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April 29 - May 6, 2007 • June
10 - 17, 2007
July
15 - 22, 2007 • Sept
23 - 30, 2007
May 4-11, 2008 • June 8-15, 2008 • July 6-13, 2008
August 10-17, 2008 • September 21-28, 2008
Walk through the heart of the Lake District,
with lodging along the way at some of Lakeland
's most delightful country hotels and inns.
Each day, we guide you on a robust walk across
vales and hills. Sightseeing by minibus rounds
out an appreciation of Lake District history
and culture. Our minibus brings your luggage
to the next inn before you arrive. Walks cover
from 5 to 10 miles daily, with ascents of 600
to 1400 feet (you may also opt for only a half
day of hiking).
Itinerary
 Day 1 Arrive at
our first hotel in Grange-over-Sands, where
lunch is taken. In the afternoon we drive to
the medieval village of Cartmel with its imposing
12th-Century Priory church and take a short
walk along the bay promenade. A tea reception
and orientation meeting is followed by our
Welcome Dinner.(D)
Day 2 Walk through
delightful limestone woodland and up grassy
slopes to the top of Hampsfell escarpment to
gain spectacular views across the bay and towards
the Lakeland mountains. In the afternoon, follow
country byways through the gentle Cartmel valley
to our next inn at Newby Bridge.(B,L,D)
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)
Day 4 We enjoy
a short cruise across Coniston Water to Brantwood,
home of the poet and artist John Ruskin. Then
choose between a walk up the Coppermines Valley
to enjoy 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. On this day or on
Day 5, back at the hotel, a Cumbrian tourist
guide gives a talk about her early travels
through the county.(B,L,D)
 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, perhaps with a diversion
to Holme Fell to admire the incomparable views.
Reach our inn in Little Langdale for the next
two nights' stay.(B,L,D)
Day 6 We motor
along England's steepest road across spectacular
Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, stopping to
tour a 2nd-Century Roman fort. Drive down into
the Eskdale valley for a traditional pub lunch.
Then on 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)
Day 7 Walk by
Elterwater and follow in Wordsworth's footsteps
along Loughrigg Terrace for a superb view of
Grasmere lake and vale, inspiration for many
of his great poems. In the afternoon we visit
Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s home during
his nine most productive years as a poet, and
walk to Rydal Mount, his last home, to admire
the grounds he lovingly landscaped. Drive in
our minibus to the last inn for the final night,
and our Farewell Dinner.(B,L,D)
Day 8 Departure
after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $2875
Includes:
- 6 scenic guided hikes
- 7 nights' lodging in charming
country inns and hotels
- Double-occupancy room with private bath
- 7 sumptuous breakfasts
and 7 dinners
- 7 packed and pub lunches
- Lake steamer cruise
- Sightseeing visits and admission fees
- Talks by Lakeland experts
- Luggage transported between
inns
“The trip exceeded
our expectations. We were afraid we’d
be disappointed because the three previous
trips with ELR were so great — but
this one was just as wonderful in a different
way.”
K & G Lovejoy Colebrook, CT
“The people on
the trip were simply fabulous. I rather
expected people who wanted to take this
kind of trip to be compatible. It was a
remarkable group of caring, interesting,
congenial people and we thoroughly enjoyed
them all.”
K Mussell & B Weintraub Washington, DC
“The walks and
hikes were wonderful! From the lovely,
craggy hills to the villages! When you
work indoors at a desk job all day, it’s
breathtaking (sometimes literally!).”
V Richard Tulsa, OK
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