The Lake District Trail

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.7 Read 15 reviews
  • Walk in the footsteps of Wainwright to admire Lake Windermere from Orrest Head
  • Breathtaking panoramic view of Ullswater from the Grisedale Valley
  • Wander "as lonely as a cloud" as you traverse dramatic mountain passes
  • Enjoying the famous Cumbrian hospitality
  • The rugged peak of Skiddaw which dominates the skyline
The Lake District Trail takes you on an adventure from the shores of Lake Windermere through the rugged Central and Eastern Lakeland fells to the market town of Keswick. Starting in the bustling Lake District town of Ambleside, take in views from wonderful vantage points such as Orrest Head which Wainwright described as the "introduction to a dream". Continue along the Grisedale Valley amidst the imposing, craggy, mountain peaks of the Helvellyn range, to the village of Patterdale, perfectly situated at the head of tranquil Ullswater Lake. Finish in the market town of Keswick nestled on the shores of Derwent Water where the rugged peak of Skiddaw dominates the skyline. With 2 nights spent in each of the three classic Lakes villages of Ambleside, Patterdale and Keswick, this tour gives you time to immerse yourself fully in this beautiful part of England.
The Lake District Trail provides a chance to escape to one of the most beautiful areas of England. Enjoy picture perfect Lakeland landscapes and revel in the poetic romance of the Lakes. If you are looking to explore the mountains, fells, valleys and lakes while walking in the footsteps of the cream of Britain’s writers and poets, this is the perfect choice.

Tour Type:

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!

Activity:

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

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded from moderate to strenuous. You will cover a variety of terrain including rocky mountainous terrain, some boggy sections and lakeside and woodland paths. Most days will involve a couple of steep ascents and descents. In order to fully enjoy this walking tour you need to have a strong base level of physical fitness.

Navigation

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.

Accommodations

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.

Included
  • 6 nights hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • Door to door baggage transfer as per itinerary
  • Detailed Information Pack, Route Notes and Maps
  • Access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Smartphone App
  • Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
Excluded
  • Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk
  • Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
  • Ferry crossing from Ambleside to Bowness on Windermere
  • Travel Insurance - prerequisite for all bookings
  • Personal Equipment
  • Transport when you need to skip a stage
Extras
  • Extra nights

When To Go

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.

Getting to the Start

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.

Getting from the End

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.

Luggage Transfer

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.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Ambleside Day 2: Ferry to Bowness/Walk to Ambleside 9.5 miles / 15 km Day 3: Ambleside to Patterdale 11.5 miles / 19 km Day 4: Ullswater Lake and Place Fell circular walk 8 miles / 13 km Day 5: Patterdale to Keswick 12 miles / 20 km Day 6: Derwent Water, Walla Crag and Friars Crag circular walk 6.5 miles / 11 km Day 7: Onward Travel

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