’s Lake District. The Lake District is the most mountainous region of England, famous for its beautiful lakes, forests and mountain trails.  Our hikes will bring us through valleys with stunning mountain vistas and waterfalls. We may even “bag” a few of the lower mountain peaks. All the land in England higher than 3,000 feet can be found within the National Park, including the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. Also contained within the Lake District are the deepest and longest bodies of water in England, Wast Water and Windermere. Of course we must not forget a visit to the home of William Wordsworth and hiking in Beatrix Potter’s footsteps. Tour Highlights - Beautiful scenery of the Lake District - Visit to the home of William Wordsworth - Climbing Catbells – the mountain above Derwentwater Walking Tour Meeting: Windermere Airport:   Leeds Transfer: Windermere Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
After meeting up in Windermere we drive north to Ambleside. We will hike directly out of town to the beautiful tiny lake of Lily Tarn. We will be rewarded with fine views of Ambleside and the surrounding fells.  
We will then return to town where we can check in to the hotel. If you have the energy later there is the option of heading north out of town to hike to the old Sweden Bridges.
Walking Distance (first hike) 2.6 miles (4.1 km) / Ascent 554 ft (168 m)
Walking Distance (second hike) 3.3 miles (5.3 km) / Ascent 702 ft (213 m)
Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Elterwater & Catgedral Cavern
We begin this hike at the head of the Great Langdale Valley at the village of Elterwater (the name comes from the Old Norse, meaning “swan lake”). We then visit two waterfalls: Skelwith Force and Colwith Force. Our hike then takes us to the Cathedral Cavern: a spectacular man-made quarry with an amazing echo. One of the tunnels is over 100 m long and requires a torch to see. We will also be crossing the delightful packhorse bridge, “Slater’s Bridge” at Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale.
Walking Distance 7.8 miles (12.5 km) / Ascent 1000 ft (304 m)
Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Loughrigg Fell
A wonderful circuit of Loughrigg Fell on easy paths with spectacular views. We will enjoy our first glimpse of the Langdale Pikes: a stunning backdrop to Loughrigg Tarn. The return route passes the beautiful lakes of Rydal Water and Grasmere. Then we will have time for our own private guided tour of Rydal Mount, the long-time home of poet William Wordsworth. At the end of the tour we will be sampling the legendary Grasmere gingerbread, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Walking Distance 7 miles (11 km) / Ascent 1362 ft (415 m)
Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Troutbeck Valley & Wansfell Pike
We head directly on foot out of Ambleside to Jenkins Crag viewpoint and Skelghyll Woods. On arrival at the village of Troutbeck, we will call in at Townend: a 17th century farmhouse open for visitors.  Return to Ambleside is via Wansfell Pike, enjoying superb views of Windermere and the Kirkstone Pass. Finally we head back to town by the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
Walking Distance 6.5 miles (10 km) / Ascent 1609 ft (490 m)
Overnight: Ambleside, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Lakeshore Hike to Glenridding
Today’s journey begins with a ride on the ferry across Ullswater Lake to Howtown. Our hiking route follows the lakeside path below Hallin Fell, Kilbert How, Birk Fell and Place Fell, before arriving at Glenridding. We then drive northwest to our next accommodation at Grange in Borrowdale.
Walking Distance 7 miles (11 km) / Ascent 656 ft (200 m)
Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Buttermere Circuit & Rannerdale Knotts
Two beautiful short hikes in magnificent Buttermere: a quintessential Lake District hike around a lake with fine mountain views all around. 
There is then the option of the second hike to Rannerdale Knotts: a steep climb initially with the reward of fine views from the ridge of Crummock Water and Rannerdale Valley on the other side. A steep, stony descent brings us back in to Buttermere via the shore of Crummock Water.
Walking Distance (first hike) 4.7 miles (7.5 km) / Ascent 393 ft (67 m)
Walking Distance (second hike) 3.5 miles (5.6 km) / Ascent 928 ft (283 m)
Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Catbells & Maiden Moor
This morning we walk directly from the hotel and trace a route along the edge of Derwentwater, later scaling  the summits of Catbells and Maiden Moor: two of the best-loved fells in the Lake District.  A rewarding climb with fine views. 
We then return full circle back to the hotel via the pretty village of Grange.
Walking Distance 6.6 miles (10.7 km) / Ascent 1640 ft (500 m)
Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Watendlath Circuit
A beautiful hike to complete our Lake District adventures. But a tough one – you’ll be ready for this! The initial climb is steep and stony up through the forest. We are then rewarded with fine views and a rest beside remote Dock Tarn. 
We make our way across the open moor to the tiny hamlet of Watendlath, perhaps to enjoy refreshment at the tea room?  We hike via an easier path back to Rosthwaite.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km) / Ascent 1490 ft (454 m)
Overnight: Grange, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Departure
After a hearty breakfast, we will depart for Windermere, expecting to arrive around 11 am.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                               Keswick area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	45	46	49	54	60	64	67	66	62	56	49	46
Average Low Temperature (°F)	36	35	37	40	44	49	52	52	48	44	39	36
Average High Temperature (°C)	7	8	9	12	15	18	20	19	17	13	10	8
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	4	7	9	11	11	9	7	4	2
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	14	10	12	9	10	10	11	11	11	14	15	14

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather in the Lake District can vary a lot, not just between seasons but even within one day!

Spring
The flowers are in bloom, the woods are a carpet of bluebells, wood sorrel and wild garlic. The new leaves shine like emeralds and the sheep have been brought down from the fells to lamb and graze in the warmer, low-lying pastures.
Throughout the county, spring sees the start of outdoor festivals and fairs.

Summer
A Cumbrian summer is when England’s most alluring corner revels in its beauty, clear skies making for the most stunning views.Summer means long, languid days that last until late in the evening, perfect for all kinds of activity. 

Autumn
Autumn in Cumbria sees the county undergo a beautiful change in scenery. The sweeping valleys turn to shades of orange, yellow and gold as autumn begins to take hold of the countryside, making for some truly spectacular views.
The outdoors is still a welcoming playground, perfect for long walks in the mountains.
This is foraging season and the best of local produce is on show, with festivals celebrating the harvest and plenty more besides.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to experience the local dark skies: they’re some of the darkest in the country, and a Dark Skies Festival celebrates their magical wonder in November.

Winter
Winter is a truly wonderful time to visit the Lake District, Cumbria. Landscapes are striking in their seasonal splendour, with the chance of snow on higher ground and stunning morning frosts to admire. There are winter walks to enjoy, followed by a warming brew in a pub or café.

We travel from one location to the next on a comfortable LDV mini-coach with 14 high-backed seats (rarely filled to full capacity so there is plenty of room to spread out). The height of the vehicle allows for excellent views over hedgerows, stone walls, etc. Your luggage is stored inside, not on a roof rack, so there is no risk of it getting wet. We spend from one to three nights in each area and walk the best parts before moving on to our next stop. When we travel between locations we make plenty of allowances for "comfort" stops and coffee / tea breaks. Our vehicles are fitted with stereo systems so you may like to bring along a music tape or two for the driving journeys.

The following items are essential:
- Good strong waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking trousers (jeans are not recommended at all as they are too hot in fine weather and too heavy if they get wet)
- Small day rucksack for lunch, drinks, coat etc.
- Water Bottle
- Gloves (even in summer it can get really cool in some hilly and coastal areas)
- Warm Hat
- Personal toiletries and medication
- General warm clothing such as sweaters, track suit bottoms (sweat pants), fleece jacket, etc.
- Sun cream / sun block / after sun cream
- Spending money in Euros (due to the remote nature of our accommodations, it is sometimes difficult to get to banks and cash machines).
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

The following items are suggestions:
- Shorts
- Waterproof trousers
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Flask (Thermos)
- Walking pole / stick
- Torch (flashlight)
- Book
- Alarm clock
- Drawing / painting equipment
- Swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Your favourite remedy for blisters. (I highly recommend a product called “Compeed” which is available in most pharmacists. In the USA and Canada it may be sold under a different brand name. It is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson) 

(Note: Only one suitcase per person please) 

 
Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com 

If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock  

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Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
All our accommodations have been carefully selected. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
We stay in small hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B & B's and occasionally castles.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 to 4: Accommodation in Ambleside
Night 5 to 8: Accommodation in Grange

Room Occupancy
All rooms are en suite twin, double or single. Singles are available on request for a small supplement.


Meals:
All meals are included in your package.

We take packed lunches for our lunch breaks during our walks. These are provided from our accommodation or from local delis.

Our evenings are a time for reviewing the day's activities and shared experiences on the hills. Evening meals are taken either in the places where we are staying or in local restaurants. You will be pleasantly surprised at the fine quality meals you will enjoy on your tour.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Level:		(0 out of 5)
Riders:		Min 5	Max 12

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

(a) A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. (b) Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.



Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to six months.

Visa Note

(a) Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements