“A 6 day discovery of the beautiful Lakeland valleys and high passes” (74 miles, 6 days) Derwentwater at Keswick The writings of Wainwright and our own natural desire to climb to the summits of the Lakeland fells has meant the exploring the valleys is often neglected. Some of the best walking is lakeside and in particular the old drover routes that linked the valleys on often high mountain passes. Cumbria Way The ‘Lakeland Valleys’ walk takes in all the main Lakeland valleys including the less populated ones in the western Lakes. A much greater understanding and appreciation of the Lake District is found by walking the valleys, the views are often so much better and of course the weather is more benign. Each day brings new scenery, new valleys and a walk ending that is somewhere different. A to B walks can be so much more satisfying. Grisedale Tarn However there is also an excellent opportunity to climb some of the mountains, particularly if the weather is good. A final short scramble up Haystacks from Scarth Gap requires little effort but is a wonderful spot whilst any climb of Helvellyn is very satisfying. Flexibility is the key. The Best Itinerary Day 1. Ambleside to Coniston 10 miles Highlights: Loughrigg Tarn, Elterwater & Little Langdale Optional Fells nearby: Loughrigg Fell, Wetherlam Day 2. Coniston to Eskdale 13 miles Highlights: Eskdale, the Duddon Valley and Walna Scar through the Coniston fells Optional Fells nearby: Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag, Harter Fell Day 3. Eskdale to Buttermere 13 miles Highlights: Pass the Lakeland giants of the Scafells, Gable & Pillar through 3 remote valleys; Wasdale, Ennerdale & Buttermere Optional Fells nearby: Pillar & Haystacks are the two obvious choices, anything else is going to be extremely hard work on a big day. Eastern shore at Ennerdale Day 4. Buttermere to Keswick 14 miles Highlights: Honister mines, Upper Borrowdale, quiet side of Derwentwater Optional Fells nearby: Fleetwith Pike, High Spy/Maiden Moor/Catbells Day 5. Keswick to Glenridding 12 miles Highlights: St John’s in the Vale, Ullswater & views over the Eastern fells Optional Fells nearby: Helvellyn, Sheffield Pike Day 6. Glenridding to Ambleside 12 miles Highlights: Grisedale Tarn, Grasmere & Rydal Water Optional Fells nearby: Fairfield, St Sunday’s Crag Maps The walk is best clockwise with two different start options: Ambleside or Keswick. O/S Maps required: 1.25,000 Explorer Series. OL4, OL5, OL6 AND OL7 Places to Stay Windermere Chestnuts Guest House is a fine place to stat or finish yopur long distance walk Ambleside The Old Vicarage is typical of many good B & Bs but an alternative may be the excellent Ambleside Backpackers which does serve breakfast on request Coniston The Crown Inn is in the centre of Coniston and a haven for walkers Buttermere Bridge Inn & Fish Inn are obvious choices but for a cheaper rate try the Youth Hostel Keswick There are many Guest Houses central to Keswick but for more luxury the Swinside Hotel is a few miles short of Keswick but still enroute. Wasdale Head Hotel Useful Links Coming soon… Personal Journey Coming soon… Day-by-day Day 1. Coming soon…
