Lake Buttermere, Lake District

Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Parks

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Overview

Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Walking Holidays

8 Nights

Prices from: £1150 per person
Transport: Car required. Rental car included (optional)
Availability: Any start date year-round
Best time to go: April - October

Highlights

Scafell Pike

Standing at 978 metres tall, Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain and a magnet for adventure lovers. On a clear day, the magnificent view from the summit stretches to all four countries of the UK.

Ribblehead & Chapel-le-Dale

This rewarding low-level circuit takes in the delightful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales as well as the Ribblehead Viaduct – an iconic piece of Victorian engineering on the Settle-Carlisle Railway line.

Grasmere & Rydal Water

The tranquil village of Grasmere is one of the most idyllic spots in the Lake District. This gentle circuit takes in its picturesque surroundings, including Dove Cottage which was once home to the poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy.

Hawes & Hardraw Force

Beginning in the delightful Yorkshire village of Hawes, this easy circular walk follows part of the legendary Pennine Way to England`s largest single-drop waterfall – Hardraw Force, where the surrounding gorge forms a natural amphitheatre. The route returns to Hawes via the lovely hamlet of Sedbusk.

Lake Windermere

Located in the popular South Lakes, Windermere is England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long. Experience the scenery on a relaxing boat cruise or with an exhilarating watersports activity.

Wensleydale Creamery

The small market town of Hawes is home to the Wensleydale Creamery where the famous Yorkshire cheese is produced. The excellent visitor centre offers self-guided tours, as well as cheese-making, butter-making and cheese-pairing experiences.

Drive & Hike Through England’s Most Beautiful Landscapes

This delightful multi-centre walking holiday is based in two magnificent national parks renowned for their beauty, hospitality, and world-class walking opportunities.

Lake District National Park: The Lake District is the largest national park in England. It is also the only UK park with World Heritage status due to the way the area has been shaped over the centuries by farming, mining, and tourism. With sparkling lakes and dramatic mountains, charming villages and historic sites, there are exceptional walking opportunities to suit all levels of ability.

This itinerary is based in the north lakes, where you’ll find the most dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds. Whether you decide to climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, or enjoy a gentle lakeside circuit, you will be treated to, arguably, the best scenery in England.

Yorkshire Dales National Park: Continue on to the green pastures of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you can explore geological wonders including Malham Cove and the highest waterfall in England at Hardraw Force.

As well as its magnificent natural landscape, Yorkshire is home to some of England’s most delightful villages which are peppered with old stone cottages, cobbled streets, and wonderful old pubs.

Itinerary

This is a multi-centre walking holiday which requires the use of a car. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are able to offer this holiday without a rental car.

We design each itinerary around your interests, so think of this as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights or other destinations.

We will provide you with a variety of walking routes and sightseeing suggestions which means you are free to walk as much, or as little, as you please.

Walking Terrain

Lake District National Park: Rough and rugged fells, broad ridges, grassy fields and lakeside paths.

Yorkshire Dales National Park: Heather moors, grassy meadows and riverside paths.

Day 1: Arrive in the Lake District

Make your way to the Lake District National Park today where your multi-centre walking holiday will begin. This magical region is full of endless opportunities for adventure.
Overnight – Lake District

Days 2 - 4: Walking in the Lake District

Walking recommendations include:

Easy: Grasmere & Rydal Water (6 miles / 9.4 km / 245m ascent / 2.5 hours)
Moderate: Easdale Tarn & Tarn Crag (7 miles / 11 km / 540m ascent / 4 hours)
Challenging: Scafell Pike (9 miles / 14.5 km / 1,035m ascent / 7 hours)

Sightseeing recommendations include:

Cruise on Lake Windermere
Dove Cottage – the former home of William Wordsworth
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Overnight – Lake District

Day 5: Lake District to the Yorkshire Dales

Today you will make your way to the Yorkshire Dales National Park – a drive of approximately 90 miles. This famous region is England at its quintessential best, with charming villages, rolling hills, and cosy pubs.
Overnight – Yorkshire Dales

Days 6 - 8: Walking in the Yorkshire Dales

Walking recommendations include:

Easy: Hawes & Hardraw Force (4 miles / 6.5 km / 155m ascent / 2 hours)
Moderate: Ribblehead & Chapel-le-Dale (6.5 miles / 10.5 km / 185m ascent / 3.5 hours)
Challenging: Ingleborough from Clapham (10.5 miles / 17 km / 680m ascent / 5.5 hours)

Sightseeing recommendations include:

Wensleydale Creamery
Fountains Abbey
White Scar Cave

Overnight – Yorkshire Dales

Day 9: Depart the Yorkshire Dales

This is when your multi-centre walking holiday of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales comes to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional English breakfast
9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive information pack with our list of exceptional walking routes, taking in the best of your surroundings
A selection of walking guidebooks and maps for the areas you are visiting
Our sightseeing suggestions - the must-see sights in the region; traditional villages, natural wonders, impressive architecture and cultural landmarks
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of exploring, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your walking holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

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A morning shot of Lake Windermere and surrounding hills with a stone wall and stile in the foreground.

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