Looking forward to the summer of 2009 we have a new trip which follows the Cumbria Way, a gem of a walk traversing England's most scenic county south to north and from coast to coast, and passing through the heart of the Lake District. We offer this classic Long Distance Path (LDP) as a fully escorted hotel-based trip, or self-guided staying each night in local guesthouses along the way with luggage transfer.

In the Lake District we have adapted our Lakes Hiker and Lakes Explorer tours to take advantage of quiet periods. Staying in carefully chosen guesthouses and fully escorted these 5-day mid-week specials are outstanding value for money.

Our Mountain Challenges this year include the National 'Three Peaks' and the tough Welsh 'Three-thousanders', and we also have all our classic multi-area hiking tours in the UK's most breathtaking scenery. At grades from 'Easy' to 'Strenuous' we have something for everybody.

Also in this issue, dates of the 2009 Keswick Mountain Festival and details of the 'Old Crown Round' over the Caldbeck Fells.

 

 

A beautiful walk through the spectacular Lake District
The Cumbria Way now is recognised to be one of the finest long distance routes
in the country. Within its 73 mile length is a breathtaking variety of scenery from
the meadows and pastureland of 'the Bay', through the spectacular mountains of the
Lake District, and along the banks of the meandering River Caldew to historic Carlisle.

We are running the Cumbria Way in 2009 in typical Wandering Aengus Treks' style, which means we take care of everything. As always we have thought carefully how to make our Cumbria Way the very best experience. One of the less attractive aspects of following any long distance path is having to change your accommodation every night so we have opted to run this trip from just two - one for the southern section and one for the north. Using two excellent and well placed hotels, combined with short transfers, you can tackle the route in a more relaxed and comfortable fashion. The trip is fully escorted and fully inclusive (including packed lunches and all evening meals) so apart from your bar bill there is nothing else to pay. Click here for more details >>>>>

If you prefer to be independent and don't mind changing accommodation each night we also offer the Cumbria Way as a self guided tour where we arrange your accommodation and luggage transfer. We provide maps, route cards and all the information you need to access local facilities. We even give you an emergency support number so you will never be completely on your own. More >>>>>>

 

Our most popular trip in 2008, is now an established classic. In the footsteps of the Roman legions, our walks on this easy paced tour take us back almost 2000 years to when Britain was a far flung outpost of the greatest empire the world has known.

During the trip we visit three of the oldest cities in England and their Roman and medieval remains, and walk coast to coast from the North Sea to the Irish sea by way of Hadrian's Wall.

Highlights of the trip include the coastal walk from Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby, three different walks in the beautiful Lake District, and following Hadrian's Wall on the undulating Great Whin Sill across the Pennines.

With visits to historical and World Heritage sites such as York Minster, Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal Gardens, Muncaster Castle, Hardknott Fort, and the medieval walls of Chester, this excellent hiking tour bristles with heritage and history.

More info > >> or download the dossier > >>

 

This trip does exactly what it says on the box!

One of the unique aspects of a Wandering Aengus Treks' tour is the opportunity to spend quality time in several areas of outstanding natural beauty in a single trip. This one visits the Yorkshire Dales' limestone country, the dark peak of Bronte country, the charming 'South Lakes' of Beatrix Potter, and the wonderful coastline and windswept north sea islands of Northumbria, steeped in history and studded with castles.

A tour de force!

 

 

To learn more click here >> or download the trip dossier here >>

 

 

A mountain challenge which will take you to Wales, England and Scotland climbing
the highest peak in each of the three countries which make up mainland Britain

The Three Peaks Challenge

This is our classic challenge trip, developed by Wandering Aengus Treks, which we have been running successfully since 2001. During this tour we visit three areas of outstanding natural beauty in the British Isles, namely Snowdonia in North Wales, the Lake District in Cumbria, England, and the rugged West Highlands of Scotland.

The challenge is to reach the summit of the highest peak in each country. We start with Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which gives a superb hike along the magnificent Crib Goch Ridge where you will need a good head for heights. A scenic transfer along the Welsh coast and through the mountains and dales of the Lake District then takes us to the old market town of Keswick. Here we have an optional ascent of a nearby viewpoint for a panorama over the stunning Derwentwater and along Borrowdale to our next objective, Scafell Pike, England's highest peak. Finally we travel via Glasgow and the bonny banks of Loch Lomond to Glen Coe, the home of the clan MacDonald. The stunning setting of the mountains of Glen Coe is our base for our final peak, the highest of them all, Ben Nevis.

Each of the days that we hike the 'Three Peaks' will involve some eight to nine hours, tackling these mountains by what we consider to be their finest routes, sometimes involving scrambling on narrow rock edges or trackless ground, and is suitable for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness. . These days are relieved by transfer days where we have a half day's drive with the rest of the day free for exploration or an optional easier hike.

For more details click here >> or download the dossier here >>

The Three Peaks Explorer Tour

Our Challenge trip takes place over five tough days. We also have a more moderately paced trip which climbs the peaks by more straightforward routes and with more time in between to 'recover' . This 11 day 'Explorer' trip is also about visiting the many other attractions which these three areas have to offer.

For more details click here >> or download the dossier here >>

For more information about the peaks of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis
Check out the 'Mountain Information' pages of our website: Click here >>>>>

 

 

There are 15 peaks topping the magic line of 3000 feet in North Wales .
Take the Welsh 3000 Challenge and collect all of them in one superb trip!

The Welsh 3000 challenge is to climb all fifteen peaks in Wales which top 3000 feet in altitude. The fifteen all have individual characteristics which set them apart one from another but are linked by superb ridges forming three distinct mountain ranges cut by the valleys of Ogwen and Llanberis - Gwynant. This geographical arrangement neatly divides the Welsh 3000 Challenge into three sections, each giving a tough but altogether superb day's hiking. Before embarking on the Challenge we prepare with some gentler hikes including an ascent of one of the district's lesser known little gems. There will also be opportunity to visit some of North Wales' famous sights such as Caernarfon Castle. During this tour we will be staying at the charming and very picturesque village of Beddgelert at the foot of the highest peak, Yr Wyddfa or 'Snowdon'. This is a brilliant trip for the keen hiker with a good level of fitness.

More info >>>> or download the dossier >>>

 

 

For 2009 we have two new walking and hiking tours at moderate and demanding
level in the picture perfect Lake District, Britain's premier National Park

Home to the Victorian poets of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Ruskin, the English Lake District is England's premier National Park and a designated World Heritage Site. It. offers the most dramatic and contrasting scenery in England from its rugged mountains and wild fells, to its green lake-bejewelled valleys, from the old world charm of its small communities, to the bustle of its market towns and climbing centres. Here you will find a variety of experience and scenic beauty second to none in Britain.

Lakes Explorer

Our' Lakes Explorer' tour goes at the grade of MODERATE and is a series of delightful walks on the lower fells, through valleys and along lake-shores.

Lakes Hiker

Our 'Lakes Hiker' is for the keen Fell-walker and is a summit-fest of the highest peaks in the region with spectacular commanding views across the lake District and over the coast. This trip weighs in at our DEMANDING grade and will offer a fine mountain challenge on its five days. Participants will need a good level of fitness. Apart from the Easter departure, these trips will run Monday to Friday. Self-guided weekend extensions are possible with these trips

Download the dossiers: Explorer >> Hiker >>

 

We believe that our trips represent real value for money. When you sign up for a Wandering Aengus Trek you get a personal service before and after the trip, knowledgeable and professional guides throughout, well crafted itineraries unique to us, and an excellent standard of accommodation, private transport and food. However, it makes our life easier when our guests make an early reservation on our trips so this year we are offering a 'reward' of 5% off the price of any of our trips for all bookings made online through our website before December 30th. So book now to get even more value for money.
 

The 2009 Keswick Mountain festival will take place from 13 - 17 May

After the success of the 2008 event, plans are already in full swing for 2009. Last year's line up of distinguished speakers included Alan Hinkes, Devla Murphy, Sir Chris Bonnington, Doug Scott, Steven Venebles, Mick Fowler, and Julia Bradbury. Out on the hills and the lake, people could sign up for a taste of a wide range of outdoor activities. If the Keswick Mountain Festival is new to you, take a look at last year's programme and see what was on offer in 2008. More >>>

2009 promises to be even bigger and better!

In 2009 Wandering Aengus Treks will again be leading a series of walks on the local fells for the Keswick Mountain Festival. This is a great opportunity to have a good day out in good company and possibly make some new friends. There will be a range of walks on offer from moderate to strenuous, and If you always wanted to do a route like Striding Edge or Sharp Edge but prefer to go with an experienced guide, look out for these walks in the 2009 programme which will be available on our website and the Keswick Mountain Festival website soon.

 

 

A popular saying has it that "the Caldbeck Fells are worth all England else"
The Old Crown Round is a 22 mile round of the Caldbeck Fells, which are located
'back o' Skiddaw' in the Northern Fells of the Lake District

The walk involves a little over 8,000 feet of ascent and includes all the local fells
which have lent their name to a beer produced by the famous Hesket Newmarket Brewery
in time honoured fashion and served up through traditional hand pumps in the Old Crown.

In 2009 Wandering Aengus Treks is organising a mass Old Crown Round for walkers or runners

As well as requiring great stamina, participants will need to be competent navigators to find the route between the summits.

We will arrange for a cask of each fell-named beer to be on the summit of the appropriate hill and participants will be
offered a tipple of the namesake ale or porter as they make their way around, as well as a pint in the Old Crown at the end.

The entry fee is £15 and all proceeds will be donated to the Mountain Rescue Service.
Sign up for this great fun day here >>>>>>