SHORT HIKES TO SPECIAL PLACES

AUG 26-28th 2024

(This trip can be combined with our Secret Valleys break to make a 4-night stay).

(2 nights, 2.5 walking days).

Grade 1 - Easy walking

Relaxing, guided strolls along the most beautiful Lake District trails.

The cost for this holiday in single, en-suite accommodation with all meals provided is £395.

This short break is a great chance to explore the most inspiring and dramatic beauty spots that can be reached by easy walking.

Highlights:

Relax, refresh and recharge on a perfect, easy-going walking break amidst breath-taking Lakeland scenery.
Join a small group of other walkers and share guided walks at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to chat and to really soak up the views.
Enjoy a walk and picnic lunches at the shore of Grasmere and by the impressive waterfalls at Rydal Beck.
Saunter back to Rydal Hall in time for afternoon teas by the cascade.
Relax in Rydal Hall grounds with its grand, 1909 Thomas Mawson garden.
Enjoy easy, on-foot access to our walks - no need to use the car.

Join us for a walking holiday where we take things easy, moving at a comfortable pace to really enjoy the scenery and the special places of the South Lake District. We'll visit the most rewarding viewpoints, atmospheric forests, idyllic Lakeland farmyards, and serene lakeshores. Each day our walk leader will guide you on a route packed with places of beauty and interest, all reached without the need for tough walking.

Our walking will be at an 'Easy' level, which means that on a full walking day we will cover around 7 miles on routes that include only minor ascent. We will typically be walking for around 5 hours including stops, allowing you to relax and take time for yourself at the end of the day. If on any day you would like to do a little extra walking our leaders will be delighted to advise on this. Other options include a visit to Rydal Mount (the home of William Wordsworth), a wander to the shops and cafes of Grasmere or Ambleside, and a quiet cuppa or G&T by the waterfalls.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: If you can, join us on the arrival day by 1.30 pm for a half day local walk to meet your fellow walkers and get to know the surroundings close by. Our route takes us through the historic Dora's field, down to the shore of Rydal Water for a stunning view across the water towards Silver Howe and Grasmere. A short ascent takes us to Rydal Caves, impressive walk-in caverns perched on the side of Loughrigg, from where we descend to the beach at the southern end of Grasmere lake. We return along the shore of Rydal Water. (3 hours of walking)

For those who are unable to arrive by 1.30 pm, join us for dinner at 6.30 pm, after which we will talk through our planned programme.

DAY 2: We head for the village of Grasmere, famous for the historic Wordsworth graves at St Oswald's church, and for the local gingerbread whose recipe is a long-guarded secret. Steady hiking brings us up to the secluded grounds of High Close with its famous collection of gigantic trees, its ornate gardens, and its expansive views to the Langdale Valley. (4-5 hours)

DAY 3: We explore the tracks close to Rydal and the cool spaces of Hagg Wood before enjoying a picnic lunch at the Buckstones Jump waterfall. We then descend to Rydal Hall again via a spectacular string of pools and cascades over a mile long. We aim to finish our programme by 1.30 pm. (3 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. The Rydal Hall team strive to offer a great service to all customers, and we have chosen it for its excellent food, unbeatable location and friendly staff.

How to get there: Rydal Hall is situated 2 miles north of Ambleside in Cumbria. Postcode LA22 9LX.

If you prefer to drive, free parking is available in the hall grounds. SImply collect your parking permit from reception. The area is easily accessed by public transport: take the train to Windermere and complete the journey (6 miles) by taxi or bus from the railway station.