This is a great short walking break encompassing Langdale and Borrowdale. These are the Central Lakes' most dramatic valleys, joined together with a walk over Stakes Pass, between Mickleden at the top of Langdale and the remote Langstrath, which leads into Borrowdale.

This option splits the Langdale to Keswick section route with an overnight stay at the top of Borrowdale, either in Stonethwaite or Rosthwaite. This means you get a rest after crossing Stakes path and descending the long Langstrath valley.

The first night is spent in the Lakeland village of Coniston on the shores of Coniston Water.

The route follows green lanes and wooded paths to Tarn Hows, one of the celebrated features of the Lakes. More woods and moorland lead to the picturesque village of Elterwater before the path enters the Langdale Valley and continues to the famous Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel for your night's stay. Overshadowed by the dramatic high crags of the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell, the Langdale Valley is perhaps the most famous place in the Lakes.

A steep climb up Stake Pass at the head of Langdale leads down to the long and remote valley of Langstrath, punctuated through its length by deep pools and waterfalls. This then leads down to Stonethwaite and Rosthwaite, two small villages at the top of Borrowdale.

The route continues through the densely wooded Borrowdale Valley before passing over the slopes of Cat Bells above Derwentwater and on to Keswick, a bustling tourist town and the hub of the Northern Lake District.