Lake District - Friday 23rd (evening) to Monday 26th July 2021 

If anywhere is the heart and soul of walking in England, its the Lake District, an area of wonderful high mountains, deep valleys and of course lakes.  In the Lakes you will find proper mountains, wild and rugged. We will walk along the best Lake walks, Cat Bells with Derwent lake and Buttermere lake, both have been voted as one of Britain’s top 10 walks.  The Lake District is very close to Hadrian's Wall so will walk along the wall for half a day as part of this event.  All the photos you see below are the places we plan to explore during the July event. There are no mountain climbs on this event just big hills to get to high viewpoints for the fantastic lake views.  I have lead walks in the Lakes for over 20 years and believe the walks I have selected are the best for scenery.  The below itinerary is very full, so only suitable for members that are energetic.  May is great time to visit the Lake district, not too hot for our walks and sunset is after 9pm so will have over 17 hours of daylight each day to explore. 

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Transportation: In the past I have driven from London early Saturday morning, not arriving in the Lake district until after 2pm.  Often there are delays due to traffic jams which in turn reduces our walking time.  For this event we are leaving on Friday evening from Uxbridge tube station (Metropolitan & Piccadilly line) and driving during the evening to avoid driving during valuable daylight hours.  This will mean we will have a full day of walking on Saturday and Sunday.  The cars/minibus transportation is provided if departing from London on Friday evening for members that require it.  I will sort out all of the transportation logistics for the whole group.  Organise the departure point, exchange drivers and members contact details in advance and ensure the drivers get to every location during the event on time.  All my volunteer drivers are experienced and confident drivers. The hired mini bus is very comfortable with lots of space and will have a good group atmosphere.  

 

Accommodation:  We will be staying at a Premier Inn hotel for 3 nights with 2 sharing with en-suite bathrooms. Room allocation will be based on gender or your own room if you attend with a friend.  Many other groups would book a youth hostel with 4-6 sharing a dormitory with bunk beds which can be noisy and over crowded.  

 

PROPOSE SCHDULE

 

Friday 23rd July 2021

17:00-18:00    Pick up from Uxbridge tube Station 

23.45              Drive 230 miles to Preston for our stay for just 1 night.  Only 1 hr drive to our first walk in the Lakes

 

Saturday 24th July 

07:30-08:15    Breakfast 

08:25-10:25    Leave Preston for our 1st walk along Hadrian Wall

10:35-15:35    Hadrian's wall walk

15:45-16:30    Drive to the Castlerigg Stone circle in the Lakes

16:30-17:00    Castlerigg Stone Circle (4000 years old stone circle)

17:00-19:00    Walk to Keswick for dinner from Castlerigg

19:00-21:00    Dinner in Keswick

21:00-21:45    Drive to Premium Inn Whitehaven         

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Sunday 25th July

07:30-08:15    Breakfast at Brewers Fayre restaurant next door to Premier Inn hotel              

08:15-09:05    Drive to Cat Bells walk

09:10-13:00    Walking Cat Bells starting along Derwent Water (6 miles with 1 big hill)

13:00-13:45    Drive to Buttermere

13:45-14:45    Lunch break

14:45-18:45    Buttermere Lake (2.5 miles)

18:45-19:30    Drive to Keswick for dinner

19:30-21:00    Dinner at Keswick

 

Monday 26th July

07:30               Breakfast at Brewers Fayers 

08:15-08:00    Check out and leave for St Bees head

08:30-09:00    Drive to St Bees head, coastal Lakes walk   

09:00-13:30    St Bees Head Coastal walk

13:35-14:35    Lunch at the beach cafe at Bees Head    

15:00-21:00    Drive back to London Uxbridge tube station 

 

Meals:  I reserve good restaurants in advance to give members a choice of cuisine and budget in Keswick.  Keswick is a large town near Derwent Lake with a vast number of restaurants.  Most other groups that stay at hostels would be catering at the hostel.  Hostel food is ok but there are many good restaurants in the Lakes, it would be a shame not to experience.  I will send members details of the restaurants selected and ask members to choose.  Meals are not included in the cost as we are not staying at a hostel and I want the group to experience regional food.  

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Fitness:  This Lake district event is suitable for members of an average fitness level.  There are a few hills climbs on every walk but no mountain climbs.  For example, you are able to a walk minimum 2 miles per hour on a varied terrain for 10-12 miles within 6 hours.  There will be many breaks to enjoy the scenery, take photos and to rest.  

 

Flexibility: My approach and itinerary is flexible.  If bad weather is forecasted, I am happy to change the itinerary.  Visit a National Trust building or another indoor venues.  Weather can we localised in the Lake district so willing to drive to a different Lake district region for a dry walk. 

 

Securing a place:  My events are normally over subscribed.  You can reserve your place on any event, months in advance with a £50 deposit.  I understand that member’s work, family & personal situation can change, so your deposit or balance is 100% refundable 7 days prior to the start of this event, no quibble.   All I need is 7 days notice and I refund you fully within 24 hours.  I only require the final balance 7 days before the start of the event, again being flexible to members needs.  

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KIT LIST

Essentials: 

Good waterproof jacket.  Even with no rain forecasted a waterproof jacket can be used to keep your warm during our early morning starts.

Hiking boots (with good grip and ankle support) - don’t forget to bring good quality hiking socks 

3 change of clothing. A few warm items for our early morning starts: base layer, warm fleece, gloves, beanie

Items for hot conditions: broad beam hat, a cap, sun block, sun glasses

 

Other items: 

Wash kit. towels will be provided at the hotel.  A daypack to hold your day kit (water, snacks, jacket)

Trainers to wear in the cars/minibus