7 Night Northern Lake District Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 3.5 miles (6km)

Ascent: 250 feet (80m) 

In summary: We follow minor roads and a field path to Keswick. From the centre of town we head for the lake shore and Friars Crag view point. We then stroll along the lake shore before heading back to the pier to catch the Keswick Launch. We sail across the lake before a short walk back to the house on forest tracks past the Lingholm estate. 

Highlight: Kick back, relax and soak up the spectacular views as we cruise across Derwentwater on the Keswick Launch.   

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 500 feet (140m)

In summary: We follow minor roads and a field path to Keswick. From the centre of town we head for the lake shore and view point. We then ascend to a rocky summit affording views over Derwentwater before returning to the town centre through woodland. 

Highlight: Delightful views over Derwentwater and beyond from Castle Head. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (340m)

In summary: We begin our walk at High Lodore and ascend steeply alongside Watendlath Beck and walk through the woods to Surprise View. We then gradually descend past the picturesque Ashness Bridge and on towards the shore of Derwentwater. We walk alongside the lake into Keswick before heading back to Derwent Bank. 

Highlight: As the name suggests the most spectacular view opens up before your eyes over Derwentwater and beyond at 'Surprise View'. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (6.9km)

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)  

In summary: We follow the lakeshore path around the shores of Buttermere. The views are spectacular with towering peaks surrounding us on all sides.

Highlights: The much photographed view from the end of the lake up the valley towards Fleetwith Pike.

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 (12.9km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

In summary: We begin walking through the woods to the shore of Crummock Water, where we walk alomg the shore before ascending via Squat Beck alongside the flank of Rannerdale Knotts. Lovely views open up before we drop down into Buttermere village. The remainder of the walk follows the shoreline around beautiful Buttermere.

Highlight: The Buttermere valley is one of the most picturesque parts of the Lakes, surrounded by towering peaks on all sides.

Distance: 3.5 miles (6km) 

Ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: Whilst we do retrace our steps on this walk it is a delight in either direction. Initially following woodland track we first come to the water at Derwent Bay and from here continue on a more uneven path along the shoreline. On the return you may wish to view the lovely walled garden on the Lingholm estate.  

Highlight: Take in the view of imposing Skiddaw above Keswick and across the water to the islands. 

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: Today's walk takes us into the Newlands Valley. We head through Portinscale and the outskirts of Braithwaite, then walk below Barrow and across the valley to Ghyll Bank. We pick up the Cumbria Way for a pleasant stroll back to the house.  

Highlight: Picturesque Newlands Valley is a lovely area surrounded by towering fells.  

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) 

In summary: Follow the elevated path along Catbells terrace, then return along the beautiful lakeshore path. 

Highlight: This stunning route is right on our doorstep. Throughout the walk you'll enjoy glorious views over Derwentwater and the surrounding Lakeland fells. 

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km) 

Ascent: 300 feet (80m) 

In summary: Visit the spectacular Aira Force waterfall, then follow the low level Ullswater Way footpath to Glenridding. Here we board the Steamer for a cruise along the length of the lake to finish at Pooley Bridge. 

Highlight: Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains and a relaxing drink in Pooley Bridge! 

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 

Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) 

In summary: Beginning at the pretty Watermillock church we join the Ullswater Way, and follow woodland paths before gently climbing to the spectacular terrace path below Gowbarrow. We descend to the famous Aira Force waterfall and finish following the Ullswater Way into Glenridding.  

Highlight: The terrace path enjoys wonderful views over Ullswater, described by Wordswoth as 'the happiest combination of beauty and grandeur which any of the lakes affords'.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

In summary: We begin our walk at the beautiful Aira Force waterfall, before ascending along the beck towards Dockray. We turn to join the fairly steep path up to summit of Gowbarrow Fell and will hopefully be rewarded with the view from the top. We then descend to the terrace path along the east and south flank of the fell with more wonderful views before continuing down almost to lake level and follow the Ullswater Way into Glenridding.   

Highlight: Spectacular views of Ullswater and the surrounding area from the summit of Gowbarrow Fell.   

Distance: 4½ miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: A gentle ascent to Castlerigg Stone Circle, potentially one of the earliest in the country. Field and woodland paths take us on to Keswick. 

Highlight: There's time to explore the attractive town of Keswick at the end of the walk. You may enjoy visiting one of the many pubs and tea rooms or discover the town's quirky museum.   

Distance: 5 miles (7.5km) 

Ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

In summary: Walk through the green Vale of St John to the iconic Castlerigg Stone Circle with its commanding view of the surrounding fells. There is the option to spend some time in Keswick at the end of the walk or if you prefer return straight to Derwent Bank.  

Highlight: The dramatic setting of Castlerigg Stone Circle affords stunning views of the surrounding fells.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)  

In summary: Starting from Castle Rock we'll cross the wonderful low-lying fell of High Rigg to Castlerigg stone circle before continuing on to Keswick. 

Highlight: Castlerigg Stone Circle dates to c3,000BC and is one of most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain with great views of the Lakeland fells.