England: The Lake District

• Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides

• All transportation on the tour

• All accommodations while on tour, including one country house hotel, and one small family-run hotel all with private baths

• All meals included except one lunch and one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

DAY 1 Arrival - Penrith. Askham to Pooley Bridge; 3.5 miles, easy. Afternoon walk Dockray to Aira Force; 1.5 miles, easy
The North Lakes Hotel and Spa is your meeting point, and you immediately transfer to the village of Askham to walk through the Lowther Estate, owned by Lord Lonsdale. Continuing on over the fell and into the Lake District National Park, you pass ancient prehistoric settlements and enjoy first views of the Cumbrian Mountains and Lake Ullswater. Descending to the village of Pooley Bridge at the edge of the lake you pause for lunch in a local pub. This village was one of the earliest settlements on the lake, dating back to the Celts.

Following lunch, you transfer to the hamlet of Dockray, overlooking the lake, and walk by Aira Beck toward Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District’s waterfalls. Here you admire the views and are regaled with tales from your guides about the romanticism that the region has long inspired. The short drive to the hotel on the edge of Keswick allows plenty of time to settle in before meeting for a pre-dinner drink and a fuller introduction to the week ahead. The hotel restaurant features local produce whenever possible, so tonight’s dinner promises excellent cuisine. Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick
DAY 2 Walking in the footsteps of the men of Borrowdale; 5.8 miles, easy to moderate. Optional walk up Catbells Ridge, challenging
After a breakfast buffet consisting of cereal, fruit, pastries, and cold meats, or a traditional hot Cumbrian breakfast, you follow in the footsteps of the men of Borrowdale, quarrymen and miners of yesteryear. In this valley there were many working slate mines, most of which are now closed. Beginning at the head of the valley you follow a rambling trail along the side of the dale before descending to the hamlet of Grange. This village is noteworthy for its double arched bridge of 1675 that crosses the Derwent River. Stone and whitewashed cottages sit snugly in this village set in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley. After lunch, the trail beckons with walking options: a lakeshore path provides a relatively flat walk and traverses the pretty woodlands revealing glimpses of the lake. Or the more adventurous route climbs up to Catbells, a hill with sweeping views of the lake and the splendid peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra, two of the largest mountains in the area. You meet in Hawes End for a fun ride on a Victorian ferryboat back to town. There is time to refresh at the hotel, before strolling along a delightful path to the market town of Keswick, where you enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or pub. Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick

DAY 3 Honister Pass to Buttermere Valley; 4.5 miles, easy to moderate. Optional walk descending into the valley; 1.25 miles, moderate to challenging
Today you cross Honister Pass, which connects the beauty of the Borrowdale Valley to Buttermere and beyond. Here magnificent nature predominates and you choose amongst a few walking options, depending on the weather and the group's preferences. One walk skirts Buttermere Lake and has stirring views of the high mountains surrounding this pretty vale. Or, leaving the coach at the Honister Pass, you descend the hills winding into the valley. Today a picnic lunch is unpacked en route. Completing the walk, you return to your hotel via Whinlatter Pass, which offers the opportunity to observe nesting ospreys.

Tonight dinner is on your own with many choices available in town, from local pubs, to fine restaurants, or you may wish to eat dinner in the cozy restaurant at the hotel. Hotel Derwentwater, Portinscale, nr Keswick

DAY 4 Coniston and the Copper Mines Valley; 4.7 miles, moderate. Optional 1.8 miles steep ascent and descent, moderate to challenging
Coniston is a charming locale alive with history that reaches back to Roman times. Today you explore the famous Copper Mines Valley, a source of this valuable metal through the 19th century. In the 20th century, Coniston gained recognition as the site of Donald Campbell’s speedboat record attempts. After a morning walk you picnic by a mountain tarn (the name for a small mountain lake in Cumbria). This afternoon hardier souls can attempt an ascent of Coniston Old Man, the mountain towering over the village and lake. Despite its relatively low height of 2,600 feet it forms a grand ridge with an east facing escarpment. On clear days you can see breathtaking views over Morecambe Bay and the hills of Wales. If you decide not to take this option, you can descend into Coniston Village and visit the Ruskin and Campbell Museum. This museum is a celebration of the area’s heritage with exhibits relating to slate mining, geology, the coppermines, and Donald Campbell himself. You then can board a restored Victorian steam yacht gondola for a ride on Lake Coniston.

At day’s end, you transfer to the next hotel on the itinerary, located between the lakeside towns of Windermere and Bowness. Here, a warm welcome awaits, and later, a delicious dinner prepared by the hotel’s chef. Local favorites such as steak and ale pie, or delicious Cumbrian beef are presented. Glenburn Hotel and Restaurant, Windermere

DAY 5 The Vale of Grasmere, Rydal Mount; easy to moderate, 5.5 miles. Optional Loughrigg Hill walk, moderate
Today you meander through one of the region’s prettiest dales, walking in the area around two of the smaller lakes, Grasmere and Rydal and in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets of the early 19th century. You begin the walk around the valley along level tracks enjoying lovely views along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous, you ascend Loughrigg Hill. This wooded fell was the backdrop for scenes filmed in the latest Beatrix Potter film. A picnic lunch is taken on the trail, and the walk today ends at the village of Grasmere, where you approach Dove Cottage, Wordworth’s first home. The day is complete with a tour of his last home at Rydal Mount, admiring the views and gardens he designed.

Later you return to your hotel. Dinner tonight is either in Bowness or Windermere at a lovely restaurant. Glenburn Hotel and Restaurant, Windermere

DAY 6 The far shores of Ullswater; easy to moderate, 5.8 miles
Following a full English breakfast you drive (about 20 minutes) north to explore this remote area on foot. Today’s walk is one of the Lakeland’s most beautiful with stunning views of the Ullswater Valley and the Helvellyn range. As you progress grand views emerge across the region’s third deepest lake, Ullswater, which snakes its way between the hills. You walk from Patterdale to Howtown, where en route you observe many stone bridges, and pass old barns and quaint white cottages, typical of this area. Upon arrival in Howtown, you enjoy a sandwich lunch at a quaint lakeside pub before boarding a boat back to Patterdale.

Later on you drive over the high Kirkstone Pass and arrive with ample time to shop for last-minute souvenirs in Ambleside. Returning to the hotel, this evening you toast your explorations with a farewell drink and celebratory dinner. Glenburn Hotel and Restaurant, Windermere

DAY 7 Ascent of Orrest Head overlooking Windermere; 1.8 miles, easy. Transfer to Penrith.
Departing the hotel, you ascend Orrest Head, which presides above the village; magnificent, lasting views of Lake Windermere are yours to carry home. Orrest Head was the hill first climbed by Alfred Wainwright, Britain’s most famous hillwalker, on his first visit to the Lake District, an ascent that inspired him to begin authoring the guidebooks for which he is renowned. You descend again, board a minibus, and transfer to the mainline train station of Penrith for your next destination.



Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009 itinerary will be available soon - please call for details

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/19/2010 - 9/25/2010	$3,798
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

The accommodations in the Lake District are set amongst the serenity and scenery that define this lovely region. They offer a warm welcome, comfortable amenities, and close communion with the landscape, thanks to idyllic settings. One property is a country house hotel on the shores of Lake Derwentwater amidst 16 acres of conservation land. The second lodging is a small, family-run hotel located between Windermere and Bowness. Trailside picnics, cozy English pub lunches, and elegant dinners featuring local cuisine all enhance this delightful, authentic experience.

Tour Highlights:
• Walk through the Lake District National Park, an area of exceptional natural beauty
• Visit to Rydal Mount, home of William Wordsworth
• Traditional villages and meals in local pubs
• Routes through rolling hills and lake-jeweled valleys
• Comfortable hotels set amidst conservation land and in close communion with the landscape

Walk Ratings
• Easy to moderate terrain
• 4-7 miles of walking per day with more challenging options on some days

All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.

Single Supplement $450

As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change.
Reserve early to guarantee the best available price.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Things You Must Tell Your Travel Agent - Don't Ruin Your Vacation
• All About Paris France :: the world’s most romantic city
• Trafalgar Tours :: 8 ways to Travel in Style
• Travel Improves Your Health
• River Cruises :: A Popular Choice for Travelers
• Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Vacations
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Extreme Travel Destinations
• Avalon Scenery
• Royal Lotus
• Nile River Cruise
• Spotlight on Ireland
• Paula Deen Cruise
• Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia
• Touring Australia and New Zealand