7 Night Southern Lake District Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km) 

Total ascent: 800 feet (260m) 

In summary: Explore the charming countryside surrounding Monk Coniston and visit the picturesque Tarn Hows, a famous beauty spot.  

Highlight: The picturesque views around Tarn Hows look like they are straight out of the pages of a Victorian tourist guide. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1,775 feet (540m) 

In summary: We head out of the House, up through Hill Fell Plantation, to reach the picturesque Tarn Hows. From above the tarn, we then take a quiet path down to view the iconic Yew Tree Farm. Onto a bridleway and a short section of road, before we cut up across the hillside, over a couple of short rocky sections, on to the deep chasm of Tilberthwaite Gill. We ascend above the gill to near the top, where we turn into the hanging valley of Hole Rake on the flank of Wetherlam. This eventually brings us down into the Coppermines Valley, on down through the village and back to the House.

Highlight: A broad loop taking in the village, impressive mountain scenery, a gorge, waterfalls and ‘must-see’ local sights of Yew Tree Farm and Tarn Hows.

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 2,700 feet (820m) 

In summary: Ascend via Tilberthwaite Gill and a mild but exiting scramble to the summit of Wetherlam, before descending via the disused workings of the Coppermines Valley. 

Highlight: The ascent to the top of Wetherlam is rugged in places; but with luck you'll get to enjoy a view of many of the other peaks visited later in your holiday. 

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m) 

In summary: A delightful contouring circuit of Loughrigg Fell with extensive views of four lakes and the surrounding mountains. This walk finishes in the popular Lake District town of Ambleside. 

Highlight: The immense Rydal caves, with their wonderful views over Rydal Water and Nab Scar beyond.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Ascent: 2,200 feet (680m)

In summary: A circular walk from Ambleside, this walk starts with a steep ascent up the side of Wansfell Pike. From here it is generally downhill to Troutbeck and then back around the corner of the fell to Ambleside via Skelghyll woods and Jenkins Crag. 

Highlight: The views on a clear day from the top of Wansfell Pike are stunning. Almost all of the ten miles of lake Windermere are visible to the south, and the ridges of Red Screes and Fairfield extend to the north, a real feeling of being amongst some of the big giants of the Lake District fells.

Distance: 11½ miles (18km) 

Total ascent: 3,600 feet (1,100m) 

In summary: A challenging circuit taking in Red Screes and Dove Crag, returning to Ambleside over High Pike and Low Pike. The ascent of Red Screes entails a steep scramble. 

Highlight: With four 'Wainwright' summits to bag, this is a great high level route for a keen walker. 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

In summary: A figure of 8 walk visiting the iconic beauty spot Tarn Hows, then across fields and open fell to the pretty village of Hawkshead.

Highlight: Hawkshead with its myriad of narrow alleyways. The countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter.

Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: Head for Coppermines Valley and walk the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man to reach the old trading route known as Walna Scar. Head on towards Torver then drop down to Coniston Water and walk the shoreline back to the house.

Highlight: Hear the water lapping on the shore as you gaze over the water to the mountains beyond.

Distance:  11 miles (17.5km)

Ascent: 3,250 feet (980m)

In summary: A high level route taking in two iconic mountains.

Highlight: From the top of Coniston Old Man, the views across Goats Water take in the magnificent eastern crags of Dow Crag, thought by many to be the second most impressive rock structure in the Lake District.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Walk along the peaceful valley of Little Langdale with its waterfalls and iconic Slaters Bridge. We pass Blea Tarn, then descend into the larger neighbouring valley of Great Langdale. 

Highlight: Beautiful Blea Tarn, with its impressive views of some of the Lake District's most famous peaks. 

Distance: 8½ miles (14km) 

Total ascent: 2,000 feet (600m) 

In summary: Ascend to the great viewpoints of Side Pike and Lingmoor on the Langdale skyline. We descend to Elterwater Village to join the Cumbria Way along the base of this immense glacial valley. 

Highlight: 'Threading the needle' (squeezing through a narrow fissure) to reach the summit of Lingmoor, and its classic view of the Langdale Pikes.  

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Ascent: 3,200 feet (980m)

In summary: Heading into Oxendale we ascend towards Red Tarn to join the classic Crinkle Crags ridge, including the famous 'Bad Step' to our first summit. We then head via the col at Three Tarns to the imposing peak of Bow Fell. Out descent follows 'The Band' down to the valley for a well earned drink. 

Highlight: There is a great sense of achievement in scaling two of Wainwrights finest fells, on this challenging but rewarding day. 

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (300m) 

In summary: Starting from the village of Grasmere we’ll walk to Easedale Tarn, an impressive glacial lake.  

Highlight: There's time to explore Grasmere, famous as the home of poet William Wordsworth. Don't forget to seek out the poet's grave in the village churchyard, or sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread. 

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 2,000 feet (620m)

In summary: An opportunity to climb Helm Crag, one of the most distinctive Lakeland Fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. We’ll follow the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before descending via Far Easedale. 

Highlight: It's a steep climb to the top of Helm Crag, but you'll be rewarded with great views over Grasmere. 

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,900 feet (900m)

In summary: We leave the beautiful village of Grasmere and start the climb towards Easedale Tarn and then Sergeant Man. From Sergeant Man we follow paths across to Calf Crag, before a fantastic ridge takes us to Gibson Knott and Helm Crag. A steep descent then takes us to a well earned rest in Grasmere.

Highlight: Enjoy the superb views into Langdale from Sergeant Man, as well as exploring several Wainwrights along this great walk.

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through the woods from Monk Coniston to the stunningly beautiful lake of Tarn Hows, returning via Yew Tree Farm and Coniston Village; a great walk right on the doorstep. 

Highlight: Yew Tree Farm was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter and used for the film Miss Potter. 

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)

In summary: We start with elevated views along Conistonwater, then descend to Yew Tree Farm. Ascending again we cross Uskdale Gap on the craggy Holme Fell, then descend again to view Hodge Close Quarry. We reach the widely panoramic summit of Black Crag. Finally a gentle descent takes us past picturesque Tarn Hows on our return to the house.   

Highlight: A walk full of interest including Yew Tree Farm where the Beatrix Potter movie was filmed and the vast hole of Hodge Close Quarry. 

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,800 feet (860m)

In summary: Head up to Coniston Old Man via the Coppermines Valley and the old slate miners track. From the summit descent via Goats Water to view the magnificent eastern crags of Dow Crag.

Highlight: The view from the top of Coniston Old Man.

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In summary: Discover the delightful scenery surrounding Grasmere and Rydal on one of the Lake District's best lower-level walks. We pass Wordsworth’s former home at Rydal Mount, before ending the walk in the popular town of Ambleside. 

Highlight: Don't forget to seek out the poet's grave in the village churchyard, or sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread.  

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,720 feet (525m)

In summary: We start in Grasmere and head past Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, to join the old 'Coffin Route' to the village of Rydal with its Hall, grounds and waterfall. Crossing the outflow of Rydal Water we visit Rydal Cave, before ascending to the summit of Loughrigg Fell which commands great views. Gently descending paths bring is back to Rothay Park and Ambleside.  

Highlight: The impressive Rydal Cave and fantastic views of Windermere and beyond from Loughrigg Summit. 

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 3,300 feet (1,000m) 

In summary: Walk the famous Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the finest mountain walks in the Lake District. Tick off eight separate Wainwright Fells on this day of fantastic high-level walking. 

Highlight: A drink will be richly deserved after this challenging but rewarding walk. 

Distance:  7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 380m (1,250ft)

In summary: Walk in the historic Coppermines valley and the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man.

Highlight: The history of mining in the area and feeling of being in among the fells.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: We walk from the house into the historic Coppermines Valley. We make our way to the shores of Levers Water passing remains of a once vibrant mining industry. 

Highlight: The long and fascinating history of mining and admiring the surrounding mountains from Levers Water.

Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 3,350 feet (1,020m)

In summary: A mountain top ridge walk with one mild but exhilarating scramble.

Highlight: The top of Swirl How, with the ridges and views heading off in all directions.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 750 feet (240m)

In summary: Follow the Langdale Valley past Elterwater village, to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel through increasingly grand scenery.  

Highlight: The two spectacular waterfalls of Colwith Force and Skelwith Force; two of the best cascades in the Lake District. 

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (640m)

In summary: Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll, we head up on a good path beneath Side Pike, to the road col over to Little Langdale. Here we turn and continue our ascent to the rocky summit of Pike O’Blisco. We head down via Oxendale and make our way back past the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

Highlight: An impressive peak in its own right, surrounded by great mountain ridges.

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 3,300 feet (1020m) 

In summary: Explore the popular Langdale Pikes with visits to the summits of Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike O’Stickle and, potentially, Rossett Pike.  

Highlight: This walk along the Langdale skyline contains some of Lakeland's most iconic peaks. 

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 

Ascent: 850 feet (280m) 

In summary: Enjoy fabulous views of Windermere from the lower slopes of Wansfell on a walk from 17th century Jesus Church at Troutbeck to Ambleside. 

Highlight: There's plenty of time to explore the popular town of Ambleside or relax by the lake shore. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)

In summary: Enjoy spectacular views from Orrest Head before descending to the village of Troutbeck. We then ascend Wansfell Pike, another magnificent viewpoint, before our final descent into Ambleside. 

Highlight: Beatrix Potter used to live at Troutbeck Park Farm, where she bred herdwick sheep. The property, and the sheep are now the property of the National Trust.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) 

Ascent: 2,700 feet (820m)

In summary: A fantastic high-level walk from the Kirkstone Pass, taking in the summits of Stony Cove Pike and Thornthwaite Beacon before following the superb high level ridge South over the summits of Froswick, lll Bell and Yoke. 

Highlight: The spectacular ridgeline traverse of Troutbeck's three high fells, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke is a walk to savour.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

In summary: Walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through the woods from Monk Coniston to the stunningly beautiful lake of Tarn Hows, returning via Yew Tree Farm; a great walk right on the doorstep.

Highlight: Yew Tree Farm was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter and used for the film Miss Potter.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)

In summary: Walk across fields to Yew Tree Farm and the Yewdale Valley. After ascending Tom Heights we return via Tarn Hows.

Highlight: Tom Heights is dwarfed by the surrounding peaks, but it enjoys great views over the local countryside.

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1,775 feet (540m) 

In summary: We head out of the House, up through Hill Fell Plantation, to reach the picturesque Tarn Hows. From above the tarn, we then take a quiet path down to view the iconic Yew Tree Farm. Onto a bridleway and a short section of road, before we cut up across the hillside, over a couple of short rocky sections, on to the deep chasm of Tilberthwaite Gill. We ascend above the gill to near the top, where we turn into the hanging valley of Hole Rake on the flank of Wetherlam. This eventually brings us down into the Coppermines Valley, on down through the village and back to the House.

Highlight: A broad loop taking in the village, impressive mountain scenery, a gorge, waterfalls and ‘must-see’ local sights of Yew Tree Farm and Tarn Hows.

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

In summary: Enjoy fabulous views of Windermere from the lower slopes of Wansfell on a walk from 17th century Jesus Church at Troutbeck to Ambleside.

Highlight: There's plenty of time to explore the popular town of Ambleside or relax by the lakeshore.

Distance: 8 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)

In summary: We start today's walk by following the Cumbria Way to the village of Elterwater. Ascending to Loughrigg fell we are treated to jaw dropping views over the Langdales and across Rydal Water, before beginning our descent to Ambleside.

Highlight: Spectacular views from the tracks around Loughrigg Fell.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)

In summary: Enjoy spectacular views from Orrest Head before descending to the village of Troutbeck. We then ascend Wansfell Pike, another magnificent viewpoint, before our final descent into Ambleside. 

Highlight: Beatrix Potter used to live at Troutbeck Park Farm, where she bred herdwick sheep. The property, and the sheep are now the property of the National Trust.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)

In summary: A figure of 8 walk visiting the iconic beauty spot Tarn Hows, then across fields and open fell to the pretty village of Hawkshead.

Highlight: Hawkshead with its myriad of narrow alleyways. The countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)

In summary: Walk to Hawkshead village via Grizedale Forest and return over fields and open fell to Tarn Hows.

Highlight: Hawkshead with its myriad of narrow alleyways and connections with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)

Ascent: 2,200 feet (660m)

In summary: Following a similar route to option 2 through Grisedale Forest we arrive in the pretty village of Hawkshead. Our route then heads out to the small but impressive peak of Latterbarrow before returning to Coniston.

Highlight: Latterbarrow maybe a small peak but it packs a punch in terms of views on offer from the summit. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 750 feet (260m)

In summary: Follow the Langdale Valley past Elterwater village, to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel through increasingly grand scenery. 

Highlight: The two spectacular waterfalls of Colwith Force and Skelwith Force; two of the best cascades in the Lake District.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)

In summary: Walk along the peaceful valley of Little Langdale with its waterfalls and iconic Slaters Bridge. We pass Blea Tarn, then descend into the larger neighbouring valley of Great Langdale. 

Highlight: Beautiful Blea Tarn, with its impressive views of some of the Lake District's most famous peaks. 

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 2,200 feet (680m)

In summary: Ascend to the great viewpoints of Side Pike and Lingmoor on the Langdale skyline. We descend to Elterwater Village to join the Cumbria Way along the base of this immense glacial valley.

Highlight: 'Threading the needle' (squeezing through a narrow fissure) to reach the summit of Lingmoor, and its classic view of the Langdale Pikes.

Distance:  7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 380m (1,250ft)

In summary: Walk in the historic Coppermines valley and the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man.

Highlight: The history of mining in the area and feeling of being in among the fells.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)

In summary: We walk from the house into the historic Coppermines Valley. We make our way to the shores of Levers Water passing remains of a once vibrant mining industry. 

Highlight: The long and fascinating history of mining and admiring the surrounding mountains from Levers Water.

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,800 feet (860m)

In summary: Head up to Coniston Old Man via the Coppermines Valley and the old slate miners track. From the summit descent via Goats Water to view the magnificent eastern crags of Dow Crag.

Highlight: The view from the top of Coniston Old Man.