Hiking the English Lake District

The region is very compact and there are countless footpaths snaking their way along the valleys and up into the mountains. The many lakes are very beautiful and some have passenger boat services, with landing points convenient for the start of walks. The lakes with the stunning backdrop of the mountains give the Lake District a unique blend of beauty and excitement. You will be staying in a selection of comfortable hotels in the Grasmere or Keswick areas.

The Hikes
There are literally hundreds of walk possibilities within the Lake District National Park, catering for every degree of ability. We have suggested walks+ at both grades and the final selection will be at the discretion of our Leaders.

The Lake District is divided roughly into four quadrants and amongst the best walks in each quadrant include the following:-

Southeast Lakes

Bases include Grasmere, Langdale, Ambleside, Coniston and Windermere. Lakes include Windermere (England’s longest at 10.5 miles), Coniston Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Esthwaite Water and many smaller tarns. Walks include ascents of Helvellyn (3118 ft.), The Fairfield Horseshoe (2,803 ft.), Coniston Old Man (2,635 ft.) Langdale Pikes (2,414 ft.) and Wansfell Pike (1,587 ft.). There are many walks which take in more than one peak, so that for example a walk to Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man & Wetherlam would have a total ascent of around 3,704 ft.

Southwest Lakes

Bases include Coniston, Eskdale, Wasdale Head and Great Langdale. Lakes include Coniston (on the cusp), and Wastwater, as well again as many smaller tarns. Hikes include ascents of Bow Fell (2,960 ft.), Langdale Pikes, the Scafell Range, including Scafell, Scafell Pike, Lingmell and Great End, Glaramara (2,568 ft.), Pillar and Great Gable (2,949 ft.). In this area it is quite easy to do walks with a total of 4,500 – 5,000 feet of ascent.

Northwest Lakes

Bases include Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere. Main Lakes are Thirlmere, Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Ennerdale Water. Main walks include the peaks of Skiddaw (3,021 ft.), Blencathra (2,847 ft.), Grasmoor, the Dale Head (2,473 ft.) to Catbells Ridge and Robinson (2,417 ft.)

The Hiking Grades

This holiday is designed as a Grades B & C walking holiday. The different Grades are described below. With two Grassroutes Leaders, in which case we offer a choice of walks on each walking day, dependent on the abilities and preferences of the party. With smaller parties where we have only one Leader the walks will be a mix of grades designed to fit the abilities of the group. The distances and ascents may be modified, will generally be as follows :-
Grade B
Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade C
Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly some loose rock. Distances usually 5 – 8 miles.

Travel

Transport will be by either a small, fully fitted coach, in the case of larger parties or comfortable mini-bus driven by our Leader, for smaller groups.

Hotel

Accommodation will be in an excellent three star hotel, in twin or double bedded rooms, all with en suite bathrooms.

Flights

Grassroutes Holidays does not arrange flights. We can however assist you by telephoning fully bonded Air Tour Operators on your behalf. Please note that we do not take payment for flights ourselves, these must be made directly to the ATOL holder. By ensuring that you are booking direct with an ATOL holder you can rest assured that your flights are financially protected.

• 7 nights accommodation in twin or double rooms, all with private bathroom & toilet, in a good quality 3 star hotel.
• Full English Breakfast and Dinner each day.
• Transport by small coach or mini-bus, throughout the holiday.
• All the costs of the walking programme.
• Services of one or two Grassroutes Leaders as appropriate.
• V.A.T. and all local service charges and taxes.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Lunches, insurance (We consider that medical and accident & emergency cover, including repatriation expenses is essential), admissions to castles, museums etc.,items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone calls etc.