England's largest national park, the Lake District, covers an area of approx. 2259 sq. km and is made up of rugged mountains, smooth open countryside and peaceful lakes (tarns). Pictures town and small villages nestle against an unforgettable scenic backdrop of glorious countryside. Mixed together it has created a walker's paradise all year round.
Day 1 Belfast to Keswick
Early morning pickup in Wicklow/Dublin or wherever to drive north to Belfast, stopping along the way for some refreshments. Then it’s on to Belfast to catch the 11.45 sailing to Stranraer, arriving at 13.45.
From here we drive through the Scottish Lowlands down into North England and the Lake District, stopping of course along the way to visit the flowers or whatever
We should arrive in Keswick, which will be our base for the duration of the tour around 6pm.
(Please Note; ferry times may change)
Day 2 Scafell Pike
On our first walking day we will take you to the roof of England: Scafell Pike. Following the river Lingmell Gill, we cross Stockley Bridge, taking us past Broad Crag and onto Scafell Pike (977m). Should we get the views that we deserve from the summit, we can see as far away as the Welsh and Scottish mountains and back home to our own Emerald Isle. We take a different but just as magnificent route down, once again offering spectacular views.
Distance: 14 km/8.75 miles, Ascent: 1031 m/3093 ft
Day 3 Ambleside & Grasmere
Our journey today takes us to the town of Ambleside, better known as “The jewel in the Lakeland’s crown”
The town is situated on the edge of Lake Windermere and has being home to many famous people; one of the most notable being that of Beatrix Potter.
Our walk takes us out of the town through a small park and onto Deer How; from here you will have lovely views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside around Ambleside.
Continuing on our journey, we will have some fabulous views across Grasmere Lake and we will descend down to Rydal Water.
Our journey back takes us out to Rydal, where we will join the river Rothay and follow it back to Ambleside.
Before returning back to Keswick we will visit the town of Grasmere, the birthplace of the famous poet William Wordsworth.
Distance: 12Km/7.5 miles, Ascent: 335m/1005 ft
Day 4 Back to Ireland
We will depart Keswick at approximately 08.30 and make our way back to Stranraer to take the ferry back to Belfast.
We are normally back in Dublin around 7.30/8pm
