Tour of the Lake District

The Tour of the Lake District is a 96 mile circuit of England’s most celebrated national park. This stunning route showcases the diverse beauty of the Lake District, from remote valleys and shimmering lakes to rugged mountain passes and timeless villages. Seasoned walkers will find this challenging route deeply rewarding, relying at times on their map-reading and navigational skills.

Starting in the bustling town of Windermere, the route travels along a mix of ancient packhorse trails, quiet country lanes, and rugged fell paths. Along the way you’ll encounter the tranquil shores of Buttermere, the remote beauty of Wasdale, and the picturesque charm of Borrowdale. The scenery constantly changes, from the dramatic passes of Walna Scar and Black Sail to the peaceful pastures of Eskdale and Langdale

The landscape is steeped in history, with traditional Lakeland villages, ancient stone bridges, and historic inns that have welcomed walkers for generations. Literary connections also add to the area’s charm, from Wordsworth’s inspiration in Grasmere to Beatrix Potter’s beloved countryside near Coniston.

With its ever-changing scenery and a perfect blend of challenge and reward, the Tour of the Lake District offers a memorable adventure for those looking to explore this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our Holidays

We have 3 options on the Tour of the Lake District. You can walk the whole route over 9 or 10 days, alternatively you can walk from Windermere to Keswick via the Western Lakes over 6 days, or enjoy an Eastern Lakes short break from Keswick to Ambleside over 3 days.

The section from Windermere to Keswick takes you through the quieter, more remote Western Lakes, including the beautiful valleys of Ennerdale, Wasdale and Eskdale. The short break from Keswick to Ambleside for those with less time, takes in the popular tourist hotspots of Keswick and Grasmere and includes a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.