North Lakes Traverse

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. This route takes in the lake shores, fells and mountain passes of the Northern Lake District, 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 route is a fine introduction to the North Western lakes, encompassing plenty of variety.

Our Holidays

We have two options for the North Lakes Traverse. We offer the whole route over 5 days of walking, and a 3 day short break covering the section from Pooley Bridge to Borrowdale.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

North Lakes Traverse

Keswick to Keswick 42 miles/68 km

The whole route starting at Dockray near Keswick, visiting the north western lakes and mountain passes to return you to Keswick.

Code Length Average per day Price range
NL6 5 days walking (6 nights) 9 miles/14 km $1411 - $1677 Full Info Book

North Lakes Short Break

Pooley Bridge to Rosthwaite 26 miles/41 km

This is a shorter version of the full route for those with less time, but it still takes in all three lakes. It starts at Pooley Bridge, at the head of Ullswater and concludes in Rosthwaite in Borrowdale.

Code Length Average per day Price range
NLB4 3 days walking (4 nights) 9 miles/14 km $1024 - $1183 Full Info Book

Client Feedback

Your service is awseome. We had the adventure of a lifetime and cant thank you enough! You are the best – Many Thanks!!

Hadrian’s Wall, August 2024
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By my reckoning, there have been nine walking holidays so far.  Earlier this year I completed the latest one.  The Pennine Way in celebration of my 70th birthday.  On this, as with all my other walks, I found the arrangements to be faultless.  This is why I keep returning to Mickledore.  It means that I can start each walk with complete confidence that the only thing that could go wrong is me!  My thanks to all at Mickledore!

Pennine Way, May 2024
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Everything went like clockwork – our bags were always waiting for us, the taxi was on time, all the hosts were expecting us.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, September 2024
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