Wandering Aengus Treks
The Lake Distrct - Self Guided : North Lakes
5 nights from £325
What's Included
Accommodation
Meals
Getting to the start
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Central Lakes
Private Guiding
Catbells above DerwentwaterWalking holidays in the Lake DistrictGrasmere ChurchRefreshment on on a self guided Lake District holidayLakeland bridgeDerentwater Lake DistrictSelf-guided Lake District walking holidays

This four day walk through Northern Lakeland from Keswick on Derwentwater to Pooley Bridge on Ullswater, will inspire you with some of the best scenery the UK has to offer. On each day there are two options - a relatively moderate walk and a more demanding alternative. They both reach the same place at the end of the day so you can mix and match as you go along depending how you feel when you set off each morning.

Itinerary 4 days walking, 5 nights acccommodation)

 
Arrive Keswick. Overnight at hotel

Walk Day 1: Keswick to Rosthwaite
Option A (moderate)
Today's walk follows the quiet western shore of Derwentwater through the mixed woodland of Brandlehow Park to the pretty hamlet of Grange in Borrowdale. You will make an ascent of Castle Crag (985ft.) for superb views over Wainwright's "best square mile" in Lakeland and then descend to your accommdation in the village of Rosthwaite.
8 miles. 1150ft ascent / 1130ft descent.
 
Option B (demanding)
The day's hike begins with an ascent of Catbells (1891ft.) for stunning views over Derwentwater. You then continue along the ridge which rises first to Maiden Moor (1887ft.) and then to the summit of High Spy (2143ft.) where you have an extensive view of the fells of the Northern Western and Eastern Lakes. Finally an interesting descent through the old quarry workings of Rigghead brings you to Rosthwaite.
8.5 miles. 2550ft ascent / 2530ft descent.
 

Walk Day 2: Rosthwaite to Grasmere

Option A (moderate)
Following the route of the Coast to Coast you leave the confines of Borrowdale along the Stonethwaite beck towards the impressive Eagle crag. Crossing the watershed of Greenup Edge you then descend alongside Far Easdlae Gill to the quintessential Lake District village of Grasmere.
7.5 miles. 1985ft ascent / 2060ft descent.
 
Option B (demanding)
As for option A as far as Greenup Edge where you turn south to make an ascent of High Raise (2500ft). Returning to Greenup Edge, you cross to the head of Far Easdlae before following a splendid ridge line over Calf Crag and Gibson Knott to reach Helm Crag above Grasmere. A final steep descent brings you to the door of your accommodation in the village.
9.5 miles. 3025ft ascent / 3105ft descent.
 

Walk Day 3: Grasmere to Patterdale

Option A (moderate)
Today you cross the impressive Eastern Fells taking advantage of a rare breach in the ridgeline between the lofty summits of Helvellyn and Fairfield. Grisedale Hause with its pretty mountain tarn was once an important trade route between the villages of Grasmere and those of the Ullswater Valley. Crossing the hause you descend the beautiful valley of Grisedale to a welcome refreshment in the village of Patterdale.
7.5 miles. 2125ft ascent / 1860ft descent.
 
Option B (demanding)
A sensational mountain day beginning with the ascent to Grisedale Hause from where you gain the main ridge-line of the eastern fells. A traverse of Dollywagon Pike (2810ft) and Nethermost Pike (2920ft) leads to Helvellyn (3118ft), England's third highest mountain. The climax to this great day is a descent of the stupendous Striding Edge.
9.5 miles. 3725ft ascent / 3460ft descent.
 

Walk Day 4: Patterdale to Pooley Bridge

Option A (moderate)
A beautiful end to your North Lakes journey with a walk along the length of Ullswater known as the 'queen of the Lakes'. walking along the quiet Easten shoreline of the Lake the walk first follows a high trail to Howtown then a quiet lane all the way into Pooley ridge. Sensational views are guaranteed.
9 miles. 1120ft ascent / 1120ft descent.
 
Option B (demanding)
A fitting climax to this North Lakes trek is this traverse of the High Street range, so named because the Roman road built around along this high ridge to link the fort of Ambleside with those on Hadrian's Wall. From Patterdale the trail first heads south east as it climbs up to High Raise (2634ft) then runs north along the ridge parallel to Ullswater, finally descending to Pooley Bridge. This is a tough day but rewarded with outstanding scenery and glorious ridge walking!
12 miles. 2990ft ascent / 2990ft descent.

Depart Pooley bridge

Price (accommodation only): £325
Price (accommodation and luggage transfer): £385
Price is per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please contact us direct for a quote for one person or for single rooms.
 

The price includes:

  • All accommodation in twin/double rooms with private bathroom (where available) in hotels, Inns or specially selected guest houses
  • Luggage transfer between hotels (if selected)
  • All breakfasts
  • A map and guidebook, route notes and local information including escape routes, bus timetables, dining options with opening times, location of cash machines, etc.
  • A personal briefing on the route at the start of your holiday
  • An emergency contact number in case of difficulties

The price does not include:

  • Lunches and evening meals (these can be pre-arranged if you wish)
  • Extra costs incurred through using escape routes or from any arrangements made by us as a result of you using the emergency contact number.
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses in hotels such as drinks etc.

Accommodation

We choose a mix of exceptional hotels, Inns and guest houses on or close to the route. Each of the places we use are known to us personally, and we make sure that you have a comfortable and pleasant stay at the end of your day. All our accommodation has ensuite or private bathrooms for twin or double share.

Meals

In most cases your accommodation will serve dinner and will be able to prepare a packed lunch for you. Alternatively you can use our extensive notes to make your own dining and lunch arrrangements using local restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.

Getting to the Start and from the end of your walk:

The nearest railway station is at Penrith on the main North-West rail link between London and Glasgow. From Penrith there are regular buses to Keswick - a journey of 16 miles. At the end of the walk you can take a bus or a taxi to Penrith - a journey of 4 miles.

Alternatively, if you are arriving by car we can arrange parking in Keswick and transfers back from Pooley Bridge.

Contact Us for your own Tailor made itinerary

If you would like to make your own point-to-point itinerary in the Lake District, please contact us by email or telephone and we will be happy to discuss your requirements or provide you with an instant quote.

Safety on the Fells

The above itineraries are provided for experienced fell-walkers who are also competant navigators, We will make all your accommodation and luggage transfer arrangements and provide you with necessary maps and route notes for guidance, but ultimately the responsibility for safely negotiating these walks lies with you. If you are unsure of your abilities to navigate safely on the fells in bad weather, please consider going with a guide.

 

 

Cumbria Tourist Board
Wandering Aengus Treks. +44 (0)16974 78443 : 1-888-811-4256 (Toll Free from the US & Canada)