Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall Walking Holiday

Let’s travel to the breathtaking Lake District! The Lake District is one of the most famous places in the UK for hiking, with its majestic mountains, serene valleys, and crystalline lakes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Let’s travel to Newcastle airport where we will meet our local expert walking guide and travel to our hotel in Penrith, a charming historic market town on the outskirts of the Lake District. With its picturesque sandstone buildings and vibrant atmosphere, Penrith boasts a plethora of independent shops, restaurants, and cozy pubs, and will be our base for the next five nights.

Let’s join our fellow group members tonight for a welcome meal included tonight in our hotel. This is the perfect opportunity to bond over a delicious meal and forge new friendships before embarking on our action-packed group walking holiday.

Today begins our first day exploring the beautiful Lake District. Let’s set off from Seatoller with a short uphill climb. Next let’s make our way along the Upper Barrowdale Valley enjoying the scenic paths of the wide valley, before reaching Castle Crag. Let’s climb the slate steep path to admire the beautiful views before continuing our adventure along the tranquil wooded shores of the lake at Derwentwater. There will also be an option for those today who wish to climb to the summit of Catbells. Our invigorating hike today will finish in the Lake District town of Keswick, where we will have some free time to explore its charming shops and pubs before returning to our hotel in Penrith.

Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 15 km / Ascent: 504m / Duration: 4.5 hours

Let’s explore more of the Lake District! This morning, we will begin our hike in the small village of Grasmere and former home to of the renowned poet William Wordsworth. From here let’s trace a scenic path along the western bank of Lake Grasmere, enjoying beautiful views over the water and scenic paths through the trees as we hike. Next, let’s follow the river towards the shoreline of Rydal Water. The scenery in this corner of the Lake District deeply inspired Wordsworth and along the way the route passes two of his homes, Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage. We will finish our days hiking in the famous Lake District town of Ambleside, where we'll have the opportunity to explore its charming streets. There will also be an option for those today who wish to climb up Loughrigg Fell.

Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 12 km / Ascent: 341m / Duration: 3.5 hours

Today let’s immerse ourselves in the rich history of Northern England as we embark on an unforgettable trek atop the world famous Hadrian’s Wall. This ancient marvel, constructed to safeguard the rugged north-western frontier of the Roman Empire, spans 73 miles through some of the most dramatic scenery of England. Let’s explore a small section of this historic site as we hike from Greenhead to Housesteads fort. It's a section with some of the best-preserved wall, set in glorious surroundings.  Prepare to be captivated by undulating hills, traversing crags, and verdant fields as we journey through this historic landscape before finishing at the historic Housesteads Fort, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the Roman soldiers stationed at this distant outpost of the empire (entry not included)

Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 16 km / Ascent: 148m / Duration: 5.5 hours

Let’s uncover some more of the Lake District’s unique scenery as we hike the area north of Skiddaw. Let’s start in Bassenthwaite, and enjoy beautiful views and enchanting waterfalls as we make our way up towards Dash Falls. The rustic scenery lies in contrast to the more rural scenery of the rest of the Lake District adding a different dimension to our holiday as we pass waterfalls, mountain rocky paths and sweeping views. Our descent will bring us past the remote Skiddaw House, once a hunting lodge and now a rustic youth hostel. It was once described by the novelist Hugh Walpole as “one of the loneliest dwelling-places in all the British Isles”. Our days hiking will finish in the small village of Threlkeld from where we will return to our hotel.

Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 17 km / Ascent:387m / Duration: 5 hours

Today it is time to say goodbye to the Lake District as we return home. Let’s head to the airport with our hearts full of unforgettable experiences amidst the rolling hills and serene lakes of this picturesque corner of England.