Lake District Advanced Walking Tour - Guided

At a Glance

From

£2199

$2859

Per Person, Double Occupancy

โœ“ 25% Refundable Deposit
โœ“ Booking Protected by ABTOT
โœ“ 5* TripAdvisor Rated

Join us for this fully guided walking tour of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park

Experience first-hand the stunning landscape that inspired famed English poet, William Wordsworth and beloved author Beatrix Potter. Conquer the towering heights of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, some of the highest peaks in England, or stay lower down in some of the beautiful verdant valleys of the Lake District โ€“ the choice is yours. Explore the vibrant market towns of Keswick and Ambleside. Marvel at the mirror-like surface of Buttermere lake and surrounding fells, widely regarded as one of Englandโ€™s most captivating landscapes. Feast on fantastic cuisine from favourite local restaurants, refresh with a pint in atmospheric pubs, and rest up at the end of each day in the comfort of your hotel.

With an experienced local mountain leader guiding you every step of the way, join one of our Active England tours and discover the majesty of the Lakes.

Tour Highlights

  • Challenging hikes and breathtaking views
  • Scale Englandโ€™s highest mountain, Scafell Pike
  • Explore the bustling town of Keswick
  • Sample the original and world renowned Grasmere Gingerbread
  • Climb Helvellyn & Catbells
  • Scramble on Helm Crag

Your Itinerary

Make your way to your accommodation in the Lake District for 1pm. Your guide will be waiting to greet you and welcome you to the tour. After a brief introduction and explanation of the tour, youโ€™ll head out for your first hike up Catbells.  This is a short, sharp, steep climb richly rewarded by spectacular views of Skiddaw, Newlands Valley to the west and Derwent Water to the east. After your descent youโ€™ll head back to your accommodation ready to dine with new friends and celebrate your first evening together.  
 
4.5 miles - Up to 1000 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 to 5: Keswick
 Today youโ€™ll need to enjoy a hearty northern breakfast before setting off to Buttermere for a hike around this famous body of water. A tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland encompassing three local lakes and the village itself. Our route today takes us around the โ€˜mereโ€™ itself. Once weโ€™ve returned to Buttermere village, and have enjoyed the splendour of the local cafes - we shall head back to your accommodation for a well earned rest and recuperation with time to enjoy the town and eateries at your leisure.
 
5 miles - Up to 400 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 to 5: Keswick
In the morning, weโ€™ll transfer to Grasmere to complete a morning hike to Easedale Tarn and Helm Cragg.  Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Helm Crag is a small but stunning peak that offers breathtaking views and a memorable hillwalking experience. Known locally as the โ€œLion and the Lambโ€ due to its unique rock formations, we will spend approximately 4-5 hours hiking with some โ€˜scramblingโ€™ on Helm Cragg. Our lunch option today will be a locally sourced packed lunch and later, an afternoon treat in the form of some world famous gingerbread from Grasmere! Grasmere being the birthplace of the traditional gingerbread recipe. Youโ€™ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to enjoy the town of Grasmere at your leisure before transferring back to Keswick for the evening.
 
6.5 miles - Up to 1500 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 to 5: Keswick
Today sees us conquer one of the most well-known fells in the lakes, Great Gable, gets its name from its pyramid shape when viewed from Wasdale Head. It is in fact a dome-shaped peak from most other directions! From Great Gable we enjoy great views of Scafell and the rest of the Northern Lakes. On this day we will source a delicious local packed lunch from Keswick, ordered by you, collected by your guide. Taking most of the day to complete, this is a challenge that will earn you serious bragging rights! It goes without saying that on a clear day, youโ€™ll have stunning views over the Lake District and beyond. We will return to Keswick, of course the evening will be yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure and celebrate a tremendous day.
 
7 miles - Up to 2400 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 to 5: Keswick
Last but not least, the final hike of the tour is up Helvellyn, the third tallest mountain in England and one of Wainwrightโ€™s Eastern Fells. Although shorter in distance to climb it still provides a challenging hike with scenery including three deep glacial coves and two sharp-topped ridges on the eastern side (Striding Edge and Swirral Edge). Following the final days hiking, youโ€™ll return to your accommodation and enjoy a celebratory dinner in the evening, reminiscing with the group about the week's accomplishments.  
 
6.5 miles - Up to 2500 ft elevation
 
Accommodation for nights 1 to 5: Keswick
Depart at your leisure upon checkout and breakfast, with our guide helping with transfer bookings or travel to a nearby station.

Due to local scheduling, activity time is subject to change. Accommodations vary depending on departure date.

Dates & Booking

Dates Prices  
24 May 26 - 29 May 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
24 May 26 - 29 May 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
14 Jun 26 - 19 Jun 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
14 Jun 26 - 19 Jun 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
28 Jun 26 - 03 Jul 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
28 Jun 26 - 03 Jul 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
19 Jul 26 - 24 Jul 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
19 Jul 26 - 24 Jul 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
13 Sep 26 - 18 Sep 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
27 Sep 26 - 02 Oct 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now
11 Oct 26 - 16 Oct 26
Ready to Book - Available
GBP ยฃ2199.00 Book Now
11 Oct 26 - 16 Oct 26
Ready to Book - Available
USD $2859.00 Book Now

Map

Gallery

Handpicked Accommodation

skiddaw-hotel_rsz_27082025112830688jpg

Skiddaw Hotel

Keswick
Experience Skiddaw Hotel, based in the heart of the picturesque market town of Keswick. An ideal hub for exploration and adventure, this stylish Keswick hotel is the perfect base to enjoy the area and all it has to offer. Expect relaxation and sophistication on the inside, then step out to stunning lakes and fells right on the doorstep.

What our guides say...

The Lake District is a very special place. You can see why it has inspired so many!

Jago

Detailed Information

Whatโ€™s Included
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary All breakfasts and x2 dinners (excluding dinner drinks) GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android) All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service Services of a professional local guide 24/7 emergency telephone support
Accommodation Types
We have handpicked the best family run, independent and country hotels, pubs and guest houses. Cosy and with informal dining, these country hotels are friendly and relaxed, with great menus with locally sourced food and ales. Our handpicked accommodation is 3* with the option to upgrade to 4* for an additional cost.
Difficulty Level
This tour is rated hard, meaning itโ€™s appropriate for guests who enjoy a reasonably challenging walk and can handle a few inclines. We cover varied terrain, with a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles, with varying elevation gain on different days. Rewarding views are guaranteed!
Equipment Provided
We can provide walking poles if required.
Pre & Post Tour Travel
Pick-up location: Penrith railway station. Our walking holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from Penrith, a direct 3-hour train journey out of London, so that you can begin your holiday stress-free.
End-of-tour location: Penrith railway station.
FAQ's

Where is the Lake District?
The Lake District is in the North West of England, with rugged mountains (fells), dramatic lakes (meres) and deep valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. It contains Englandโ€™s highest mountain, and deepest lake, and is both a National Park and a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its natural wild beauty and cultural significance, having inspired generations of poets, writers and artists.

What is the best way to get to the Lake District?
The best way to travel to the Lake District is by train, approximately a 4 hour direct journey from London Paddington to Penrith.

You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer for you from London โ€“ the drive is approximately 5 hours.

How hilly is the Lake District?
The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District has a variety of routes which makes the regions great walking country and suitable for those who are moderately fit and active. There are many hills, fells and moors but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! However, you will be able to miss out some of the steeper inclines โ€“ or add in some hillier walks for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences.

Reviews

Make this trip private

Our private tours are based on our tried and tested group departures with two key differences. They offer you the freedom to travel when you wish and with whoever you’d like to holiday with.

Carbon Footprint

Whatโ€™s the Number?
Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, weโ€™ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. Weโ€™ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliersโ€ฆ

What does the number mean?
Weโ€™re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?

  • Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
  • Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
  • Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
  • Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.

Weโ€™ve got a long way to go but weโ€™re on our way to net-zero
Weโ€™re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. Weโ€™ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Find out more about our latest tours, destinations, activities and stories.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Book with confidence

Our tours and holidays are accredited by leading UK organisations and protected by our ABTOT membership.

Feefo logo
Scroll to Top

Enquiry Form

Please complete our form below. Alternatively, book a call here at a time that suits you.

    Download Itinerary

    Simply enter your details below to receive the tour itinerary via email.

      By submitting your details you consent to Active England Tours emailing you news of the latest tours and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time.

      Ask An Expert

      Our expert local advisor team are ready to answer any questions about this tour. Alternatively, book a call here at a time that suits you.

        Dates & Prices

        [aet_departures trip_id="next-year"]

        Enquiry Form

        Please complete our form below. Alternatively, book a call at a time to suit you here.