This tour differs from our Inn to Inn Tour in that it is 6 nights with 1 and 2 accommodation options. See the Tour Dates/Pricing tab for details.

Walk in the footsteps of the early conservationists: William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter . This walk allows 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.

Highlights of this tour include:

• Scenic walks, hikes and talks by our Lake District experts
• Visit to Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth
• Windermere ferry and walk to Hilltop Farm, home of Beatrix Potter
• Delightful, panoramic walk on the east side of Coniston Water
• Visit to Brantwood, home of John Ruskin
• The Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle
• A launch ride on Derwentwater

On four days our itinerary offers an alternative longer and steeper hike 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.

Walkers are treated to a visual paradise of green forests, stonewalled fields stretching into the distance, a storybook realm of hills, clear lakes, and whitewashed cottages.

The Lake District is England's largest national park, home to Windermere, England's biggest natural lake; Wastwater, England's deepest lake; and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.

Day 1 (single and twin base itineraries) Arrive during the morning and settle into your Lake District hotel, where lunch is available (not included in tour price). In the afternoon, take a “get acquainted” tour round the picturesque Lakeland village of Grasmere, which will be your home for the next three nights. This will include a visit to Grasmere Church, with its intricate wooden beams, the Grasmere Gingerbread shop and the corner of the graveyard where William Wordsworth and close family members are buried. Return to the hotel for the orientation meeting, followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 (single and twin base itineraries) 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 Loughrigg, a stunning viewpoint in fine weather for the Central Lake District. In the afternoon we drive back 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 Wordsworth, Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, three influential early conservationists. (B, L, D) 5 Miles with diffiicult option

Day 3 (single and twin base itineraries) Drive to Bowness-on-Windermere and take the passenger ferry to Ferry House on the west shore of Windermere. Walk or drive (depending on timings) to Near Sawrey for a visit to Hilltop Farm, purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1905. Now drive to Brantwood, the home of the poet, artist, social reformer and conservationist John Ruskin for 28 years, and enjoy lunch at the Jumping Jenny restaurant, named after Ruskin’s boat. In the afternoon enjoy a delightful, panoramic walk on the east side of Coniston Water.
(B, L, D) 5 Miles

Day 4 (single accommodation itinerary) 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, 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) No Walk

Day 4 (twin base accommodation itinerary) This day sees a change of base from Grasmere 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, 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 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.

Day 5 (single accommodation itinerary)Again today we have a choice of walks available, both of which visit Silver Howe, the scenic ridge which separates the Rothay valley from Langdale. Superb views unfold on both sides. The shorter walk descends to Grasmere in early afternoon, leaving time free to browse in the village. The longer walk stays on Silver Howe for longer, finally descending into the Easedale Valley, with its secluded tarn of the same name. (B, L, D) 5 Miles with a more difficult 8 Mile alternative

Day 5 (twin base accommodation itinerary) We drive to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, set in a dramatic position at the heart of the northern Lake District mountains. After viewing the Neolithic site, everyone walks by Walla Crag, Ashness Bridge and Surprise View to the village of Lodore. There is then the choice of an easy afternoon walk by the Derwentwater lakeshore path, or a harder alternative crossing the summit of Cat Bells, an outstanding viewpoint for the Keswick area, and Newlands and Borrowdale valleys.  Both walks end with a launch ride on Derwentwater, after which we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 (single accommodation itinerary) We drive to the Castlerigg Stone Circle in the northern Lake District. After viewing the Neolithic site, everyone walks by Walla Crag, Ashness Bridge and Surprise View to the village of Lodore. There is then the choice of an easy afternoon walk by the Derwentwater lakeshore path, or a harder alternative crossing the summit of Cat Bells, an outstanding viewpoint for the Keswick area, and Newlands and Borrowdale valleys.  Both walks end with a launch ride on Derwentwater, after which we return to the hotel in Grasmere.

Or the following (fine weather) alternative…..

Day 6 (twin base accommodation itinerary) We drive to the top of Honister Pass, and visit the mine shop. The easier walk then follows the length of Borrowdale, descending gently via a delightfully scenic path to the Derwentwater lakeshore, from where the Keswick Launch service will take us back to Keswick. We may detour to the top of Castle Crag, a proud little peak with a Bronze 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) 6 Miles

Day 7 Departure after breakfast. (B)

(ELR reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary when deemed necessary or appropriate).

Dates & Prices:

Tour prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is only applicable if you are traveling solo and/or have a room to yourself.

Tour Dates - Two Accomodations	Tour Price	Single Supplement
June 30 - July 6, 2013	$2,850.00	$425.00
September 15 - 21, 2013	$2,850.00	$425.00
September 29- October 5, 2013	$2,850.00	$425.00

Tour Dates - One Accomodation	Tour Price	Single Supplement
August 11 - 17, 2013	$2,850.00	$425.00
Interested in a different departure date? Consider a private tour or a self guided tour.

What's Included:

Your trip price includes the following. For additional information, please call or email us at and one of our exceptional Travel Advisors will be happy to share with you all kinds of details.

• 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