Classic Lake District - Hiking
Country
England
Region
Lake District
Theme
Classic
6
Days
5
Nights
Accommodation
4* / 5*
England's true hiking heartland
Based entirely in Keswick, this classic Lake District journey focuses on England’s most celebrated walking terrain. From prehistoric stone circles to the highest summits in the country this 6-day, 5-night tour offers a complete experience of England’s largest national park. There are some long mountain days, but still plenty of time to enjoy Keswick’s lively and distinctly Lakeland culture. Staying in the handpicked Lodore Falls Hotel reduces unnecessary transfers and allows guests to submerge themselves in the Lakes.
Highlights
- Walking from Keswick to Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Full ascent of Skiddaw from the northern fells
- Easedale Tarn and Helm Crag from Grasmere
- Summit day on Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain
- Classic Helvellyn ascent with views of its glacial corries
- One hotel base throughout for flow and ease
Handpicked Accommodation
Lodore Falls Hotel, Keswick
Set on the edge of Derwentwater near the famous Lodore Falls, this historic hotel has welcomed walkers to the Lakes for generations.
Why we chose it
Recently refreshed interiors sit comfortably alongside its long association with fell walking and Lakeland exploration.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Keswick and Castlerigg Stone Circle
Arrive at Penrith Railway Station, where your guide meets you for the transfer into the Lake District. The journey into Keswick offers an immediate sense of scale, with fells rising sharply as the road follows the River Greta into town. After settling in, set out on foot for a walk to Castlerigg Stone Circle. Thought to be over 4,000 years old, the circle occupies a natural plateau surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most recognisable peaks. Its position suggests ceremonial significance tied closely to the surrounding landscape rather than a single viewpoint. Return to Keswick in the afternoon with time to relax and take in the town’s first impressions.
Day 2 – Climb Skiddaw
Today is dedicated to Skiddaw, one of England’s most accessible high mountains and a defining presence above Keswick. After a solid northern breakfast, begin the ascent through open fellside, where the views widen steadily with height. The full hike takes around seven hours, allowing time to settle into a sustainable pace. Skiddaw’s summit plateau offers one of the broadest panoramas in the Lake District, with views reaching into Scotland on clear days. A locally sourced packed lunch is enjoyed on the mountain, collected by the guides from Keswick’s long-established independent food shops. After descending, return to the hotel for a well-earned rest and an evening free to explore Keswick’s pubs and eateries.
Day 3 – Easedale Tarn, Helm Crag and Grasmere
Transfer south to Grasmere for a contrasting day of walking. The route climbs through Easedale, following a valley shaped by glacial action, before reaching Easedale Tarn, a high mountain lake ringed by steep slopes. Thewalk continues towards Helm Crag, a compact but characterful fell known locally as the “Lion and the Lamb” due to its distinctive summit rocks. Some hands-on movement is required near the top, adding interest rather than exposure. Helm Crag was a favourite of early Lakeland walkers, including Wordsworth, who lived nearby. After descending, enjoy time in Grasmere, including a stop for the village’s famous gingerbread, still made to a closely guarded 19th-century recipe. Return to Keswick for the evening.
Day 4 – The highest mountain in England
A defining day of the journey. Today’s walk tackles Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 978 metres. The route takes most of the day, with sustained climbing over rocky terrain that reflects the mountain’s volcanic origins. The summit is marked by a stone shelter, built to provide refuge in poor weather. On clear days, views extend across the Lake District and out to the Irish Sea. The descent completes a demanding but deeply satisfying mountain day.
Day 5 – Helvellyn and the last day on the fells
The final walking day focuses on Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain and one of the Lake District’s most recognisable ridgelines. The ascent is shorter than Scafell Pike but still requires some effot. From the summit, look down into three deep glacial corries, Red Tarn, Brown Cove and Keppel Cove, which clearly show how ice shaped the eastern fells. After returning to Keswick, the group gathers for a celebratory final dinner, marking the close of a full week on the fells.
Day 6 – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, your guide transfers you back to Penrith Railway Station for onward travel.
Itinerary Designer
Thanks to writers Wainwright, Wordsworth and Potter, the Lakes are synonymous with hiking. It’s been a tough ask to narrow down the best itinerary, but this truly is it.
Will
Featured Experience
Summiting the fells above Keswick
Walking from Keswick onto Skiddaw’s slopes and returning again connects daily life with the surrounding fells.