THE LAKE DISTRICT'S ULTIMATE
Hiking adventure

Your adventure begins as you arrive in the UK, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Oxenholme Station or directly in Ambleside. It’s well connected to Manchester, Liverpool and London by direct train, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. 

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and also a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey. 

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based  near the town of Ambleside, surrounded by beautiful hills and lakes. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Distance – 16.2km, Elevation – 1010m, Time – 6,5 Hours

This classic loop begins right from the centre of Ambleside, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding full-day hikes in the Lake District. The route climbs gradually through Rydal Park and past Low Sweden Bridge, before tackling the steeper flanks of Heron Pike and Great Rigg. As you gain height, the views widen dramatically, offering panoramic looks toward Windermere, the Langdales, and the Helvellyn range. The summit of Fairfield itself, a broad and often breezy plateau, sits at the heart of a sweeping ridge system that gives this hike its horseshoe shape. From here, the trail continues along Hart Crag, Dove Crag, and High Pike, tracing a high, undulating line above deep valleys and steep crags. Despite its popularity, the Fairfield Horseshoe has plenty of space to find your own rhythm, and it’s a true Lakeland classic that combines ridge-walking, sweeping vistas, and a real sense of journey.

Distance – 10.3km, Elevation – 850m, Time – 5,5 Hours

the Great Langdale Valley is the launch point for this exhilarating loop through the Langdale Pikes — one of the most iconic clusters of fells in the Lake District. The route begins from Stickle Ghyll car park, climbing steeply alongside cascading water before reaching the shimmering Stickle Tarn, nestled beneath the towering face of Pavey Ark. From there, you ascend onto a rugged plateau, ticking off summits like Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, and Pike of Stickle, each offering stunning views down the valley and across to the Scafell range. The terrain is varied and rocky, with hands-on moments but nothing technical. Descending via Dungeon Ghyll, the loop drops you gently back into the valley, passing sheep pastures and stone walls. It’s a shorter route in distance, but the scenery is pure drama — making it a must for hikers wanting big mountain energy in a compact package.

Distance – 12.4km, Elevation – 930m, Time – 5,5 Hours

This is a bucket-list route for many — one of the most thrilling and memorable ridge walks in all of England. Starting from Glenridding, about 30 minutes from Ambleside, the trail rises steadily through open fellside, before the terrain sharpens into the narrow and exposed Striding Edge, a dramatic ridgeline flanked by steep drops on either side. Scrambling across the rocks — carefully, but without needing ropes — is a heart-pumping experience, especially on a breezy day. Once across, a final steep scramble brings you to the summit of Helvellyn (950 m), the third-highest peak in England, with stunning views toward Ullswater, Thirlmere, and the distant Pennines. You’ll descend via Swirral Edge, a slightly easier but equally beautiful ridge, completing the loop with a sense of real adventure. This hike demands good weather and steady nerves, but for confident hikers, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

After several days of hiking through the Lake District’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore the villages at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the country’s other stunning destinations.

There are hundreds more hikes you can go for alone if you still have the energy or maybe you would like to visit one of the beautiful beaches such as St Bees. We have lots of ideas for you if you need some inspiration.

Distance – 11.2km, Elevation – 837m, Time – 5 Hours

About a 35-minute drive from Ambleside, the village of Coniston offers a striking mix of industrial history and wild mountain terrain. This loop begins near Walna Scar Road and ascends the distinctive, rocky spine of the Old Man of Coniston, a former mining route that passes old slate workings, stone huts, and even the ruins of former copper mines. As you climb, views of Coniston Water open up behind you, while the summit (803 m) delivers far-reaching vistas over the southern fells and out toward the Irish Sea. From here, the route swings along a rough and beautiful ridge to Dow Crag, a craggier, wilder peak with plunging cliffs and a real sense of exposure. The return route descends through open moorland and rejoining the quarry track, completing a loop that blends natural beauty with layers of human history — all in under five hours.

Distance – 14.2km, Elevation – 995m, Time – 7 Hours

Starting in Seathwaite, Borrowdale, this route offers perhaps the most scenic and satisfying way to climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. The hike begins on a well-maintained path through a deep, glacial valley before turning onto the Corridor Route, a high, undulating trail that hugs the mountain’s western flank. This path threads its way beneath dramatic crags and across high tarns and gullies, with jaw-dropping views toward Great Gable, Lingmell, and the distant central fells. The final climb to the summit is steep and rocky, but reaching the 978 m peak feels like standing on the roof of England. The descent via Sty Head Pass makes for a beautiful loop, easing your legs back into rhythm with a gentle finish. This is a long, demanding hike — but one of the most rewarding experiences the Lake District has to offer.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of the English countryside, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to Oxenholme. It’s recommended not to book a flight or train too early on the final day to give you plenty of time to get back to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave the Lake District behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, stunning lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!