Nature & Adventure in England's Lake District - 8 Days

Highlights

• Grab a paddle and go canoeing (or kayaking) on England's northern lakes
• Stroll the ancient Roman ramparts and fortifications at Hadrian's Wall
• Hop on an e-bike for a fun (and leisurely) ride through the Lake District

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manchester, Transfer to Ambleside, Lake District Canoeing

Welcome to England! This active itinerary focuses on the country's dazzling north, a region defined by pristine woodlands, glassy lakes, and green fells (mountains/hills). You'll touch down in the city of Manchester, where a driver will be waiting to pick you up. Then it's a two-hour drive into England's far north and Lake District National Park. This area in the county of Cumbria is renowned for its pristine natural scenery, including 16 major lakes such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater. The region also features numerous tarns (small mountain lakes) and waterfalls.

Your destination is the pretty town of Ambleside, home to handsome stone cottages and 400-year-old pubs. It's also a great base from which to explore the Lake District's highlights—and the adventures start right away! After dropping off your bags at the hotel, you'll transfer to a nearby lake, where you'll meet a guide for a two-hour canoe tour. After learning proper paddling techniques, hop in the canoe (or single-seat kayak) and cruise across the glassy waters, enjoying the beauty of the surrounding woodlands and soaring mountains in the distance.

Day 2: Guided Hike to Lake Buttermere

Lace up your hiking boots because this morning, you're off on a five-hour hike between lakes as you traverse the unspoiled countryside. Meet your private guide just outside Ambleside at the starting point, from which you'll set off an 8.6-mile (13.8 km) hike.

The approximately five-hour journey will take you across green valleys and alongside soaring Lake District fells, stopping at various summits to marvel at panoramic views. Your destination is Buttermere, a glassy postcard of a lake that's even more remote and less developed than Windermere. At the end of the day, you'll transfer back to Ambleside by vehicle.

Day 3: Guided Day Trip to Hadrian's Wall 

Spend the day exploring one of Britain's most popular ancient sites—Hadrian's Wall. This Roman fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the second century CE during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and spans the country from west to east. The wall was constructed to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain, control movement and trade, and defend against invasions by tribes from what is now Scotland. 

This group tour begins at a viewpoint called Steel Rig. From there, hike along the wall for 2.5 miles (4 km) to the well-preserved Roman fort of Housesteads. Next, head to Lanercost Priory, a medieval monastic site dating to the 12th century. Then, continue toward the central section of the wall, passing the ruins of turrets, forts, and castles on your way.

You'll stop around midday at the Roman Army Museum, which offers an immersive glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers who were stationed along the wall. There's a café here where you'll take a break for lunch, then continue to Vindolanda, a Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated to provide insight into life at this remote outpost. History buffs will love exploring the research station, and country walks along the wall are a popular afternoon activity. The tour ends at a lovely viewpoint called Fell End, at which point you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 4: Full-Day E-Bike Tour in Keswick

After breakfast, meet your guide and hop on an e-bike for a thrilling ride around the Lake District. This adventure takes place on the country paths and trails near the market town of Keswick, where mountain biking is a popular sport. Begin by getting outfitted in your gear and helmet, then set off on the journey. This is a full-day ride, but the bike's electric motor will help shoulder the burden, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. 

You can customize the itinerary according to what you'd like to see, or rely on the advice of your expert guide. Go the scenic, leisurely route, or choose a more challenging adventure with off-road endurance options. Ride to the village of Threlkeld and back on a railway path explicitly designed for family-friendly cycling trips, or pedal around the green Fitz Park and try out its fun BMX track.

Additionally, you can cycle through Whinlatter Forest, home to some of the longest biking trails in the Lake District. More advanced riders can try the Mountain Bike Orienteering challenge, which combines forest roads and parts of the Quercus Trail through oak woodlands. Following a full day of riding, return to Ambleside. 

Day 5: Full-Day Lake District Canyoning Adventure

Time for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! This morning, transfer to the Stonycroft ghyll (waterfall) and river canyon for a six-hour abseiling (rappelling) tour. It begins with an ascent up the canyon on a via ferrata network of cables and steel fixtures. This includes a tightrope walk 1,200 feet (365 m) above the valley floor. Next, scramble across a vertical cargo net high above the lush Buttermere Valley. 

After a quick break for lunch, you'll put on a wetsuit, hook onto your safety line, and rappel down the waterfall's various chutes and crevices. This route will take you alongside several cascades before reaching the river at the bottom of the canyon. Following the day's thrills, take it easy back in Ambleside. 

Day 6: Lake District Standup Paddleboarding Tour, Free Afternoon 

Eat a hearty breakfast this morning because afterward, you'll meet a guide, grab a paddle, and hit the lake on a standup paddleboarding tour. During this 2.5-hour activity, you'll enjoy serene paddling, active diving off the board, and time to swim. There's no need to worry about the weather, as wetsuits and life vests are provided.

Later, you can relax back at the hotel or continue some self-guided exploration of the area. History buffs might want to take a 15-minute walk from town to find the remains of the second-century CE Ambleside Roman Fort, while nature lovers will love a stroll around the hillside Stagshaw Gardens, a historic National Trust property overlooking Windermere.

Day 7: Highlights of the Lake District Driving Tour

See the full breadth of the Lake District in all its majesty as you leave town this morning on a guided countryside tour. This half-day road trip will take you to many highlights and numerous lakes. Along the way, you'll visit the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle, which affords picture-postcard views of the Lake District's highest peaks. You'll also stop at the arched Ashness Bridge, drive the winding Kirkstone Pass, and much more.

As you go, your expert local guide will impart fascinating knowledge and lore about the region. Around midday, you'll stop in a countryside village for a traditional pub lunch or take your meal at a local bistro. The tour continues until the end of the afternoon, at which point you'll return to Windermere.   

Day 8: Transfer to Manchester, Depart

It's been a week of memorable outdoor adventures, and now it's time to take the memories home. In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the return ride to Manchester and the airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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