The English Lakes
This holiday takes you walking (hiking) in the incomparable English
Lake District National Park. This is thought by many to contain Britain’s
loveliest scenery, as well as probably the best walking in England.
There is a wide variety of scenery and terrain, beautiful, sometimes
challenging mountains, rolling moors and of course many lovely lakes.
Walks are available from the gentlest of rambles to some really challenging
ascents.
Although Scafell Pike is the highest peak at 3,208 feet you need to
bear in mind that you are starting from just above sea level, so it
and others are serious mountains. The vacation is based in beautiful
Patterdale in southern Lakeland or in the old market town of Keswick
in the north.
Walking options include the ascent of Langdale Pikes, probably the most photographed peaks in the Lakes ; Helvellyn, (3,118 ft.) ; Weatherlam (2,500 ft.). and the Old Man of Coniston ; (2,650 ft) ; a beautiful ridge walk with super views of Derwentwater, via High Spy, Maiden Moor (1,890 ft) and Cat Bells, then down to the town of Keswick ; Glaramara (2,650 ft) Scafell Pike (3,208 ft.) and Scafell (3,162) etc. Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England (as opposed to Wales & Scotland) and offers probably the toughest hike in the region.
For those non-hiking days there are many attractions including stately homes, interesting local museums, narrow gauge railways and Lakeland sports such as Cumberland Wrestling and Sheepdog Trials!
The holiday/vacation commences on arrival at Manchester Airport. Note that longer options than 7 nights can be arranged on request - details on application.
MEALS We have based the prices on a Room, Dinner and Breakfast basis.
ACCOMMODATION will be in excellent three star hotels, in twin or double bedded rooms, all with en suite bathrooms.
TRANSPORT will be by either a small, fully fitted coach, in the case of larger parties or comfortable mini-bus (passenger van) driven by our Leader, for smaller groups.
THE WALKING GRADES
This holiday is designed as a Grades 2 & 3 walking trip. The different
Grades are described below. We plan to have two Footloose Leaders, in
which case we offer a choice of walks on each walking day, dependent
on the abilities and preferences of the party.
The distances and ascents may be modified, will generally be as follows
:-
Grade 2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent/descent, on distinct paths. Terrain
may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent/descent, on distinct paths. Terrain
may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot for short sections, with
some occasional loose rock. Distances usually up to about 8 miles.
THE WALKS / HIKES
There are literally hundreds of walk /hike possibilities within the
Lake District National Park, catering for every degree of ability. We
have suggested walks at both grades and the final selection will be
at the discretion of our Leaders.
The Lake District is divided roughly into four quadrants and amongst
the best walks in each quadrant include the following:-
Southeast Lakes : Bases include Grasmere, Langdale, Ambleside, Coniston and Windermere. Lakes include Windermere (England’s longest at 10.5 miles), Coniston Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Esthwaite Water and many smaller tarns. Walks include ascents of Helvellyn (3118 ft.), The Fairfield Horseshoe (2,803 ft.), Coniston Old Man (2,635 ft.) Langdale Pikes (2,414 ft.) and Wansfell Pike (1,587 ft.). There are many walks which take in more than one peak, so that for example a walk to Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man & Wetherlam would have a total ascent of around 3,704 ft.
Southwest Lakes : Bases include Coniston, Eskdale, Wasdale Head and Great Langdale. Lakes include Coniston (on the cusp!), and Wastwater, as well again as many smaller tarns. Hikes include ascents of Bow Fell (2,960 ft.), Langdale Pikes, the Scafell Range, including Scafell, Scafell Pike, Lingmell and Great End, Glaramara (2,568 ft.), Pillar and Great Gable (2,949 ft.). In this area it is quite easy to do walks with a total of 4,500 - 5,000 feet of ascent.
Northwest Lakes : Bases include Keswick, Borrowdale and Buttermere. Main Lakes are Thirlmere, Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Ennerdale Water. Main walks include the peaks of Skiddaw (3,021 ft.), Blencathra (2,847 ft.), Grasmoor, the Dale Head (2,473 ft.) to Catbells Ridge and Robinson (2,417 ft.)
The Northeast Lakes : Bases include Patterdale, Pooley Bridge and Penrith. The main lakes are Ullswater and Haweswater. Main peaks include Helvellyn & Fairfield, High Street (2,715 ft.) and High Raise (2,630 ft.). The area around Haweswater is also the best place in England to see Golden Eagles.
DATES & PRICES:
Saturdays, 24th April-27th September 2008
£755.00 / 1,475.00 per person.
Other dates can be arranged for private groups.
Single room supplement is £250.00.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 7 nights accommodation in twin or double rooms, all with private bathroom
& toilet, in a good quality 3 star hotel.
* Full English Breakfast and Dinner each day.
* Transport by small coach or mini-bus/passenger van, throughout the
holiday.
* All the costs of the walking programme.
* Services of one or two Footloose Leaders as appropriate.
* V.A.T. and all local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Lunches ; insurance (We consider that medical and accident & emergency
cover, including repatriation expenses is essential) ; admissions to
castles, museums etc. ; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone
calls etc.
