Hiking in the Eastern Lake District

Ambleside is a lively lakeside town and a good starting point for your adventure in the Lake District. Check-in at your first accommodation.

Accommodation in Ambleside

Take an early ferry from Ambleside to Bowness on Windermere. When you walk from Bowness-on-Windermere you quickly climb up along the hills and you have fantastic views from places like Orrest Head. This walk was described by Wainwright as "the introduction to a dream". Combined with the summit Wansfell Pike, this becomes a lovely hiking day. 

Accommodation in Ambleside

From Ambleside the trail goes north through Rydal Park and Rydal Hall. The path is gently undulating through lush terrain and you pass Rydal Mount, once Wordsworth's home. At White Moss Common the view towards Grasmere is spectacular. On the way down you pass another of Wordsworth's homes, Dove Cottage where he is also buried at St Oswald's Church. The trail follows Grisedale Pass and you have more fantastic views north towards Ullswater and Helvellyn all the way to Patterdale.

Accommodation in Patterdale

Today's walk is one of the most beautiful in the entire Lake District as you walk around the summit Place Fell, down along the Boredale valley and then follow the shoreline path along Ullswater before returning to Patterdale. 

Accommodation in Patterdale

On the way from Patterdale to Keswick you are surrounded by the type of mountain peaks and cliffs that are typical of the Lake District. One of today's highlights is Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain, just before you reach Keswick, idyllically located by Derwent Water. 

Accommodation in Keswick

The day begins with a climb up to Walla Crag where you are rewarded with one of the finest views in the Lake District. You pass the ravine Cat Gill before reaching Ashness Bridge which reminds you that this trail was once an important trade route. The way back is peaceful through woodland and wide bays. At Friars Crag you will find a memorial to John Ruskin who considered this to be one of Europe's most beautiful viewpoints. 

Accommodation in Keswick

The trip ends after breakfast. You can take the bus back to Ambleside (50 min) or to another location (Penrith or Carlisle) where you can take the train back to Manchester, London or continue to another place in Britain.