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DATES FOR 2008:
- 1 June
- 22 June
- 3 August
- 14 September
(6 days walking, 6 nights) |
Day One
Independent arrival in Hawkshead.
During an introductory walking tour of this delightful Lakeland
village during the afternoon discover the quaint National Trust
properties, nooks and crannies of this ancient village. Its historic
church, the 16th century Grammar school which William Wordsworth
the 19th Century romantic poet attended as a boy. Shops selling
many exclusive Lakeland products especially those made of the
local slate and Herdwick wool clothing,
Overnight Hawkshead
Day Two
Follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, writer of exquisitely illustrated children's stories, farmer and conservationist. Glimpse a view of Wray Castle where Beatrix stayed on her very first visit to the Lake District aged 16 when her love affair with the area began. It was also the time when she met Hardwick Rawnsley who was vicar at Wray church who became one of the founder members of the National Trust and was a big influence on Beatrix. Make your way to Moss Eccles Tarn, where Beatrix spent many an hour fishing, and en route look down on Windermere England's largest lake. Descend into Near Sawrey and visit Hill Top a typical Lakeland farmhouse which became the setting for several of Beatrix's stories involving Jemima Puddleduck, Pigling Bland and Tom Kitten. View Esthwaite Water which was the inspiration for the "Tale of Jeremy Fisher".
| 7 miles (4 hours plus stops and visits) |
Overnight Hawkshead
Day Three
Begin the day in Hawkshead with more time to explore and include a visit to the Beatrix Potter Gallery where many of her original paintings are displayed in the former office of her lawyer husband William Heelis. Walk to Tarn Hows a local beauty spot and make your way over to Little Langdale and the typically English pub the Three Shires Inn. Continue through pastoral scenery to the village of Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge, where you may be lucky enough to see a local craftsman at work. End the day in the Vale of Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever seen".
| 8 miles (5 hours plus stops and visits) |
Overnight Grasmere
Day Four
Set out from Grasmere and walk the Rydal Round in the footsteps of the famous poet William Wordsworth. This area inspired some of his best poetry. Visit Dove Cottage where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy whose fascinating journal describes their life. Continue along the Coffin Route to Rydal Mount the elegant final home of the Wordsworths with its beautiful gardens which remain as Wordsworth designed them. Walk by the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere a path trod by the Wordsworths almost daily. A chance to explore the village of Grasmere and enjoy the shops including the famous Gingerbread Shop! Pay your respects in St. Oswald's church yard where William Wordsworth is buried.
| 6 miles (3-4 hours plus stops and visits) |
Overnight Grasmere
Day Five
The day begins with a dramatic drive over Kirkstone Pass a descent to the beautiful Ullswater valley. Visit the unique Lakeland hamlet of Hartsop where the locals will welcome you. Continue down to the lake where William Wordsworth first saw the daffodils which inspired his famous poem. Take a walk up to the dramatic waterfalls at Aira Force. End the day in Borrowdale famous for the discovery of graphite from which the pencil industry began.
| 5 miles (3 hours plus stops and visits) |
Overnight Borrowdale
Day Six
Walk above Derwentwater, the Queen of the English lakes and setting for more of Beatrix Potter's characters. Start out from Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, an area immortalised by Hugh Walpole in his "Rogue Herries Chronicles" and visit the delightful hamlet of Watendlath where
one of his characters Judith Paris lived. Take in the classic viewpoints of Ashness Bridge and "Surprise View". End the day with a cruise on the lake and imagine Beatrix Potter's Squirrel Nutkin paddling over to Owl Island!
| 6 miles (3-4 hours plus stops and visits) |
Overnight Borrowdale
Day Seven
Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
Price: (2008)
$US 3,500 per person shared / $US 275 single supplement.
Included:
Six nights bed and breakfast, six days guided walking, five picnic
or pub lunches, six dinners, fruit and juice breaks on the walk,
the services of Blue Badge Tourist Guides, all entrances for visits
in the itinerary, back-up transport during the walk, and luggage
transfers.
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