England's Lake District

Day 1 Arrive at our first hotel in Grange-over-Sands, where lunch is available, if required (at own expense). In the afternoon we drive to the medieval village of Cartmel with its imposing 12th-Century Priory church and on the way back take a short walk along the bay promenade. A tea reception and orientation meeting is followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D) **The hotel is next to the train station at Grange-over-Sands.

Day 2 Walk through delightful limestone woodland and up grassy slopes to the top of Hampsfell escarpment to enjoy the spectacular views across Morecambe Bay and towards the Lakeland mountains. In the afternoon, follow country byways through the gentle Cartmel valley and Bigland Estate to our next inn at Newby Bridge. (B, L, D) 9 Miles

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) 10 Miles

Day 4 We enjoy a short cruise across Coniston Water to Brantwood, home of the poet, artitst, and social reformer t John Ruskin. Then choose between a walk up the Coppermines Valley to absorb 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.  (B, L, D)  4 Miles/Optional

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, with an optional diversion to Holme Fell to admire the incomparable views in all directions. The next three nights' accomodation will be in either a traditional Lakeland Inn in Little Langdale, or a delightful country guest house, superbly encircled by nearby Lakeland hills. (B, L, D) 8 Miles

Day 6 We motor along England’s steepest road across spectacular Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, stopping to tour a 2nd-century 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) 2 1/2 Miles

Day 7 Walk by Elterwater and follow in Wordsworth’s footsteps along Loughrigg Terrace for a superb view of Grasmere lake and vale, the inspiration for many of his great poems. We arrive at the village of Rydal, which Wordsworth made his home for the final 37 years of his life. After lunch in a traditional “tearoom” we visit Rydal Mount, the poet’s home and its gardens, which were lovingly landscaped by the poet during his time there. In the afternoon we walk along the valley side to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Wordsworth’s home during his nine most productive years as a poet, and visit the cottage and nearby museum (a visit to Grasmere village can be arranged instead of this final walk). Return to our accommodation for the final night, and our Farewell Dinner.
(B, L, D) 7 Miles

Day 8 Departure after breakfast. Departure is on your own arrangements. If you require assistance for your final transfer, please let us know. (B)