Lakeland Valleys Walking Holiday

76 mile. The Lakeland Valleys Walking Holiday

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

Buttermere
Buttermere

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

The Best Itinerary

Day 1 Ambleside to Coniston 10 miles

A low level start on the easiest day of the walk. Highlights include Tarn Hows, Elterwater and Loughrigg Tarn. Some may climb Loughrigg Fell from the shores of Rydal and there is the possibility to climb the long ridge of Wetherlam.

Day 2. Coniston to Eskdale 13 miles

Initially taking the Walna Scar drovers road the route passes under Dow Crag and 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

Without doubt this is the special day of the Langdale Valleys walk. Remote and beautiful the paths crosses from Eskdale to Wasdale to Ennerdale before a final climb to Scarth Gap overlooking Buttermere. The higher fells will prove too much on this day but a final climb of Haystacks from Scarth Gap provides a fantastic end to the day.

Mosedale near Wasdale Head
Mosedale near Wasdale Head

Day 4. Buttermere to Keswick 14 miles

Although the longest day this is probably one of the easier. Most of the day is spent in the valley of Borrowdale. The lakeside route along Derwetwater is undoubtedly lovely but some will be tempted by the climb to Catbells and the fantastic views from this relatively small mountain.

Day 5 Keswick to Glenridding 12 miles

Leaving Keswick the famous Stone Circle is passed before the route passes in to 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. Fairfield and the northern side of the Fairfield horseshoe may tempt the fit but otherwise drop down to Rydal and a pleasant end along the pretty banks of Rydal Water.

Lakeland Valleys map

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
  • No baggage transfer service is available on this walk

Please contact us via the Enquiry Form or email  jonathan@where2walk.co.uk for further details and prices. We will email you a sample itinerary and quote within 48 hours.

Booking enquiry form

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