7 Night Southern Lake District Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

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. 

Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: We begin in Ambleside, leaving Rothay Park, and skirt beneath Loughrigg Fell, to pass Rydal Water into the village of Rydal. After visiting Rydal Hall and grounds we continue via the ‘Coffin Route’ past Dove Cottage to Grasmere. There will be time to explore this lovely village with its connections to William Wordsworth and of course sample the famous gingerbread. 

Highlight: Grasmere with its connections to William Wordsworth, don't forget to seek out his grave in the village churchyard.   

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. 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 420 feet (120m)

In summary: A walk on good tracks via the Cumbria Way and Shepherd Bridge into the bustling village of Coniston. We then head down to the lakeshore followed by a short walk back to the house. Explore the village of Coniston and its fascinating history with a visit to the Ruskin Museum, telling the story of Coniston since 1901 or choose to take a cruise on the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola on beautiful Coniston Water.

Highlight: Conistonwater, a stunning lake with an interesting history. With the late Donald Campbell and his world speed records on water in the 1950s and 1960s as well as the Venetian style Gondola which cruises daily, just as it would have done in Victorian times.   

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 or you may prefer to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola.

Highlight: The fascinating history of copper mining in the area is all around us on this walk. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) 

In summary: As with option 2 we walk from the house and skirt the village of Coniston to head into the Coppermines Valley. On this walk we take our exploration of the old mining areas further. Wander around the waterwheels and old mining equipment at the Coppermines Heritage Centre and learn about the rich industrial heritage.  

Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of an 18th century miner as well as that feeling of being amongst the fells. 

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 550 feet (160m) 

In summary: We begin our walk following a lane past High Park to Stang End and into the picturesque Little Langdale valley. We visit the impressive Cathedral Cave and the historic Slater Bridge. We then continue through Little Langdale village and on to end in the village of Elterwater with its characterful pub.

Highlight: Cathedral Cave one of the hidden gems of the Lake District. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 950 feet (300m) 

In summary: From Skelwith Bridge our walk takes us by two beautiful waterfalls Skelwith Force and Colwith Force into the Little Langdale Valley. We then visit Cathedral Cave and the iconic Slater Bridge before heading into Little Langdale village and then on to Elterwater.

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

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m) 

In summary: From Skelwith Bridge we follow the route of option 2 past Skelwith Force and Colwith Force into Little Langdale. After a visit to the impressive Cathedral Cave and picturesque Slater Bridge we head via High and Low Tilberthwaite, on into Low Yewdale and back to the house.

Highlight: Take in all the highlights of beautiful Little Langdale from waterfalls to caverns.  

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m) 

In summary: We begin our walk from Jesus Church, Troutbeck. From here we ascend to the Mortal Man Inn and then walk through the hamlet of Troutbeck. We then follow Robin Lane past the viewpoint at Jenkin Point through the woods and down to Ambleside. This busy and popular town of Ambleside is brimming with opportunities. Choose to visit Ambleside roman fort, cruise on Lake Windermere or indulge in some retail therapy in one of the many specialist outdoor shops or independent retailers in the town.

Highlight: Spectacular views over Windermere and beyond. 

Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 900 feet (260m)

In summary: Our walk begins as option 1 at Jesus Church, Troutbeck, and continues through the hamlet of Troutbeck to Robin Lane. We pass High Skelghyll then head through Strawberry Wood to visit Stockghyll Force on our way down into Ambleside. Enjoy some time exploring the town before our return to Coniston.   

Highlight: The attractive multi-tiered waterfall, Stockghyll Force. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 1,480 feet (480m) 

In summary: This is a more challenging walk but with rewards of far reaching views and a real sense of achievement for anyone who feels up to this. We begin from Ambleside and head to Stockghyll Force waterfall before making our way up the steep path to the summit of Wansfell Pike. After enjoying the panorama, we continue down to Robin Lane and follow this back into Ambleside where we can celebrate in one of the many pubs.

Highlight: Spectacular views from the summit of Wansfell Pike. 

Distance: 3½ miles (6km)

Ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

In summary: Our walk today takes us to another picturesque Lakeland village. The walk begins ascending to the unspoilt beauty spot of Tarn Hows. From here we'll follow fields and open fell to Hawkshead. There is plenty to explore around the village including the Old Grammar School.

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

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m) 

In summary: On this walk ascend to Tarn Hows and take our time walking around this popular beauty spot, admiring impressive views. We continue through fields and open fell to the picturesque village of Hawkshead. There will be time to explore the village or kick back and relax in one of the many tea shops. 

Highlight: Hawkshead with its connections to both Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)

In summary: As with option 1 and 2 our walk begins taking in beautiful Tarn Hows. We continue through fields and open fell to the lovely village of Hawkshead. Here we have a short amount of time to explore, before starting out on our return walk back to Monk Coniston via Hawkshead Hill.

Highlight: Picturesque views abound at Tarn Hows straight out of the pages of a Victorian tourist guide.