4 Night Northern Lake District Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

In summary: We cross the entrance to Newlands Valley where passing through Braithwaite we reach fine deciduous woods and Masmill Beck. The beck is followed into conifer woods and Whinlatter's walking trails.  We descend to Noble Knott, a pleasant picnic area. Our return follows easy forest tracks to the open hillside above Braithwaite before we make our way back to the house on lanes and field paths.

Highlight: Fine views over Bassenthwaite Lake from Noble Knott.

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)

In summary: We use the minor roads and field paths to Braithwaite and enter the woodland to reach Comb Beck. Tracing the beck's course through the forest we arrive at Whinlatter Visitor Centre. Our descent takes us through the trees emerging on the ridge path from Grisedale Pike where with luck we will have extensive views before returning via Braithwaite.

Highlight: Superb views from below Grisedale Pike.

Distance: 11.5 miles (19km)

Ascent: 3,000 feet (920m)

In summary: Grisedale Pike is the prominent and elegant peak seen from the front of Derwent Bank. We cross to Braithwaite and ascend the well used ridge path to the summit. Our descent begins following Hobcarton End and then forest tracks and paths back down past Whinlatter Visitor Centre to the pretty villlage of Braithwaite and then take roads and paths back to the house.   

Highlight: On a clear day there are views in all directions from the summit of Grisedale Pike including the impressive neighbouring Hopegill Head.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)

In summary: Follow the stunning western shoreline of Derwent Water to the pretty hamlet of Grange. Visit Dalton’s Cave, tucked away in the peaceful Borrowdale woodland, before following the crystalline water of the River Derwent to Rosthwaite.

Highlight: Mountain, lake and river views at every turn.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: Cross the hill from Rosthwaite to Watendlath Tarn, then explore the elevated terrace path along the western side of Derwentwater.

Highlight: The walk along Cat Bells Terrace enjoys a breathtaking panorama over the lake and the surrounding fells.

Distance: 9 miles (14 km)

Ascent: 3,150 ft (960m)

In summary: Head to England’s highest summit, Scafell Pike. We'll ascend via Grains Gill and Esk Hause over large boulders and scree, then descend via the Corridor Route.

Highlight: Expect rough and steep paths; however there's plenty to celebrate when you cross the final boulders to reach the summit.

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)

In summary: From Bennethead we follow paths through fields and woodland before gently climbing and following the picturesque terrace path along the east then south side of Gowbarrow with its wonderful views over Ullswater. We descend to reach the famous waterfall of Aira Force. To finish we follow the Ullswater Way to Glenridding.

Highlight: Spending time near Ullswater, described by Wordsworth as 'the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur which any of the lakes affords'.

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,850 feet (580m)

In summary: A circular walk around and over Gowbarrow Fell taking in the high terrace path above Ullswater, before continuing along the Ullswater Way to the village of Glenridding. 

Highlight: The impressive waterfall of Aira Force is one of a series of cascades in this delightful wooded valley. 

Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)

Ascent: 3,300 ft (1,000m)

In summary: A fine horseshoe walk that takes in the long ridge of Hartsop-above-How and the summits of Hart Crag, Fairfield and St Sunday Crag.

Highlight: The ridge between Fairfield and St Sunday Crag is challenging in places, but is a stunning way to cross between these two impressive mountains.

Distance: 6½ miles (10km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

In summary: Enjoy the scenery as you walk from Squat Beck through fields and farmyards to the village of Buttermere. 

Highlights: Walk to the village of Buttermere where at the time of the Norman Conquest, the English had a secret headquarters where they manned a counter-attack from the valley. Buttermere was one of the few northern valleys the Normans were never able to capture. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (640m)

In summary: Cross the Derwent Fells from Buttermere to Derwent Bank. Our route takes us through the Sail Pass, then on over the grassy summit of Barrow.

Highlight: Barrow is one of the area's most attractive lower fells, with views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the Newland's Valley.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 3350ft (1020m)

In summary: We venture out to Buttermere and then embark on a fantastic journey across some of the most beautiful fells in the Lake District. The walk takes in Whiteless Pike, Wandope, Eel Crag, Sail and finally Barrow before dropping into the valley and walking back to the house.

Highlight: The changes in scenery and outlook across the day. We journey from the beautiful Buttermere and its fells in the morning, to the majestic Derwentwater in the afternoon.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: From Spring's Farm we ascend gradually then follow field paths to the iconic Castlerigg Stone Circle. We then head down to join the Keswick to Threlkeld railway path alongside the River Greta back to Keswick. 

Highlight: Spectacular views in all directions from Castlerigg Stone Circle. 

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: Following footpaths and the lake shore for much of this walk, we will make a complete circuit of stunning Derwentwater. Beginning from the house we first walk through Keswick before heading along the east of the lake then returning through beautiful woodland along the western shores to our country house.

Highlight: Spectacular, ever changing views of the all the fells around the lake including the imposing Skiddaw range and famous Cat Bells.

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Ascent: 2,200 feet (680m)

In summary: After a short coach ride we begin at Springs Farm we ascend steadily alongside Brockley Beck to emerge on the open top of Walla Crag. There are superb views over the lake, town and surrounding fells. We continue up to the summits of Bleaberry Fell and High Seat, before descending to the much photographed Ashness Bridge, from where we follow woodland paths to Derwentwater. We follow the shoreline back to Keswick then on to the house.

Highlight: You will enjoy stunning views of the Lakeland Fells, North Pennines and Scotland. You might even catch a glimpse of Criffel.

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)

In summary: From Bennethead we follow paths through fields and woodland before gently climbing and following the picturesque terrace path along the east then south side of Gowbarrow with its wonderful views over Ullswater. We descend to reach the famous waterfall of Aira Force. To finish we follow the Ullswater Way to Glenridding.

Highlight: Spending time near Ullswater, described by Wordsworth as 'the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur which any of the lakes affords'.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)

In summary: Make the moderately steep ascent to the top of Place Fell that commands an excellent view at the head of Ullswater. We descend to follow the attractive lakeside path to Glenridding.

Highlight: Ullswater is one of the area's most attractive lakes. You'll enjoy great views towards Helvellyn and the North Pennines.

Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)

Ascent: 3,700 feet (1,120m)

In summary: From Glenridding we walk past the old lead mine and take the zig-zag track up onto the ridge to the summit of White Side and eventually to the summit of Helvellyn with its spectacular ridges dropping away in front of us. We continue though along the high ground, over Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike, before descending into Grisedale and Lanty’s Tarn before reaching Glenridding. A challenging, fabulous day!

Highlight: Enjoy a great sense of achievement as you reach the summit of the Lake District's third highest mountain. 

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

In summary: We cross the entrance to Newlands Valley where passing through Braithwaite we reach fine deciduous woods and Masmill Beck. The beck is followed into conifer woods and Whinlatter's walking trails.  We descend to Noble Knott, a pleasant picnic area. Our return follows easy forest tracks to the open hillside above Braithwaite before we make our way back to the house on lanes and field paths.

Highlight: Fine views over Bassenthwaite Lake from Noble Knott.

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)

In summary: We use the minor roads and field paths to Braithwaite and enter the woodland to reach Comb Beck. Tracing the beck's course through the forest we arrive at Whinlatter Visitor Centre. Our descent takes us through the trees emerging on the ridge path from Grisedale Pike where with luck we will have extensive views before returning via Braithwaite.

Highlight: Superb views from below Grisedale Pike.

Distance: 11.5 miles (19km)

Ascent: 3,000 feet (920m)

In summary: Grisedale Pike is the prominent and elegant peak seen from the front of Derwent Bank. We cross to Braithwaite and ascend the well used ridge path to the summit. Our descent begins following Hobcarton End and then forest tracks and paths back down past Whinlatter Visitor Centre to the pretty villlage of Braithwaite and then take roads and paths back to the house.   

Highlight: On a clear day there are views in all directions from the summit of Grisedale Pike including the impressive neighbouring Hopegill Head.

Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)

In summary: From Bennethead we follow paths through fields and woodland before gently climbing and following the picturesque terrace path along the east then south side of Gowbarrow with its wonderful views over Ullswater. We descend to reach the famous waterfall of Aira Force. To finish we follow the Ullswater Way to Glenridding.

Highlight: Spending time near Ullswater, described by Wordsworth as 'the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur which any of the lakes affords'.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m) 

In summary: A circular walk around and over Gowbarrow Fell taking in the beautiful high terrace path above Ullswater, before continuing along the Ullswater Way to the village of Glenridding. 

Highlight: The impressive waterfall of Aira Force is one of a series of cascades in this delightful wooded valley.

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m) 

In summary: Make the moderately steep ascent to the top of Place Fell that commands an excellent view at the head of Ullswater. We descend to follow the attractive lakeside path to Glenridding. 

Highlight: Ullswater is one of the area's most attractive lakes. You'll enjoy great views towards Helvellyn and the North Pennines.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 800 feet (260m)

In summary: This walk takes us into the Newlands valley, a sparsely populated farming area surrounded by high fells. We go through Portinscale and the outskirts of Braithwaite before walking along the bottom of Barrow, arriving at Ghyll Bank. We then pick up part of the Cumbria Way to head back to the house.

Highlight: Picturesque Newlands valley, is a lovely quieter area which once inspired William Wordsworth. 

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 2,200 feet (660m)

In summary: Cross the Newlands Valley to climb the neighbouring fells of Outerside and Barrow in the Coledale Valley.

Highlight: The grassy slopes of Outerside and Barrow are two delightful lower fells with great views over Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater.

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 2,750 feet (840m)

In summary: We'll leave from the house for this circular walk, reaching the summit of Causey Pike and Outerside before making our way back.

Highlight: Spectacular views of the surrounding fells and Derwentwater.