UK Walking Holidays and Cycling Holidays: Mickledore travels
  
  
North Lakes Traverse         Code:8NL6
Keswick - Keswick in 5 days walking
 
 

This is one of our own routes, winding around the Lakes of Ullswater, Thirlmere and Derwentwater, then climbing over the mountain passes that separate them. It takes in the lake shores, fells and mountain passes of the Northern Lakes, stopping in some of the prettiest villages of Lakeland. On the way you will experience quiet woodlands, plunging waterfalls and spectacular views as you climb over the fells.

Wherever possible we have built in high and low level alternatives, so the route can be adapted to suit your ability, or the weather! This is a fine introduction to the North Western lakes, encompassing plenty of variety.
    Miles Km
Day 1
Travel to Keswick for your first night's accommodation    
Day 2 Personal Briefing, transfer to Dockray, then walk to Pooley Bridge
8
13
Day 3 Pooley Bridge to Patterdale
10-11
16-18
Day 4 Patterdale to St Johns in the Vale
7
11
Day 5 St Johns in the Vale to Grange in Borrowdale
7-13
11-21
Day 6 Grange in Borrowdale to Keswick
8-9
13-14

 
 
 
Prices  
 
 
£ ( GBP)
Accommodation, map & guidebook only
276
with Luggage Transport
339
with Packed Lunches
301
with Luggage & Lunches
363
Other Options
Extra Nights
34
Single Supplement (per night)
12
 
 
Route Description  
 

Dockray to Pooley Bridge
The route passes through rolling farmland North of Dockray before descending through woodland to Aira Force, one of the Lake District's most renowned waterfalls. From here woodlands above Ullswater lead to Pooley Bridge, a small village at the head of Ullswater, for the first overnight stop.

 
 

Pooley Bridge to Patterdale
From Pooley Bridge the lower level route takes the eastern shore of Ullswater over its entire length, to the second night's halt at Glenridding. The path follows the lakeshore closely through fields and woodlands, it then skirts the lower fellsides of Hallin and Place fells.

The alternative higher level route goes through the remote hamlet of Martindale to the summit of Place Fell, with spectacular views over the lake to Helvellyn.

 
   
Patterdale to St Johns in the Vale
The third day takes the route to Sticks Pass (750m), high on the Helvellyn ridge, on an established path past the old mine workings, before dropping more steeply down to Thirlspot, the next overnight stop. Thirlmere, Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Skiddaw and Blencathra can all be seen from the pass.
 
 
St Johns in the Vale to Grange in Borrowdale
There are two alternatives for this day. They both climb out of the Thirlmere valley over the Ullscarf ridge to Watendlath, a secluded farming hamlet complete with tarn, ducks and tea shop! The route continues through wooded valley sides into Borrowdale, one of Lakeland'a prettiest valleys, for the night's halt.
   

Grange in Borrowdale to Keswick
The final day passes along the shores of Derwentwater and for the higher level route, over Cat Bells enroute to Keswick, the end of the trip. From the top of Catbells there are spectacular views of the Northern fells, Skiddaw and the lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite.

The lower alternative takes the lakeshore path along Derwentwater, through ancient oak forests.

 
 
What We Provide
 
 
All Holidays
Accommodation

Overnight Bed and Breakfast accommodation in selected country house hotels, farmhouses, village inns, guest houses and family B&Bs.

Full English or Continental breakfast.

A Personal Briefing We will meet you before the start of your walk to talk through the route and answer any questions you may have.
Route Description Detailing both the high and low level alternatives.
Map Two Ordnance Survey Explorer maps (1:25000) with the North Lakes Traverse highlighted.
Personal Itinerary A personal itinerary setting out each overnight stop including large scale maps of, and directions to, each accommodation, to ensure you find it easily. Along with recommendations of the best places to eat each evening.
Transport Information Details of public trnasport and local taxi companies for the entire length of your walk.
Other Useful Information Details of services to be found along the route. For example, cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and telephones.
Emergency Telephone Support If you get in to difficulties during your holiday.
15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors We will issue you with a 15% Discount Card valid at all Cotswold Outdoor stores for the whole of 2008 on confirmation of your booking. There is a large Cotswold store in Keswick.
Options
Luggage Transport We will transfer your luggage between each overnight stop – if you leave your luggage at the accommodation when you set off in the morning, it will be moved on to your next B&B. You only need to carry a small day sack with the clothes and provisions you require during the day’s walk.
Packed Lunches Provided for each day's walk and recommended on this holiday as there are few handy shops or cafes on the route.
Off Road Parking If you are travelling by car we can usually arrange off road parking for the duration of your trip. (There may be a small charge for this).
Arrangement of return transport We can also arrange your transfer back to your car, (or advise you when public transport is a better option)!
 
   
Want to Know More?
 
  nederlands tekst
 
 

North Lakes Traverse
Essential Info

6 nights, 5 days walking

Route Length:
47 miles / 75 km

Standard Price:
£276

Price with Luggage Transfer:

£339

Holiday Code:8NL6

 
 
 
 
 
 

North Lakes Traverse
Getting There & Away

Getting to Keswick: Train to Penrith (Glasgow 2hrs, Manchester 2.5 hrs, London 4 hrs), then bus to Keswick (20mins)

Leaving Keswick: Bus to Penrith (25 mins), then Train (Glasgow 2hrs, Manchester 2.5 hrs, London 4 hrs)


 
North Lakes Traverse
What previous customers have said,

" Excellent - will recommend you to friends."

"Many thanks for an excellent walk. The route was a great one and got us away from the crowds."
 


Mickeldore Travel Ltd Registered in England Number 05240113 VAT No 894712585
Registered Office: 14 Manor Park , Keswick CA12 4AA Tel 017687 72335

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