EEmbark on an unforgettable walking adventure through the iconic English landscapes of Hadrian’s Wall and the enchanting Lake District. Our journey immerses you in the rugged beauty of Northumberland and Cumbria and the romantic charm that inspired literary legends like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Whether you’re drawn to ancient history, literary heritage, or breathtaking landscapes, this walking vacation is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers. Join us for an extraordinary adventure where history and poetry come to life.
Uncover Ancient Roman Heritage as we follow the path of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, amid wild, unspoiled countryside. Walk along ancient Roman roads, explore the remains of military forts, bathhouses, and bustling towns, and soak in the history that shaped Britain’s northern frontier.
Step into the heart of Wordsworth country and embrace the poetic beauty of England’s Lake District, where rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and dramatic fells await.
Wander through picturesque villages, cross open moorlands, and ascend high crags that offer breathtaking views. Delight in a leisurely cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest and most awe-inspiring of the lakes, and visit Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s cherished home.
Relish hearty pub lunches, savor local delicacies, and unwind in cozy countryside inns. Meander through the serene gardens of Hill Top, once home to the beloved author Beatrix Potter. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Grasmere and the scenic beauty of Ullswater and lofty Kirkstone Pass.
We rendezvous in Newcastle, then drive to our 14th century castle hotel in Langley. We’ll gather for the lntroductory Talk and Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Langley, Langley Castle Hotel
Walk along the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall; its fine condition is a testament to the brilliance of the Roman Engineers who constructed it nearly 2000 years ago. We stop to visit Housesteads, a fort occupied by Roman soldiers for 300 years, then re-join the path on the high crag. We descend for a welcome pub lunch at The Twice Brewed Inn, before continuing along the Wall in the footsteps of the Roman Legions.
Ullswater, Another Place
A short transfer takes us to the pretty lakeside village of Pooley Bridge, where we commence our walk along the banks of the fast-flowing River Eamont to the hamlet of Barton with its ancient church and imposing lychgate. We lunch at a traditional inn on the village green at Askham.
Afternoon Options: Ascend Ascham Fell for the magnificent views of Lake Ullswater, where people of past millennia built their cairn circles and tumuli and now the hardy Herdwick sheep graze on the tough heather. OR a visit to Lowther Castle & Gardens for those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon.
Ullswater, Another Place
Greet the day with our first sight of the impressive hills and mountains of the Lake District. Magnificent Ullswater is in view as we meander to Howtown where we take the ferry to Glenridding and a pub lunch. We drive over dramatic Kirkstone Pass to Troutbeck, a sleepy old village above the valley, where we walk along tracks, through farms and woodlands, to the shores of Windermere and our lakeside hotel at Ambleside.
Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn
We take the morning ferry across Lake Windermere to view Wray Castle before we begin our walk along the peaceful banks of England’s largest lake. A woodland path brings us to the village of Far Sawrey for lunch in the famous village pub, the Cuckoo Brow Inn. We walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through fields and over styles to her beloved Hilltop House & Garden. A short transfer takes us to a country lane leading to the picturesque village of Hawkshead with its traditional white cottages & narrow lanes. Here, we visit the 16th Century village school where William Wordsworth was a pupil for 8 years.
Grasmere, Rothay Garden Hotel
We begin our day with a walk through the enchanting village of Grasmere where we can smell and taste the famous gingerbread. Our trail follows in the footsteps of Wordsworth with readings around his favourite lake and visits to his family homes, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount where we have lunch in the village pub. Our afternoon walk continues along the shore of Rydal Water to Elterwater where we celebrate our achievements of the week at the famous Britannia Hikers Inn!
Grasmere, Rothay Garden Hotel
Morning transfer to Penrith Rail Station for onward connections.
