Lake District Circuit Walking

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

The first hike begins with an ascent towards Loughrigg Fell where you have panoramic views towards Grasmere Lake. You pass the waterfall Colwith Force and walk through Tarns Hows forest before arriving in Coniston. Coniston Water has inspired many writers and artists including John Ruskin. 

Accommodation in Coniston

You follow an old trading route in the shadow of Old Man of Coniston, the highest point in Furness Fells at 803m. The path then descends into the peaceful Duddon Valley, filled with violets and bluebells in spring. You continue through another valley to Boot, a small place with several good Country Inns. 

Accommodation in Boot

Today you head north with Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain (978m), on your right side. The route also takes you past England's deepest lake, Wastwater. Continue up to the dramatic Black Sail Pass with views towards Haystacks. Then you make your way to Scarth Gap Pass with fine views over the Buttermere valley. The small town of Buttermere is a gem where it lies between Crummock Water and Buttermere Lake. 

Accommodation in Buttermere

You begin the day by walking along Crummock Water. There are plenty of red squirrels in the woodland areas up towards the more barren mountain landscape. Admire Force Crag Waterfalls before descending into Coledale Valley towards the traditional little Cumberland town of Braithwaite. Follow the narrow streets out of town and continue through pastoral Newlands Valley to the market town of Keswick which lies perfectly by Derwent Water with the peak Skiddaw to the north. Here there are literary connections to Coleridge who moved here and began collaborating with Wordsworth. 

Accommodation in Keswick

One of the day's highlights is Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain, just east of Keswick. The route then goes south and follows the river St John's Beck. You reach the valley St John's in the Vale and make your way up to the remote Sticks Pass with the peak Helvellyn to the south. You have fine views towards Ullswater and continue towards either Glenridding or Patterdale. 

Accommodation in Patterdale

When you leave Glenridding or Patterdale you have an exciting hike ahead of you. You walk up to Grisedale Pass with views towards Ullswater and Helvellyn. At Grisedale Tarn you descend towards Grasmere and Dove Cottage, once Wordsworth's home and where he is now buried. The path continues to the northern end of Rydal Water and White Moss Common where you have views back towards Grasmere. You then join the "Coffin Road" and make your way through undulating woodland back to Ambleside where your walking adventure in the Lake District began almost a week ago. 

Accommodation in Ambleside

The trip ends after breakfast. You can take the train back to London or continue to another place in Britain.