Guided Walking Holidays in the Lake District
The Strider
6 Nights
Arrival: Sunday; by car, at Torver near Coniston (parking provided) or collection from Ulverston railway station First night at Torver (dinner provided.)
Day 1: (15km. - 700m.) Climb gently at first up into the Coniston fells, then around White Pike and Walna Scar and descend into the Duddon Valley. With Harter Fell on our right, we cross into Eskdale to overnight at Boot.
Day 2: (14km. - 910m.) Past Eel Tarn and Stony Tarn onto the slopes of Slight Side, emerging into Upper Eskdale with tremendous views of this wild valley. Ascend to Mickledore, with the possibility of climbing Scafell Pike, England's highest point, and follow the great gash of Piers Gill down to Wasdale Head.
Day 3: (15km. - 950m.) Cross into Ennerdale via Black Sail Pass, walking over High Stile, and down past Scale Force, one of England's finest waterfalls, to our hotel at Loweswater.
Day 4: (16km - 1000m.) Make a circuit of the fells to the north of Buttermere, including Robinson and Dale Head, before walking down into the top of Borrowdale to spend the night at Rosthwaite.
Day 5: (16km. - 750m.) An interesting ascent of Eagle Crag leads towards High Raise. We then descend via Blea Rigg to our hotel in Great Langdale in the heart of the Lake District.
Day 6: (13km. - 500m.) From Langdale, we walk past the head of Tilberthwaite and into the Coppermines Valley. From here, contouring paths lead us back to our starting point in Torver.
Collect vehicles; or transfer to railway station.
Grade, Terrain, Weather.
This route is within the capabilities of any fit hill-walker. It has been evolved to avoid main paths as far as possible, and you will see only a few minor roads. No real scrambling is involved, but walks with Pathways will often take you over rough grass away from obvious paths and some quite steep ascents and descents are involved. We therefore recommend that your boots give you good ankle support and are fully waterproof to protect you against boggy sections.
Lake District weather can be fickle; you may be walking one day in warm sunshine and a few hours later suffering heavy rain, so reliable comfortable waterproofs are required, as well as a spare jumper or fleece, a hat and gloves.
Accommodation and Meals.
Overnight accommodation for Pathways Walks has been chosen for the welcome and comfort provided, as well as its historic significance for travellers in the area. The Wasdale Head Inn, for instance, has been a base for rock-climbers for over a hundred years.
Three-course evening meals and a full breakfast are provided by the inns; individual packed lunches will be collected after breakfast from the leader. Prices are based on sharing a twin-bedded room. Where single rooms are taken from choice, a supplement may be payable as required by the establishment.
You will find your bags awaiting you at your accommodation. During each day you need carry only a light daypack
Daily Routine
Each morning after breakfast (normally served at 8 a.m.) we ask you to bring your bags downstairs for the driver to collect. We suggest that you bring just one bag each, preferably of the soft "sports" style, as these are easier than suitcases to load into the vehicle.
We set off at 9 a.m. and walk for about an hour, when we stop for a short break. Then we continue until lunch, probably between 12 and 1p.m., which is usually at a viewpoint, by a stream, or some similar pleasant spot. Other breaks are taken as required.
We arrive at our overnight accommodation between 3.30 and 5 p.m., and you will find your bags awaiting you.
Dinner is usually at 7.30 - 8.00 p.m. We ask that you pay for any drinks yourselves, if possible the same night.
Insurance is compulsory for guided walking or trekking holidays. Details of a company specialising in activity holidays will be sent with your booking confirmation.
Equipment List
Walking boots, well broken-in, fully waterproof, good support
Boot wax and cloth (for reproofing if necessary)
Gaiters (optional)
Rucksack with waterproof liner
Waterproofs (jacket & trousers)
Hat & gloves
Fleece jacket or similar
Long trousers
Shorts (you may be lucky!)
Shirts
Underwear
Socks
Washbag
Casual clothes for evening wear
Water bottle and/or flask
Snacks e.g. cereal bars, nuts & raisins, dried fruit
First Aid kit (including blister treatment)
You may want to bring:
Camera
Binoculars
Walking poles
Alarm clock
Dates:
2012
Cost: £645
(Includes 6 nights Bed & Breakfast and baggage transfer; and 6 days guided walking.)