LAKE DISTRICT CLASSIC SUMMITS GUIDED WALK

langdale pikes photo Pavey Ark Harrison Stickle

Photo above -Glynis Shannon

July 10th - 14th 2023

(4 nights, 4.5 walking days).

Grade 4: Moderate to Challenging*

Highlights:

Ascent of The Old Man of Coniston (803m)
Ascent of Bowfell (902m) and Esk Pike from Langdale
Ascent of Fairfield (873m) via the classic horse shoe route.

An exciting, high-level adventure based from the comfort of Rydal Hall.

What's Included: 4 nights single occupancy full board (4 x dinner, bed, breakfast and packed lunch), and the services of our walk leader for this holiday. Also included is the cost of any taxi / minibus transfers to the start or end of our day's walk.

The cost for this holiday including full board, single, en-suite accommodation is £775.

*Our walking breaks are graded from 1('Easy) to 5 (Challenging). Grade 4: 'Moderate to Challenging’ walking holidays are designed for those who are able to walk for 6 - 8 hours in a day, and 3-4 hours on a half-day. Routes usually involve around 700-900m of ascent and descent, although all walking is on good paths with no technical difficulties. Our aim is always to take our walks at a steady pace, stopping for breaks and to admire the views. We want to reach the summits but make sure we take time to enjoy the journey!

ITINERARY

DAY 1: If you can, join us on the arrival day by 2 pm for a half day local walk to get to know your fellow travellers and the environment close by. For those who are unable to arrive by then, join us for dinner at 6.30 pm, after which we will talk through our planned programme. (3 hours)

DAY 2: Hike to the summit of Fairfield by completing a route around the famous horse-shoe. This is a full and rewarding day, with ascent being mostly very gradual and paths usually firm under foot. The views from the summit are spectacular, north to Ullswater, Helvellyn and Striding Edge, East to the Pennines, West to the Scafell Massif, and South- West to the sea. We descend via High Pike to land back at Rydal Hall and (weather permitting) a refreshing dip in the waterfall pools for those who wish. (6-7 hours)

DAY 3: Our route takes us via Levers Water to the summits of Swirl How and The Old Man of Coniston, the much sought-after summit that gives expansive views down Coniston Water to the South. (5-6 hours)

DAY 4: Hike up to Bowfell summit via The Band and Three Tarns, from where the views across to Scafell are breath-taking. This is a full mountain day but one that brings the reward of reaching the 9th highest peak in England. We continue to Esk Pike before descending back into the Langdale Valley. A truly classic Lake District hike with some tough walking but affording the most amazing views. (7-8 hours)

DAY 5: A local walk on the fells close to Rydal to finish our week with a more relaxed day. We aim to enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Buckstones Jump waterfalls, and then finish our programme by 2 pm. (4 hours)

Please note that the above itinerary is subject to weather conditions being favourable. Our aim, above all, is to make the right choice each day so that we enjoy the most appropriate route for the conditions.

ACCOMMODATION

Our base is the very comfortable Rydal Hall, set in its own stunning formal gardens with waterfalls, pools, an arboretum, tea shop and bar. See full details here: Rydal Hall

How to get there: Rydal Hall is situated 2 miles north of Ambleside in Cumbria.

Postcode LA22 9LX.

Drive, or take the train to Windermere and complete the journey (6 miles) by taxi or bus from the railway station.