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Escape to the Lakes

Alex and Gillian Davidson

October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

On a carefully crafted, bespoke adventure, spend time in the enchanting Lake District National Park. A landscape full of hanging valleys, rushing waterfalls, and impressive crags cloaked in volcanic rock, it’s a stunning and exciting place to explore on foot. Accompanied by Dan, your Wilderness guide, discover ribboned glens, ancient woodland, and mirrored lakes. Visit historic cottages, charming villages and many striking instances of natural beauty. Enjoy staying in exquisite, hand-picked accommodation and eating fresh, seasonally-inspired meals. Listen for lapwings and curlews as you keep an eye out for roe deer and chat with your guide about the history and heritage of the region. Where the peaks are reflected in the mirrored lakes, and the views are far-reaching and vast, relax knowing that every detail of your trip has been meticulously taken care of.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Welcome to the Lakes | Overnight: Ullswater

Day 2 | Ullswater Steamer and Glenridding Walk | Overnight: Ullswater

Day 3 | Honister Slate Mine and Distillery | Overnight: Ullswater

Day 4 | William Wordsworth and Exploring Grasmere | Overnight: Windermere

Day 5 | Lake Windermere and Beatrix Potter | Overnight: Windermere

Day 6 | Sheepdog Experience and Afternoon Tea | Overnight: Windermere

Day 7 | Shap Abbey and Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to the Lakes

Arrive in Penrith and meet Dan. Set off on a short but stunning hike to the picturesque Aira Force Waterfall, winding your way through old leafy woodland to where the rushing water thunders into a deep pool below. Afterwards, continue to your beautiful accommodation, Another Place, which is nestled on the shores of Ullswater. Take some time to settle in before enjoying a delicious dinner this evening.

Overnight: Ullswater | Another Place
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Ullswater Steamer and Glenridding Walk

After breakfast, enjoy a tranquil voyage on the Ullswater steamer – gliding across the iridescent lake and soaking up the wonderful views that unfurl beyond the bow. Venture ashore at Howtown and continue to explore on foot, meandering your way to the enchanting village of Glenridding. Wander through its charming streets, looking up at the surrounding fells that climb steeply towards the sky. Return to Another Place this evening and enjoy some time to relax.

Overnight: Ullswater | Another Place
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Honister Slate Mine and Distillery

Wind your way west through the rolling green fields this morning to visit Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England. Enjoy a fascinating underground tour, discovering the captivating world beneath the rugged Lakes landscape. Emerging from the mines, enjoy a walk around Derwentwater and lunch in the charming town of Kewsick. Spend the afternoon at The Lakes Distillery, where you can indulge in a chocolate and whisky tour as well as meeting and feed the local alpacas. On your return to your accommodation tonight, with a stop in the way at the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Overnight: Ullswater | Another Place
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - William Wordsworth and Exploring Grasmere

As syrupy sunshine spills across the fields, travel south to the picturesque village of Grasmere and immerse yourself in the region’s rich literary heritage. Visit Dove Cottage, the former home of renowned poet William Wordsworth and pay homage at his final resting place. Afterwards, you may wish to enjoy a walk around Rydal Water, passing by Rydal Cave, where stepping stones across the smooth water disappear into the dark. This evening, sink into the luxurious comfort of The Gilpin Hotel and enjoy a delicious meal.

Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Lake Windermere and Beatrix Potter

Today, head out with Dan to explore Lake Windermere – the largest lake in England and a place of arresting beauty. Enjoy an engaging forest walk, strolling along slender paths that snake their way through ancient woodland. Chat with your guide about the local flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating local history. This afternoon, you may like to explore Windermere town or visit Hill Top, the charming former home of beloved author Beatrix Potter. This evening, relax back at your hotel.

Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sheepdog Experience and Afternoon Tea

Head out this morning, arriving at a local farm with fields crisscrossed by drystone walls and contentedly grazing sheep. Here, you will participate in a sheepdog experience guided by seasoned shepherds. Over the course of the session, you learn fundamental commands like “lie down” and “come by” while witnessing the remarkable partnership between shepherd and dog in action. Against the backdrop of the region’s stunning landscape, you gain firsthand insight into the age-old art of herding. This afternoon, enjoy a well-earned and traditional afternoon tea, sipping on hot Earl Grey and tucking into fluffy scones fat with cream and jam. Return to the Gilpin later this afternoon and enjoy a mellow evening.

Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Shap Abbey and Depart

As the smell of hot, fresh coffee wafts through the quiet rooms, enjoy a relaxing breakfast before hopping in with Dan to begin your journey home. Depending on your onward travel plans, you may wish to enjoy another lovely walk en route back to Penrith. There’s the option to visit Shap Abbey, which stands in a picturesque setting by the River Lowther. Built in 1199, it was the last Abbey to be founded in England and the last to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. Back at Penrith, you’ll start your onward journey and return home.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch