The Lake District Short Break

If you are looking to explore the highlights of one of the most beautiful parts of England over the course of a few days amidst mountains, fells, valleys and lakes while walking in the footsteps of many of Britain’s famous writers and poets, this is the perfect choice. At the end of each exhilarating day of walking relax in your comfortable and welcoming B&B’s.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Short Break

As this is a self-guided hiking tour, you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip. You should have a good level of hiking fitness. be capable of negotiating some tricky terrain and be comfortable walking on short sections where there may be no distinct path underfoot at times. The Lake District Trail is not waymarked specifically but does traverse many popular routes in the Lake District fells and you should navigate using the Macs App. During wet weather, the trails may get muddy and boggy, so it is important to be prepared for this and ensure you have suitable waterproof hiking gear and robust walking boots.

Please do not underestimate hiking in adverse weather when in the Lake District – it’s, not uncommon for the weather to change rapidly in the North of England, where heavy rainfall or thick fog could very quickly disorientate you, therefore using the Macs Adventure Smartphone App is highly recommended for this tour. There are some sections where the path underfoot may become indistinct, but we provide comprehensive route notes, maps and GPX tracks through our smartphone app, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding your way. Make sure that you pay attention at any intersections and if you do not find a way marker at an intersection think back to the last junction and make sure you are on the right path. 

Overnight in B&B’s, small hotels and guesthouses, specifically chosen to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers and traditional hospitality. See some examples of accommodations below.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This tour is not available to solo walkers for logistical reasons, but if you require single rooms within your party we will try our best to accommodate your request. A single supplement is payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Most guesthouses and B&B’s offer a continental and full cooked breakfast, which should keep you going for hours.

Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.

The Lake District Trail is not waymarked but you will be supplied with turn by turn route notes and detailed maps, so will have no problem following the route on each day. GPX tracks are also accessible on the Macs Smartphone App, you can simply follow the route on your phone if you wish.

This tour can be enjoyed in the spring, summer or autumn/fall. Spring is great as it's not too busy and the flowers will be in bloom. Summer is a bit busier, but still pleasurable and autumn/fall will again be quieter. September can often be overlooked but is quieter and a beautiful time of year in the Lakes! Rain can occur at anytime of year in the Lake District so come prepared with good waterproofs.

You can start on any date that suits your travel plans subject to availability, but this tour is not available to start on a Tuesday and Wednesday due to limited weekend availability in Keswick. 

By Air - The closest regional airport to Ambleside is Manchester (approx 3h by train and bus).

By Rail/Bus - Ambleside is easily reached by train via Windermere (approx 3hrs from London, 2hr from Manchester or 2hr from Glasgow).

From Windermere, the Lakeslink 555 bus runs regularly to Ambleside or it is just a 10 minute taxi journey. You can find more information on the Traveline website.

By Car - Parking is very limited in Ambleside but if you need to you may be able to park your car at your first night's accommodation.

By Bus -  If you have left your vehicle in Ambleside you may return via the Lakeslink 555 bus from Keswick with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes. From Keswick there are bus services to Penrith or Carlisle and from here plenty of train options to either Manchester, London, or Glasgow.

You can find more information for travelling to and from the Lake District by visiting the Traveline Website. The Trainline is also a great resource.

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 17kg per person.