Active Lakeland

This holiday is no longer being offered

This tour combines three days of cycling whilst staying in Windermere at the heart of the Lake District with three days of hiking whilst you stay in Ambleside, one of the jewels of the Lakes.

Day 1 Arrival in Windermere

You arrive in Windermere an unspoilt village at the heart of the English Lake District, one of the most beautiful corners of England.

Day 2 Roundtrip to Hawkshead 17 miles.

You’ll start your Lake District break by ferrying across Lake Windermere and pedalling along the shore towards the picturesque village of Hawkshead, an ideal place to stop for lunch and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery Museum. Then it’s on to Hill Top her home that is kept exactly as she left it by the National Trust.

Day 3 Roundtrip to Cartmel 17 or 21 miles.

Today you will enjoy a 45-minute cruise to Lakeside at the southern tip of Lake Windermere from where you will cycle to Cartmel, famous for its sticky toffee pudding and wonderful 12 th century Priory. For an off-road challenge, Grizedale Forest is within easy reach.

Day 4 Circular ride 17 or 21 miles.

You can explore the quiet side of Windermere taking in Crosthwaite and Knipe Tarn. Challenge-seekers will enjoy the Strawberry Bank option with its up valley climb and descent through woodland to a ford, with a footbridge for those not wanting to get their feet wet.

Day 5 Rydal Water and Grasmere 5 or 8 miles.

Moving on to Ambleside for your first walk you will explore the land that inspired Wordsworth, including Dove Cottage, Rydal Water and Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages.

Day 6 Loughrigg Fell and Skelwith Bridge 7 miles.

A highlight today is Loughrigg Tarn (102m), a sky-mirroring pool surrounded by sloping pasture at the foot of Loughrigg Fell. It’s a beautiful descent into Skelwith Bridge, with time for browsing for local crafts.

Day 7 Troutbeck and Orrest Head 9 miles.

The final walk brings you along fell-side tracks through Skelghyll Wood to the National Trust property at Townend. It’s a short stroll into Troutbeck for refreshments before tramping along bridleways and country lanes to the final spectacular viewpoint of Orrest Head, overlooking Windermere town and lake. It is then only a short descent back to Windermere.