
Literary Lake District Walk
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Kick off in Windermere for a seven day Lake District ramble, ending back in Windermere – or in Bowness on Windermere if you opt for the finale. Settle into Grasmere, following riverside paths and Wordsworth’s footsteps at Dove Cottage, Rydal Hall and St Oswald’s. Walk the Cumbria Way beneath the Langdale Pikes, pausing at Elterwater, Skelwith Bridge and tumbling waterfalls. Trace Coniston Water with views of the Old Man, visit the Ruskin Museum and Brantwood, then wander Grizedale Forest’s sculpture filled trails. Base yourself in Hawkshead for Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top or Wray Castle, with big fell views from Latterbarrow and a Windermere ferry crossing.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysHotel Rating
Accommodation as per the InclusionsStarts
WindermereEnds
Bowness-on-WindermereMinimum Age
8 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in United Kingdom that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
United KingdomMeals Included
Breakfast: 6Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Self-guided
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided TourRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursCan't find a date that works for you?
Find similar United Kingdom tours available in Aug 2026Passengers
£2,840.00
£1,420.00
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Windermere - Grasmere
Arrive in Windermere, on the shores of England’s largest natural lake. We transfer you by taxi to the Wordsworth Hotel & Spa in Grasmere to settle in – a relaxing start to your Lake District escape.
Day 2 - Grasmere - Rydal - Grasmere
Welcome to Wordsworth country. We start with a gentle circuit beside the meandering River Rothay, then follow the shore of Grasmere past St Oswald’s Church – the poet’s final resting place – towards serene Rydal Water. We visit majestic Rydal Hall and gardens and, after perhaps a pub lunch, follow the old coffin road back to Grasmere beneath Nab Scar, with wide views across the water to Silver Howe. Back in the village, you can explore the Wordsworth Museum, Dove Cottage and the celebrated Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Day 3 - Grasmere - Skelwith Bridge - Coniston
It is all about scenery today as we make our way to Coniston. After a short climb through Hammerscar Plantation – overlooked by Loughrigg Fell – or along the shaded paths of the National Trust’s High Close estate, we descend into the Great Langdale valley to join the Cumbria Way. Passing Elterwater, one of the Lake District’s smaller lakes, we follow the River Brathay with striking views of the Langdale Pikes to reach charming Skelwith Bridge. If you wish, you can visit the tumbling falls at Skelwith Force and Colwith Force, and the picturesque Tarn Hows, before arriving at your elegant hotel.
Day 4 - Coniston - Torver - Coniston
Coniston’s literary connections come to life as we head south on the Cumbria Way to the clear waters of Coniston Water – inspiration for Swallows and Amazons. The Old Man of Coniston, the area’s highest fell at 803 m, dominates the skyline as we turn from the lake towards the old Viking village of Torver. The historic Church House Inn is a fine place for a pause before we make our way back to Coniston. This afternoon you could visit the Ruskin Museum or sample local brews at the Black Bull’s brewery.
Day 5 - Coniston - Hawkshead
Today we visit Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, beautifully set above the lake and filled with paintings, fine furniture and personal treasures. We then stride into peaceful Grizedale Forest – a shady gem between Coniston and Windermere – where woodland sculptures and far reaching views accompany the path across Monk Coniston Moor. The route continues over Hawkshead Moor before we descend into Hawkshead, where you settle in for two nights at the superb 17th century Queens Head Inn overlooking the cobbled square.
Day 6 - Hawkshead - Near Sawrey - Ambleside - Hawkshead
The day is yours. You can delve into the National Trust’s Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, then visit Hill Top in Near Sawrey to wander through 17th century rooms and the pretty cottage garden that inspired her tales. Alternatively, you can head east through green meadows by shimmering Blelham Tarn to the National Trust’s beautiful Wray Castle. Back in Hawkshead, you can round off the day with one of the brewery’s award winning ales.
Day 7 - Hawkshead - Windermere - Hawkshead - Bowness-on-Windermere
After breakfast, if you have pre booked a transfer, a taxi takes you to Windermere station. Alternatively, you can add an extra night and enjoy a rewarding walk from Hawkshead to Bowness on Windermere – through meadows and woodland, up to Latterbarrow Fell (245 m) for grand views, then down to the lakeside to follow the western shore. Finish by taking the ferry to Bowness to explore before relaxing at a Laura Ashley designed hotel overlooking Lake Windermere.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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