Walking Holidays in the Lake District

The Cumbria Way is a captivating journey through one of England’s most celebrated landscapes. Connecting the coastal town of Ulverston with the historic city of Carlisle, the 73 mile route showcases the beauty of the Lake District with a perfect blend of tranquil valleys, shimmering lakes, and majestic fells. Following a predominantly low-level route on well-maintained paths, the trail meanders through the lush scenery of Coniston, Langdale, and Borrowdale, with occasional climbs revealing breathtaking views of this cherished region.

Starting in the characterful market town of Ulverston, the trail weaves through pleasant countryside, gradually reaching the peaceful shores of Coniston Water, where the spirit of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons still lingers. From here, the path continues towards the dramatic peaks of the Langdale Valley. Every step resonates with the area’s rich history and cultural heritage, passing through charming hamlets, ancient woodlands, and rolling farmland that reflect centuries of rural life. The trail also reveals traces of Cumbria’s industrial past, with remnants of slate quarries and copper mines nestled amongst the fells.

Adding to its charm, the route’s great attraction lies in its contrasts. Peaceful moments beside Derwentwater give way to the vibrant bustle of Keswick, while the solitude of Back o’ Skiddaw and Caldbeck eventually leads to Carlisle’s lively streets and historic castle.

One of the country’s easier long-distance paths, the Cumbria Way is ideal for walkers of varying abilities, and whether drawn by its natural beauty, inspired by its industrial heritage, or simply seeking the joy of a multi-day adventure, this delightful route promises a truly memorable experience.

The Lakes Inn Way is a 90 mile circular walk starting and finishing in the popular tourist town of Ambleside. This trail takes in some of the more remote corners of the Lake District, and takes you through the Lake District’s stunning deep sided valleys, along lake shores and over remote mountain passes – as well as past over 40 traditional Lakeland inns. Please be aware that this is a challenging route in places, you will need to be proficient in map reading and the use of a compass. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries regarding the suitability of this walk, we are happy to advise.

The full route takes you through the popular tourist towns of Ambleside, Coniston, and Grasmere (site of Dove Cottage, former home of the Romantic Poet Wordsworth), as well as through a few of the Lake District’s most impressive valleys – Borrowdale, Ennerdale, and Great Langdale, linked together with paths over high mountain passes, with great views of the surrounding fells. A highlight is a visit to remote Wasdale Head, in the shadow of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

The Inn Way to the Lake District is a great combination, taking in the busier valleys and towns of the central Lake District, such as Ambleside, Coniston, Langdale, and Borrowdale as well as the more remote, quieter places of the western Lake District, including Buttermere, Wasdale and Eskdale – a true cross section of what the Lakes has to offer.

Why is the route known as the Inn Way to the Lake District? Because it is devised so that at each day the route passes a pub at lunchtime and there will always be one nearby – or you will be staying in one – at each overnight stop. There are many traditional Lakeland Inns to choose from, – so you can plan your trip looking forward to log fires, local ales and good food, often made with local produce.

‘The Inn Way’ is a Registered Trademark of Mark Reid, author of ‘The Inn Way’ series of guidebooks.

The North Lakes Traverse is a magnificent journey through the heart of the Northern Lake District, linking Ullswater, Thirlmere, and Derwentwater. This, our very own route, winds along tranquil lake shores, through quiet woodlands, and over dramatic mountain passes, stopping in some of Lakeland’s most picturesque villages. With a choice of high and low-level alternatives, the walk can be adapted to suit your ability or the weather.

Starting in the quiet hamlet of Dockray, the 42 mile route descends to Aira Force, where cascading waters have inspired generations of poets and painters. Beyond here, woodland paths above Ullswater lead to Pooley Bridge, a picturesque village steeped in local history. The path along Ullswater’s eastern shore evokes a sense of calm, with peaceful woodlands and meadows hugging the water’s edge. Those seeking a challenge can follow the high route to Place Fell, where the views stretch across Ullswater to the rugged Helvellyn range.

The ascent of Sticks Pass delivers sweeping views of Lakeland’s iconic peaks and a first glimpse of Thirlmere, a chance to pause, and drink in the vastness of this stunning landscape. Crossing the Ullscarf ridge, you’ll arrive in the secluded hamlet of Watendlath with its pretty tarn. Borrowdale follows, its ancient oak woods and pastoral charm providing a perfect contrast to the surrounding fells.

The final stretch along Derwentwater brings a choice of climbing Catbells for breathtaking panoramas, or simply meandering through the quiet lakeside woodlands. Either way, your journey concludes in the charming market town of Keswick, where you can sit and reflect on all you’ve achieved on your North Lakes adventure.

The Tour of the Lake District is a 96 mile circuit starting in the popular tourist town of Windermere and following a clockwise round, finishes off in yet another popular tourist town, Ambleside. This trail takes in each of the main Lake District valleys, along lake shores and over remote mountain passes.

You will follow in the footsteps of shepherds and drovers along ancient pathways from one valley to the next. Please be aware that this is a challenging route, you will need to be proficient in map reading and the use of a compass. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries regarding the suitability of this walk, we are happy to help.

Starting in Windermere, the route takes you through the picturesque towns of Ambleside, Coniston, Keswick and Grasmere (site of Dove Cottage the former home of the romantic poet William Wordsworth). The route takes you through some of the Lake District’s most impressive valleys including the more remote valleys of the western Lake District such as Eskdale, Wasdale and Ennerdale, linked together with paths over high mountain passes. One of the many highlights of this scenic tour is a visit to the remote Wasdale Head in the shadow of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

Discover one of the Lake District’s best-kept secrets with this delightful walk through the picturesque Vale of Lorton. Located in the quiet northwest corner of the National Park, this 28 mile route takes you past the tranquil waters of Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere, revealing a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

Following well-defined paths, forestry tracks, and country lanes the walking is for the most part easy and good underfoot. There’s only one climb of any real note, and with short daily distances, you’ll have plenty of time to pause, take in the spectacular scenery, and revel in the stillness of this unspoiled corner of the Lakes.

After spending the evening in the charming market town of Keswick, you’ll be transferred to Whinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest. From here, your journey begins with an easy descent to the pretty hamlet of Loweswater, unveiling stunning views of Crummock Water and the Buttermere fells.

Circling Loweswater, the trail continues through the peaceful Mosedale Valley before returning to the shores of Crummock Water and the village of Buttermere, nestled beneath towering fells.

The route’s only significant climb takes you from Buttermere over fell sides to around 200m, before descending into the hushed Newlands Valley. Level walking leads back to Keswick, marking the completion of this stunning Lakeland circuit.

With short days and sublime scenery throughout, the Vale of Lorton is the perfect introduction to Lakeland walking.

The scenic Westmorland Way is a 95 mile walk through the old county of that name, which now forms the south eastern part of Cumbria.

The route starts in Appleby, the county town of Westmorland, the perfect starting point in the shadow of the Pennine Chain. It then travels west and generally southwards, winding its way through some of the finest Lake District scenery, passing Ullswater, Grasmere and Windermere, before visiting the market town of Kendal. From there it follows the canal and tracks through woodlands and meadows to Westmorland’s only port, Arnside, on the shores of Morecambe Bay.