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Offering one and two accommodation itineraries.
Two Accommodations: May 13 to 19, 2012
July 22 to 28, 2012
September 23 to 29, 2012 One Accommodation: August 12 to 18, 2012
This tour differs from our Inn to Inn Tour in that it is 6 nights with 1 and 2 accommodation options.
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.
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 home for the next six nights. This will include a visit to Troutbeck Church, with its superb east window, and a glimpse of 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 Wordsworth, Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, three influential early conservationists. . (B,L,D) 5 Miles with diffiicult option
Day 3 Drive through Bowness-on-Windermere to Ferry Nab, the departure point for the Windermere ferry. We take the ferry to the west shore of Windermere and walk to Near Sawrey for a visit to Hilltop Farm, purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1905. Drive to Waterhead at the north end of Coniston Water, and take the Coniston Launch to Brantwood, the home of the poet, artist, social reformer and conservationist John Ruskin for 28 years. Visit Brantwood, and enjoy lunch at the Jumping Jenny restaurant, named after Ruskin’s boat. In the afternoon enjoy a delightful, scenic walk on the shore of Coniston Water. (B,L,D) 5 Miles
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 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. (B,L,D) No Walk  Day 5
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 for our farewell dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) 5 Miles with a more difficult 8 Mile alternative
Day 6 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 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)
6 Miles
Day 7 Departure after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $2850
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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