Copeland
These routes keep you away from the crowds so that you can really appreciate the tranquillity of beautiful lakes set against the backdrop of England’s highest peaks. Though the walks rarely rise above a thousand feet they take you right into this wonderful landscape. The use of well-defined paths combined with clear and precise instructions is designed to give you a real experience of wilderness in complete confidence. You'll explore (and stay in) some of the small towns, villages and farms on the edge of the coastal plain giving you the chance to see these tight-knit communities at work. For a contrast, ride on a steam railway that takes you to the coast at Ravenglass from where a pleasant walk visits the remains of the Roman Fort and the stately home, gardens and owl centre at Muncaster Castle. Attractions: Eskdale Mill, Gosforth, Hardknot Roman Fort and Muncaster Mill. This tour includes bed & breakfast accommodation, a tour pack (including colour coded route directions and a map), luggage transfers and emergency telephone assistance.
8 days, 7 nights Mixed Accommodation
Day 1 - Arrive in Ravenglass, an attractive coastal village and check into your hotel. Ravenglass was the Roman's main port for northern Britain and there are many Roman remains in the area today.
Day 2 - Circular walk from Ravenglass coast visiting Munster Castle, the stately home of the Pennington family since 1208 complete with breathtaking views, extensive gardens and historic furnishings. It is also home to the World Owl Trust with its collection of over 150 birds and displays and demonstrations.
Day 3 - Walk from Ravenglass to Santon Bridge, a traditional and tranquil Cumbrian Hamlet. Follow the River Esk upstream where it flows from the steep rugged flanks of Scafell Pike down through woods to broad green pastures near the coast. Today's walk encompasses the full range of Lakeland scenery from rural to rugged.
Day 4 - A circular walk from Santon Bridge exploring Wasdale, the Lakeland's most secluded and unspoilt valley. It is bleakly beautiful and is surrounded by England's highest mountains, the Scafell's, Great Gable and Pillar. Wasdale also has England's deepest lake and smallest church. The classic view across Wast Water to Great Gable is used as the logo for the National Park and is often missed by the car bound visitor.
Day 5 - Leave Santon Bridge on a linear walk to the totally undiscovered and unexplored tiny village of Boot. Boot is the most populous village in the Eskdale Valley and was an important local centre for ore mining in the 19th century. Eskdale Mill in the village provides a working example of a corn mill. The walk makes a gradual climb past the picturesque Blae tarn to a high point with traditional lakeland views.
Day 6 - A circular walk from Boot up Hardknock Path to a Roman fort. The walk then drops down into the valley and joins part of the grim route between Boot and the smallest church where the villagers took their dead.
Day 7 - A linear walk from Boot to Ravenglass via Muncaster Fell. The joys of Lakeland walking in miniature as the terrain looks deceptively mountainous but only rises to 1200 feet.
Day 8 - Depart.
B&B Price: £622.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
7 days, 6 nights Mixed Accommodation
This holiday runs as above, but misses day 2.
B&B Price: £555.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
