Walk the Lakeland Valleys

“A 6 day discovery of the Lakeland valleys and high passes”

The Lakeland Valleys starts in Ambleside (or Keswick) and passes through the valleys of Coniston, Dunnerdale, Eskdale, Ennerdale, Buttermere, Borrowdale, Ullswater and the main central belt with opportunities to climb some of the nearby fells or stick to the ‘relatively’ low level route.

shores-of-rydal-water

shores-of-rydal-water
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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Ambleside to Coniston 10 miles

A straightforward start to the walk at lower level throughout. Passing Elterwater and Little Langdale the track then turns south for Coniston. Many climb Loughrigg Fell at the start from Rydal Water and there is a good opportunity to take the long ridge up Wetherlam for the more energetic.

Day 2. Coniston to Eskdale 13 miles

Initially taking the Walna Scar old drove road the route passes under Dow Crag, near the Old Man of Coniston before dropping in to the lovely & unspoilt Duddon Valley. Passing under or over Harter Fell the route then leads to Brotherikeld in Eskdale and a final saunter down this beautiful valley to Boot and a welcome meal.

Day 3. Eskdale to Buttermere 13 miles

Probably the most remote day but in my opinion the best the route tracks through 4 different valleys in 13 miles. Simply superb scenery accompanies you throughout with Wasdale and Ennerdale passed through before arriving at Buttermere a long time later. There are many opportunities to include one of the highest fells but the reality is Haystacks in the most viable option, but possibly the best!

Day 4. Buttermere to Keswick 14 miles

Although the longest day this is probably one of the easier due to the lower level route through Upper Borrowdale. Borrowdale offers lovely walking throughout and along the quieter shores of Derwentwater is simply delightful but the more energetic may well be tempted by the long ridge from High Spy to Catbells and the incomparable views.

Day 5 Keswick to Glenridding 12 miles

Leaving Keswick the famous Stone Circle is passed before the route enters St Johns in the Vale. From here there is a long pull up to Stake Pass and the near proximity to Helvellyn will tempt many. Whichever route there are outstanding views of Ullswater and the eastern fells as the various paths wind down towards Glenridding

Day 6 Glenridding to Ambleside 12 miles

A final day ends with a beautiful section of walking in Wordsworth country. Before that though a typically Lakeland valley leads up to Grisedale Tarn and an opportunity to ‘pop’ up Fairfield and enjoy the long ridge leading back down to Ambleside. However I prefer the beautiful woodlands on the far side of Grasmere & Rydal Water.

Our Lakeland Valleys holiday offers the following

  • An accommodation booking service
  • 4 new maps (O/S 1.25,000) with the route marked and alternatives suggested
  • Extra information on key route finding decisions, what to look out for (often short detours off the route)
  • Emergency contact details