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.
We will start our journey to the accommodation around 3pm. If you arrive earlier you can store your luggage with us and use the time to explore Oxenholme/Kendal. 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.
📏 16 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~1,100 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
The Fairfield Horseshoe is a classic ridge walk starting and finishing in Ambleside, offering a sweeping circuit over some of the central Lake District’s best-known fells. The route climbs gradually via Low Pike and High Pike onto the broad ridge of Dove Crag, with views opening over Windermere and the surrounding valleys.
From here the path continues across Hart Crag to the summit of Fairfield (873 m), the high point of the day, with wide panoramas over Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes, and the distant Pennines.
The return follows the ridge south via Great Rigg, Heron Pike, and Nab Scar, descending gradually back toward Ambleside with constant views over the lakes and rolling farmland. Demanding but hugely rewarding, the Fairfield Horseshoe is one of the great Lakeland circuits.
📏 11 km ⏱️ 4–5 h ⬆️ ~750 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The Langdale Pikes are among the most iconic fells in the Lake District, their rugged profiles rising sharply above Great Langdale. Starting from the village of New Dungeon Ghyll, the trail climbs steeply beside Stickle Ghyll, with waterfalls tumbling down the rocky stream.
At the top lies Stickle Tarn, a dramatic mountain lake cradled beneath the cliffs of Pavey Ark. From here the route ascends onto the ridge to take in the main pikes, including Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, and Pike of Stickle, each offering superb views over Langdale and across to the Scafells.
The descent loops down via Loft Crag and back toward the valley floor, completing a classic Lakeland circuit. With its mix of waterfalls, tarn, rocky summits, and ever-changing views, this is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the central Lakes.
📏 13 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~950 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
Helvellyn (950 m) is one of England’s most celebrated mountains, and the classic circuit via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is a true Lake District adventure. Starting from Glenridding, the path climbs steadily toward Birkhouse Moor before reaching the approach to Striding Edge, a dramatic narrow ridge with airy views on both sides.
Crossing the ridge brings you to the summit plateau of Helvellyn, where the panorama takes in Ullswater, the Pennines, the Langdale Pikes, and on clear days even the coast. The descent follows Swirral Edge, a shorter but equally steep ridge, before looping past Red Tarn, a glacial lake nestled below the crags.
The return path leads down to Glenridding, completing a demanding and exhilarating circuit that combines classic ridges with one of the finest summits in the Lake District.
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.
📏 12 km ⏱️ 4–5 h ⬆️ ~800 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
Coniston Old Man (803 m) is one of the Lake District’s most popular summits, rising steeply above the village of Coniston. The trail begins in the village and climbs steadily past old copper mine workings, a reminder of the area’s industrial history, before reaching the shores of Low Water, a tarn nestled beneath the summit cliffs.
From here the path steepens for the final push to the broad summit plateau, where the views extend across Coniston Water, the Langdale Pikes, Scafell range, and on clear days even to Blackpool Tower and the Isle of Man.
The descent can be made by a looping path via Goat’s Water beneath the crags of Dow Crag, before rejoining the valley track into Coniston. With its mix of history, varied scenery, and far-reaching views, this is a classic Lakeland climb.
📏 14 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~950 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
Scafell Pike (978 m) is the highest mountain in England and a demanding but rewarding climb. Starting from Wasdale Head, the trail rises steeply on a stony path through hollow slopes and rocky ground, with the summit crest looming above.
The route climbs past Hollow Stones and into a rugged high landscape of boulders and scree before reaching the broad summit plateau. At the top, a cairn marks the highest point in England, with sweeping views over the Lake District fells and, on clear days, as far as Snowdonia, the Pennines, and Scotland.
The descent follows the same path back to Wasdale Head, with wide valley views framed by dramatic ridges. With its steep gradients and rocky terrain, Scafell Pike is a serious mountain day and one of the essential hikes in the Lakes.
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!
Please note: The itinerary may be changed due to weather or trail closures. Your safety is always our upmost priority. Your local guide will always keep you updated on what’s coming the next day and if there are any changes.
Please note: Airfares and meals are not included in the trip price unless mentioned above. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Brathay Hall Trust just outside Ambleside. It’s a large house, not far from the lake. You will be staying in a twin room with private bathroom. Private rooms are available on request for a supplemetal cost. There is an option to buy a hearty breakfast at the hotel. There is also Wi-Fi, a garden, terrace and lounge area.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. When booking a trip starting within 30 days, deposit payments are not accepted.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 30 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Please inquire about supplemental costs for a private room for each individual trip.
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Sun 16 Aug 2026Leaving
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Sat 21 Aug 2027Leaving
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Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
