4 Night Northern Lake District Self-Guided Walking Holiday
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 hatful of Wainright walks straight from the doorstep of our country house, or even take on Scafell Pike - England's talest 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.
Gallery
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
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
Getting to Derwent Bank
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
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 | ||||||||
21 Oct - 25 Oct 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £545 pp |
from £545 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
28 Oct - 01 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £449 pp |
from £449 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
04 Nov - 08 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
11 Nov - 15 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £449 £409 Double from £449 £409 pp |
from £449 £409 pp |
from £449 £409 |
Save £40 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
18 Nov - 22 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £449 £349 Double from £449 £349 pp |
from £449 £349 pp |
from £449 £349 |
Save £100 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
25 Nov - 29 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £449 pp |
from £449 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
02 Dec - 06 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £449 £419 Double from £449 £419 pp |
from £449 £419 pp |
from £449 £419 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
09 Dec - 13 Dec 2024 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £449 £409 pp |
from £449 £409 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £40 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
2025 | ||||||||
17 Feb - 21 Feb 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £475 £445 pp |
from £475 £445 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
03 Mar - 07 Mar 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
10 Mar - 14 Mar 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
17 Mar - 21 Mar 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £430 Double from £475 £430 pp |
from £475 £430 pp |
from £475 £430 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
24 Mar - 28 Mar 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £445 Double from £475 £445 pp |
from £475 £445 pp |
from £475 £445 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
31 Mar - 04 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
07 Apr - 11 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £515 Double from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
14 Apr - 18 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £530 Double from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
21 Apr - 25 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £530 Double from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
28 Apr - 02 May 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £515 Double from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
05 May - 09 May 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £575 pp |
from £575 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
12 May - 16 May 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
19 May - 23 May 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £539 Double from £639 pp |
from £639 pp |
from £539 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
26 May - 30 May 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £609 Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
02 Jun - 06 Jun 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
09 Jun - 13 Jun 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
16 Jun - 20 Jun 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
23 Jun - 27 Jun 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
30 Jun - 04 Jul 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
07 Jul - 11 Jul 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
14 Jul - 18 Jul 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 pp |
from £639 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
21 Jul - 25 Jul 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £609 Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
28 Jul - 01 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
04 Aug - 08 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
11 Aug - 15 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
18 Aug - 22 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £609 Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
25 Aug - 29 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £594 Double from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 pp |
from £639 £594 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
01 Sep - 05 Sep 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
08 Sep - 12 Sep 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £579 Double from £639 £579 pp |
from £639 £579 pp |
from £639 £579 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
15 Sep - 19 Sep 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £579 Double from £639 £579 pp |
from £639 £579 pp |
from £639 £579 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
22 Sep - 26 Sep 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £639 £609 Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
29 Sep - 03 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £539 £509 Double from £639 £609 pp |
from £639 £609 pp |
from £539 £509 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
06 Oct - 10 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £515 Double from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
13 Oct - 17 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £530 Double from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 pp |
from £575 £530 |
Save £45 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
20 Oct - 24 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £575 £515 Double from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 pp |
from £575 £515 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
27 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
10 Nov - 14 Nov 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
17 Nov - 21 Nov 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
24 Nov - 28 Nov 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
01 Dec - 05 Dec 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
08 Dec - 12 Dec 2025 4 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £475 £415 Double from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 pp |
from £475 £415 |
Early Booking Offer Save £60 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
4 nights
from
£449pp
£349pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More