On offer

3 Night Northern Lake District Self-Guided Walking Holiday

View of Ullswater Lake, Lake District, UK
Duration: 3 nights
Type: Self-guided walking
Walking Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
from £365pp £310pp

The perfect introduction to the Northern Lake District, this self-guided walking holiday gives you the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please. You can bag a handful of Wainwright walks straight from the doorstep of our country house, or even take on Scafell Pike - England's tallest mountain. Activities within easy distance include watching slate being riven (meaning split or torn apart) at Honister Slate Mine, spotting rare wildlife at Whinlatter Forest, trying your hand at kayaking or windsurfing at Derwent Water Marina, and visiting Derwent Pencil Museum - home to one of the largest colouring pencils in the world.

What you’ll love

  • Enjoying a lake cruise around Derwentwater
  • Watching a performance at Theatre by the Lake
  • Walking Wainrights straight from the doorstep
  • Admiring the picture-postcard valleys of Buttermere and Borrowdale
  • Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations
  • Staying at Derwent Bank, our country house near Keswick

What’s included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house 
  • Cream tea on arrival day 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently 

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 1 to 5 miles and visit popular areas such as Friar’s Crag, Latrigg, and Ashness Bridge.


These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 5 to 9 miles and visit popular areas such as Cat Bells Terrace, Borrowdale, and Newlands Valley. 


These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 5 to 13 miles and visit popular fells such as Blencathra, Scafell Pike, and Haystacks. 


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.


Derwent Bank

Adored by poets, painters, and literary giants for centuries, the Lake District has always had an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise, then, that this country house near the market town of Keswick holds such appeal, not least for its setting in lovely grounds that slope down to the shores of Derwentwater. The location couldn’t be more perfect; to the west is Cat Bells, to the east is Keswick, Walla Crag, and Latrigg, and to the south is the entrance to the Borrowdale valley. There’s a wealth of big-name attractions within easy travelling distance, including Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Ullswater. Also visit-worthy for walkers is Scafell Pike for its well-trodden routes and trails and the 73-mile-long Cumbria Way for its mist-shrouded peaks, glacial valleys, and many excuses for pit-stops and picnics.  

 

Rooms

Designed with your comfort in mind, Derwent Bank has 40 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.

We love: Room 12 for its extra space and lovely views across the gardens and Derwentwater. Rooms 46, 47, 48, and 49 are first-floor garden rooms, each with their own balcony. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.  

On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.  

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

About your stay

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions. 

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Food & drink

Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.

HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.

Accessibility

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Derwent Bank

Derwent Bank hotel and Derwent Water area. Stills from drone.

Getting to Derwent Bank

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Derwent Bank
Portinscale
Nr Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5TY

Tel: +44 (0)1768 773667

By train

The nearest station is Penrith, on the main line between London and Glasgow. 

Check National Rail for train times and routes.

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Derwent Bank on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Penrith Railway Station.

2024 prices are £50 per person for a return transfer or £25 per person for a single transfer. 2025 prices are £64 per person for a return transfer or £32 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Penrith Railway Station at 16:50; arrive at Derwent Bank at 17:30.

Return journey: Depart Derwent Bank at 09:15; arrive at Penrith Railway Station at 10:00.

Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:

HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

By taxi

The 20-mile journey from Penrith railway station to Derwent Bank takes about 40 minutes by taxi in normal traffic conditions. 

For pricing, please contact Davies Taxis directly.

Davies Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Davies Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1768 772676
Email: info@daviestaxis.co.uk

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Derwent Bank.

*Davies Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The X5 bus runs approximately every hour from Penrith station and the journey takes around 50 minutes. The nearest bus stop is on the A66, about a three-quarter mile walk from the house.

As you alight the bus at the Portinscale bus stop, turn to your right and go down the road signposted to Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Follow this road through Portinscale village - Derwent Bank is on your left-hand side after the Derwentwater Marina.

Alternatively, catch the X4 or X5 bus to Keswick bus station and take a 10-minute taxi ride to Derwent Bank. As of 2023, this should cost around £6 for a 4-seat taxi if using a pre-booked service with our recommended taxi provider listed above.

By car

There is a large car park at Derwent Bank if you decide to drive. 

From Penrith, you’ll need to leave the M6 motorway at junction 40, taking the A66 towards Keswick. After 17 miles you'll reach a roundabout - continue ahead following signs to Cockermouth and Workington. Turn left off the A66 towards Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Derwent Bank is about three quarters of a mile further on the left. 

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.  

There are direct trains every hour from Manchester Airport to Penrith and the journey time is about two hours.  

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but you’ll have a longer onward train journey – it could take at least 4.5 hours to reach Penrith. From Heathrow, take the train to London Paddington, then the London Underground to London Euston connecting to the main line train to Penrith, which takes three hours. 

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 
  • First-aid kit 

Derwent Bank Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Non-member fee: £30 per person.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.


Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2024

13 Sep - 16 Sep 2024

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

20 Sep - 23 Sep 2024

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£449

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£449 pp

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£449

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27 Sep - 30 Sep 2024

3 nights

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Single from

£374

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£374

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04 Oct - 07 Oct 2024

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£415 pp

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£415 pp

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11 Oct - 14 Oct 2024

3 nights

Self-Guided

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18 Oct - 21 Oct 2024

3 nights

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25 Oct - 28 Oct 2024

3 nights

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£365

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01 Nov - 04 Nov 2024

3 nights

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08 Nov - 11 Nov 2024

3 nights - Anniversary Celebrations

Self-Guided

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£365 £325

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15 Nov - 18 Nov 2024

3 nights

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22 Nov - 25 Nov 2024

3 nights

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£425

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29 Nov - 02 Dec 2024

3 nights

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06 Dec - 09 Dec 2024

3 nights

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13 Dec - 16 Dec 2024

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2025

14 Feb - 17 Feb 2025

3 nights

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21 Feb - 24 Feb 2025

3 nights

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24 Feb - 27 Feb 2025

3 nights

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07 Mar - 10 Mar 2025

3 nights

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14 Mar - 17 Mar 2025

3 nights

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21 Mar - 24 Mar 2025

3 nights

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28 Mar - 31 Mar 2025

3 nights

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04 Apr - 07 Apr 2025

3 nights

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£435 £410

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11 Apr - 14 Apr 2025

3 nights

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18 Apr - 21 Apr 2025

3 nights

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25 Apr - 28 Apr 2025

3 nights

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02 May - 05 May 2025

3 nights

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09 May - 12 May 2025

3 nights

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16 May - 19 May 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire
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23 May - 26 May 2025

3 nights

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£394 £359

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30 May - 02 Jun 2025

3 nights

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06 Jun - 09 Jun 2025

3 nights

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13 Jun - 16 Jun 2025

3 nights

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20 Jun - 23 Jun 2025

3 nights

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27 Jun - 30 Jun 2025

3 nights

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04 Jul - 07 Jul 2025

3 nights

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11 Jul - 14 Jul 2025

3 nights

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18 Jul - 21 Jul 2025

3 nights

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25 Jul - 28 Jul 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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01 Aug - 04 Aug 2025

3 nights

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08 Aug - 11 Aug 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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15 Aug - 18 Aug 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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£469 £444

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22 Aug - 25 Aug 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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£529 £504

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29 Aug - 01 Sep 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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05 Sep - 08 Sep 2025

3 nights

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£469 £419

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12 Sep - 15 Sep 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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£469 £434

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19 Sep - 22 Sep 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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26 Sep - 29 Sep 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£394 £359

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03 Oct - 06 Oct 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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£435 £385

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10 Oct - 13 Oct 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£360 £310

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17 Oct - 20 Oct 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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24 Oct - 27 Oct 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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31 Oct - 03 Nov 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

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£389 £339

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07 Nov - 10 Nov 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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14 Nov - 17 Nov 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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21 Nov - 24 Nov 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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28 Nov - 01 Dec 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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05 Dec - 08 Dec 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

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12 Dec - 15 Dec 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£389 £339

Double from

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Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person Trip Notes
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Duration:
3 nights
Type:
Self-guided walking
Walking Grade:
1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

3 nights from £365pp £310pp

On offer

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 43Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More