The Lake District Explorer

( 5 Star )

Visit: Ullswater-Aira Force Waterfall-Castlerigg Stone Circle-Lake Windermere-Derwent Water-Honister Pass

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Tour departs from Edinburgh Duration: 3-Day Tour (08.45-19.00 hours) Schedule: Every Monday (01/04/19-28/10/19) AND every Thursday (02/05/19-26/09/19) Enjoy the poetry of nature, learn to love England’s most inspirational landscapes, and follow in the footsteps of artists and writers. You may get a little poetic in the Lake District. The lakes are so moving you’ll want to compose verses about their beauty. The silent Castlerigg standing stones are so mysterious you'll think about them for days. And the mountains are so magnificent you'll get lyrical about their rugged peaks and soothing slopes. Take this tour and discover how and why this gorgeous area has inspired England's greatest poets and writers.

Travel over the smooth rolling hills of the Scottish Borders Explore the ancient ruins of Penrith Castle Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater Relax in the market town of Keswick You depart Edinburgh and head South through the Scottish Borders. You can enjoy the gorgeous rolling expanses of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as we travel to our first stop of the day, the Victorian spa town of Moffat. From Moffat you continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Here you have the chance to enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely coloured castle played a key role in defending the border from invading Scots. After lunch we enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and once a lively hub of ancient pagan rituals. You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town. (**During July/early August this tour may stay in Windermere).

Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere Wander around the cosy village of Hawkshead Enjoy the peace of the Wordsworth Memorial Daffodill Garden After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores. You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the lovely Lake Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery. After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There’s free time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. And there's Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread shop you have to visit to try the best gingerbread in the world. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.

Set your sights on sweepings views from atop the Whinlatter Pass Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass We pick you up from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. You journey along winding lanes, through the rural village of High Lorton, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping. Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith and north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From here it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh.

Inclusion

Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions Optional activities Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program Personal equipment Travel insurance Gratuities Voluntary tips for guides or drivers Travel and medical insurance Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Tour departs from Edinburgh All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise. All Tours are operated on mini and midi-coaches and with very experienced driver-guides. Accommodation upgrade to 3 star property is available on request. Child supplement is available on request. Please note that the child supplement applies only to up to 01 child aged 5-15 years old, sharing the same room with 02 adults. No children under 5 years old are permitted, except with special permission. Luggage - You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items. Important information - Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes