7 Night Southern Lake District Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
Perfect for those wanting to explore the Southern Lake District at a more relaxed and leisurely pace, this gentle guided walking holiday rewards with lakeside and wooded trails, big-name historic attractions, and comfortable accommodation at our country house overlooking Coniston Water. Enjoy a mix of short guided walks and time spent sightseeing. You'll also get to follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth, Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter to discover the places that stirred their imaginations.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the Coppermines Valley, rich in the Lake District's industrial heritage
- Taking a trip on the restored National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola
- Discovering the impressive Cathedral Caves
- Visiting charming Lakeland villages
- Admiring places that inspired Wordsworth, Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter
- Views of the rugged mountain landscapes and scenic lakes
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
What’s included
- En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information 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.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Option 1 - Coniston Village and Lakeshore
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 420 feet (120m)
In summary: From the doors of Monk Coniston, we follow good tracks along the Cumbria Way to the bustling village of Coniston, where we’ll have free time to explore. Why not visit the Ruskin Museum to discover the history of the nearby copper mines, learn about traditional Lake District farming methods or delve into the courage of Donald Campbell as he strove to become the World Water Speed Record holder. Or you may prefer to take a lake cruise on the Steam Yacht Gondola, a rebuilt Victorian, screw-propelled, steam powered vessel. There are also plenty of independent shops and cafes to visit. After our time here, we’ll walk along the lake shore and return across fields to the house.
Highlight: Coniston Water, a stunning lake with an interesting history. The late Donald Campbell tried to set world speed records on water here in the 1950s and 1960s and the Venetian style Gondola which cruises daily, has been sailing since Victorian times.
Option 2 - Miners Bridge and Lakeshore
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Ascent: 720 feet (220m)
In summary: We’ll walk on good tracks to Miners Bridge in the Coppermines Valley, then gently descend beside Church Beck to Coniston Village. We’ll continue down to the jetty on beautiful Coniston Water and have plenty of time to enjoy the lakeshore. From here it’s just a short stroll through fields back to the house.
Highlight: The jetty on the lake is a fantastic place to appreciate this magnificent setting.
Option 3 - Coppermines Valley and Coniston
Distance: 6 miles (9km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: We walk from the house and skirt the village of Coniston to ascend into the impressive Coppermines Valley with its fascinating mining history. We then head down over the Miners Bridge, to Coniston village and on to the lakeshore, before walking the final short stretch back to the house. There will be time to explore Coniston village.
Highlight: The fascinating history of copper mining in the area is all around us on this walk.
Option 1 - Hawkshead to Wray Castle
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Ascent: 260 feet (80m)
In summary: Starting in the charming village of Hawkshead, the walk leads north through quiet lanes and woodland paths. We descend gently toward tranquil Blelham Tarn, where reeds fringe the water and distant fells reflect in its still surface. The trail continues through fields and forest, offering glimpses of Windermere. Soon we reach Wray Castle, a striking neo-Gothic building perched above the lake.
Highlight: This peaceful route combines natural beauty, wildlife, and a touch of history.
Option 2 - Claife to Wray Castle
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: Enjoy this lakeside route through woodland and along the western shore of Windermere. Starting with stunning views from Claife Viewing Station, the trail winds through shaded paths, past tranquil bays and glimpses of the lake. Wray Castle eventually emerges through the trees—a striking neo-Gothic building surrounded by lawns and sweeping lake views to finish the walk.
Highlight: Stunning views of England’s largest natural lake.
Option 3 - Claife, Hill Top and Wray Castle
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: We begin at Claife Viewing Station, enjoying stunning views over Windermere before pressing onwards along peaceful lanes towards Near Sawrey. We pass Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s charming farmhouse, before continuing to Moss Eccles Tarn, a quiet, lily-fringed pond she loved to paint. We descend from Claife Heights, eventually joining the western shore of Windermere and follow the lakeside north, through gentle woodland, to reach the Gothic splendour of Wray Castle, nestled above the lake.
Highlight: A rich and varied walk through Beatrix Potter’s heartland.
Discover more about Monk Coniston and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Option 1 - Skelwith Bridge to Chapel Stile
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Ascent: 260 feet (80m)
In summary: Our walk begins at Skelwith Bridge, following the Cumbria Way along the River Brathay. We pass the impressive Skelwith Force waterfall and continue through woodlands, enjoying views of Elterwater with the backdrop of the iconic Langdale Pikes. Arriving in Elterwater village, we follow the path through historic slate quarries to reach Chapel Stile, another picturesque village nestled in the Langdale Valley. There will be an early coach back to Monk Coniston on this walk.
Highlight: This gentle, scenic walk offers delightful views of the Langdale Valley throughout.
Option 2 - The Langdale Valley
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 320 feet (100m)
In summary: From Skelwith Bridge, the walk follows the Cumbria Way along the River Brathay and past the tranquil Elterwater lake. We then pass through the charming villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile. Following Great Langdale Beck the valley opens up before us as we experience increasingly grand scenery on our way to New Dungeon Ghyll.
Highlight: The walk combines gentle rural paths with stunning Lakeland views, a rewarding journey through classic Lake District landscapes.
Option 3 - Little Langdale to New Dungeon Ghyll
Distance: 6 miles (9km)
Ascent: 580 feet (180m)
In summary: We descend into the beautiful valley of Little Langdale, where we visit striking Cathedral Cave, a dramatic former slate quarry and charming Slater’s Bridge, an iconic 17th-century packhorse crossing over the River Brathay. From here, we cross into Great Langdale, joining the Cumbria Way and follow the river upstream, enjoying views of the Langdale Pikes, until we reach the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at the foot of the Pikes.
Highlight: The spectacular natural and manmade beauty of Little Langdale.
Option 1 - Sizergh Castle
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Ascent: 260 feet (80m)
In summary: Starting at Sizergh Castle, this peaceful walk winds through lush parkland and ancient woodland before joining a quiet green lane to Helsington Church. This small, secluded church is a perfect resting place, with panoramic vistas over the Lyth Valley to distant Lakeland. We return though woodland and pasture to the castle. We will have time to explore Sizergh Castle gardens (free to NT members) before we will get a coach transfer to Kendal where we spend a couple of hours enjoying sights of the Auld Grey Town.
Highlight: Sizergh Castle is an historic stately home with rich interiors, stunning gardens, and centuries of Strickland family heritage.
Option 2 - Scout Scar
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In summary: From Sizergh Castle, we follow quiet lanes and field paths to Helsington Church. Climb gradually to reach the limestone escarpment of Scout Scar, rewarded with sweeping views over the Lyth Valley, Morecambe Bay, and the distant Lakeland fells. We will pause at “The Mushroom” Shelter for panoramic vistas before descending towards Kendal through open fell and woodland trails, eventually reaching the centre of the Auld Grey town.
Highlight: Magnificent 360-degree views of the Cumbrian Fells from the "Mushroom" Shelter on Scout Scar.
Option 3 - Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar
Distance: 7.5 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: We walk from Sizergh Castle up to the glorious viewpoint at Helsington Church. Here we will enjoy sweeping views over the Lyth Valley before joining the path up to Scout Scar. A gentle climb brings you to the Mushroom Shelter, a perfect spot to pause and admire the Lake District fells. Follow the escarpment north along the limestone ridge, with panoramic views to the west. We continue over Cunswick Scar, where the open fell offers quiet beauty and glimpses of Kendal in the distance, our final destination.
Highlight: Enjoy expansive views of the Lyth Valley and Lakeland Fells as you wander along the edge of the Scars.
Option 1 - Grasmere
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 380 feet (120m)
In summary: Starting at White Moss, the walk to Grasmere follows a peaceful woodland path beside the western shore of Grasmere lake. The trail winds gently through trees, offering occasional views across the water to Loughrigg Fell. As the path opens out near the lake’s edge, the scenery becomes more dramatic. Eventually, you emerge near Grasmere village, with its charming cafes and the famous Wordsworth connections.
Highlight: Picture perfect scenery abounds on this quintessential Lakeland amble.
Option 2 - Rydal and Grasmere
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: From White Moss, we cross between the two lakes of Grasmere and Rydal, to enjoy a lovely path along the south shore of Rydal Water. This then brings us to Rydal Village with its Hall and beautiful grounds. After exploring we then take the ‘Coffin Route’ on to the pretty village of Grasmere. Here we have plenty of time to take in the surrounds and learn more about William Wordsworth, with options including a visit to the National Trust's Allen Bank property or Dove Cottage. For some, a trip to the famous Gingerbread Shop might be more appealing!
Highlight: The stunning waterfall in the grounds of Rydal Hall. The artists' grotto at the bottom of the falls has a window which frames the falls perfectly.
Option 3 - Grasmere and Rydal Round
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: This walk is a charming loop from Grasmere village of both Grasmere and Rydal Water. We leave the village via the Red Bank road to join the lake path. We follow this route to Rydal village passing the atmospheric Rydal Cave before continuing to Rydal village via Rydal Hall and its grounds. The 'Coffin Route' takes us back to Grasmere.
Highlight: Impressive Rydal Cave, a man made relic of the slate mining history in the area.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Monk Coniston
With a desirable address overlooking Coniston Water (the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons), this characterful Grade II-listed house delights with lakeside and woodland walks from the doorstep, décor that stays true to the period feel, and plenty of Beatrix Potter references. While the children's author and illustrator did not live at the Monk Coniston estate (her beloved home was Hill Top, bought in 1905 with the royalties from The Tale of Peter Rabbit), she campaigned with the National Trust to save it from development. She then purchased the entire estate in 1930 and as the new owner she immediately sold half to the organisation, bequeathing them the other half in her will.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Monk Coniston has 30 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.
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.
We love: The rooms with a garden or lake view. We also love Room 9 on the first floor for its original features and beautiful views across the gardens and fields that slope down to the shores of Coniston Water.
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.
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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Monk Coniston
Getting to Monk Coniston
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Monk Coniston
Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AQ
Tel: +44 (0)1539 441566
By train
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme (which is near Kendal), Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains from Oxenholme call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.
The nearest station to Monk Coniston is Windermere. From Windermere you can take a taxi or bus to Monk Coniston (see below).
Check National Rail for journey times and routes.
By taxi
The journey from Windermere train station to Monk Coniston is 10 miles.
From Oxenholme, it’s double that at 23 miles.
For pricing, please contact Ace Taxi directly.
Ace Taxi
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Taxi*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1539 445445
Email: acetaxiwindermere@gmail.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Monk Coniston.
*Ace Taxi is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
From Windermere station catch the 555 or 599 to Ambleside Kelsick Road. Change here onto the 505 to Monk Coniston. The stop is right outside our country house.
Check Stagecoach for bus times.
National Express also run coaches to Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle where you can catch an onward bus connection into the Lake District.
By car
Car parking is available at Monk Coniston.
Leave the M6 motorway at junction 36. Follow the A590 to Greenodd Roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A5092 before turning right onto the A5084 signposted to Torver. At the T junction turn right onto the A593 and follow into Coniston village. Turn right onto the B5286 and follow for 1.5 miles. The entrance to Monk Coniston will be on your right.
By air
The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.
There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey time around 90 minutes. From here you can change to Windermere or get a taxi (we recommend pre-booking one).
National Rail have up-to-date information on times and routes.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it’ll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Take the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 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
- Walking poles
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price. Many of you have National Trust (NT) membership already, which entitles you to free or reduced entry to some of the attractions visited. Please see below, approximate totals for entrance fees, should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday. If you have National Trust membership – please make sure to bring your membership identification with you.
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
NT members |
£37 |
£21 |
£58 |
|
No memberships |
£42 |
£32 |
£74 |
Monk Coniston Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
17 Apr - 24 Apr 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,179 £1,129 pp |
from £1,179 £1,129 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
12 Jun - 19 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,339 £1,289 pp |
from £1,339 £1,289 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,179pp
£1,129pp
£50 off 7-nt country house holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
238Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
