Kendal and the Lake District

BUTTERMERE

Today is a chance to explore one of the Northern Lakes, beautiful Buttermere. The mountains that ring Buttermere sweep straight up from the lake in steep unbroken slopes, but the path we follow is on the valley floor. This lake is particularly unusual as it’s the only one of the famous district’s lakes that you can take a path all the way around. And so we follow this picturesque route around though the woodland, hugging the shores and wildlife spotting along the way. Lastly, we stop at Buttermere village itself for refreshments.

Buttermere Lakeshore Walk

With a mix of lakeside paths and woodland, this circular walk takes us around Buttermere and through Burtness Wood with brilliant vistas of Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks fell. As you trace the shoreline, you’ll be sure to see stunning views of Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head too. The other half of the walk is through more woody and muddy areas (so be sure to bring good walking boots) but it’s a level path and a wonderful loop back to Buttermere village.

Easy walk - Duration: 2.5 hours / Distance:  4.7miles / Terrain: shoreline paths, stones, rough and narrow in places with possible muddy areas

RAVENGLASS, ESKDALE RAILWAY AND MUNCASTER CASTLE

Heading as far west as we can in the lake, our first stop is a return journey on The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, one of the oldest and longest narrow-gauge railways in England. “La’al Ratty” as it is affectionately known, meaning little railway in old Cumbrian was built in 1873. The journey itself was one of Alfred Wainwright's favourites due to the beautiful scenery and was immortalised in his guidebooks. We then continue to Muncaster Castle a jewel in the majestic western lakes setting. Inhabited for 9 centuries continually, thought to have been built on Roman remains. We have a private group lunch before having a guided tour of the castle. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the gardens and maybe visit the Hawk and Owl Centre.

CONISTON WATER, STEAM YACHT GONDOLA & TARN HOWS WALK

This morning we head to Coniston Water, steeped in history and settled since Neolithic times. The village nestles in the lee of The Old Man of Coniston - likened by Wainwright to the position of the Zermatt and the Matterhorn and is surrounded by spectacular rugged crags and foaming waterfalls. It truly illustrates the turbulent geological complexities of a valley born of violent volcanic fire and sculpted, even as ‘recently’ as 10,000 years ago, by unimaginable depths of ice.

We arrive at the lake and take the beautifully restored Steam Yacht Gondola on a circular cruise on lake Coniston like the Victorians did before us. Enjoy a guided commentary from the captain of the yacht, who will tell us about the history of the lake and what we can see. Look out for Brantwood John Ruskin’s home on the shores of the lake, a visionary thinker and pioneering conservationist, who foresaw the ‘green-house effect’ more than a century ago. Ruskin also inspired the establishment of The National Trust, and the founders of the National Parks movement.

We can also spot Arthur Ransome’s cottage - he used Coniston as the setting for his very popular children’s book series Swallows and Amazons, which since published in 1930 has been made into numerous series and films. Most people will of course associate the lake with Donald Campbells water Speed record attempt, which ended in tragedy. He reached speed of over 300 mph on his craft “Bluebird”.

After our cruise there will be some free time to explore the pretty village of Coniston itself, or to visit the Ruskin Museum to find out more about Coniston, Ruskin and Donald Campbell. This afternoon we will drive to nearby Monk Coniston where we are joined by a local walking expert for our insightful walk through Lake District farm and woodland, as well as the walled garden and tree collection of Monk Coniston Hall. The estate was bought by Beatrix Potter as she loved it so much and was bequeathed to the National Trust on her death so it could be protected for all to enjoy. We continue onto to Tarn Howes, which has some of the best in Lakeland views, before we return to our hotel.

Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows Walk
 

Your journey begins with the calming surroundings of broadleaf and coniferous woodland, just a stone’s throw from the Monk Coniston walled gardens. You’ll be sure to spy lots of fascinating wildlife as some of the most gorgeous views of Coniston Water come into sight. Look out for distinctive Herdwick sheep, rose deer and hares. You might even spot a red squirrel or two – an endangered species who have made this stunning landscape their home.

Moderate walk - Duration: 3 hours / Distance:  3.5 miles / Terrain: forestry tracks and paths with benches along the way

ULLSWATER, WINDERMERE & RETURN HOME

Today we take a scenic drive to explore Ullswater, passing through Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. We then continue across the breathtaking Kirsktone pass to Windermere with time to explore at your leisure.

The afternoon is free to explore,  so you could choose to take a trip on a lake cruise or perhaps stroll  along the shores to appreciate the views.

Finally, we return to the hotel to collect cars before your departure or transfer to the train station.