Southern Lake District Guided Walking Tour 2021

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (D)

Option 1 – Tarn Hows
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through the woods from Monk Coniston to the stunningly beautiful lake of Tarn Hows, returning via Yew Tree Farm; a great walk right on the doorstep.
Highlight: Yew Tree Farm was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter and used for the film Miss Potter.

Option 2 – Black Crag & Holme Fell
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In Summary: Walk from Monk Coniston past Tarn Hows to the summits of two local hills, Black Crag and Holme Fell.
Highlight: Holme Fell may be modest in height, but it commands extensive views over southern Lakeland.

Option 3 – Wetherlam
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 2,650 feet (820m)
In Summary: Ascend via Tilberthwaite Gill to the summit of Wetherlam, before descending via the disused workings of the Coppermines Valley
Highlight: The ascent to the top of Wetherlam is rugged in places; but with luck you’ll get to enjoy a view of many of the other peaks visited later in your holiday.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Loughrigg Circuit
Distance: 6½ miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In Summary: A delightful contouring circuit of Loughrigg Fell with extensive views of four lakes and the surrounding mountains. This walk finishes in the popular Lake District town of Ambleside.
Highlight: The immense Rydal caves, with their wonderful views over Rydal Water and Nab Scar beyond.

Option 2 – Red Screes
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 2,600 feet (780m)
In Summary: Walk from Ambleside to the picturesque High Sweden Bridge, continuing via Scandale Pass to the lofty summit of Red Screes.
Highlight: The sense of achievement as you climb the final steps onto the summit of Red Screes and get to gaze out along Windermere to the South and Brothers Water to the North.

Option 3 – Red Screes & Dove Crag
Distance: 11½ miles (18km)
Total ascent: 3,600 feet (1,100m)
In Summary: A challenging circuit taking in Red Screes and Dove Crag, returning to Ambleside over High Pike and Low Pike. The ascent of Red Screes entails a steep scramble.
Highlight: With four ‘Wainwright’ summits to bag, this is a great high level route for a keen walker.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – The Langdale Valleys
Distance: 7 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In Summary: Walk along the peaceful valley of Little Langdale with its waterfalls and iconic Slaters Bridge. We pass Blea Tarn, then descend into the larger neighbouring valley of Great Langdale.
Highlight: Beautiful Blea Tarn, with its impressive views of some of the Lake District’s most famous peaks.

Option 2 – Above Langdale
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,200 feet (680m)
In Summary: Ascend to the great viewpoints of Side Pike and Lingmoor on the Langdale skyline. We descend to Elterwater Village to join the Cumbria Way along the base of this immense glacial valley.
Highlight: ‘Threading the needle’ (squeezing through a narrow fissure) to reach the summit of Lingmoor, and its classic view of the Langdale Pikes.

Option 3 – Bow Fell
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 3,300 feet (1,000m)
In Summary: Climb two of the Lake District’s highest peaks. We first ascend to the top of Bow Fell via The Band , before continuing to the equally impressive Esk Pike.
Highlight: There’s a great sense of achievement in scaling the two highest summits of the Langdale valley, on this challenging but rewarding walk.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Grasmere & Easedale
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Starting from the village of Grasmere we’ll walk to Easedale Tarn, an impressive glacial lake.
Highlight: There’s time to explore Grasmere, famous as the home of poet William Wordsworth. Don’t forget to seek out the poet’s grave in the village churchyard, or sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread.

Option 2 – Helm Crag & Calf Crag
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (580m)
In Summary: An opportunity to climb Helm Crag, one of the most distinctive Lakeland Fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. We’ll follow the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before descending via Far Easedale.
Highlight: It’s a steep climb to the top of Helm Crag, but you’ll be rewarded with great views over Grasmere.

Option 3 – High Raise
Distance: 11½ miles (18km)
Ascent: 2,900 feet (880m)
In Summary: A longer circuit which ascends Sergeant Man via Easedale Tarn to High Raise, returning along the Calf Crag ridge back to Grasmere.
Highlight: The return walk along the ridge to Helm Crag is a fine conclusion to this walk.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Coppermines Valley
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (80m)
In Summary: Walk via the Coppermines Valley to Coniston village and down to the jetty on beautiful Consiton Water, look out for the Steam Gondola on the water. Finally a short walk through the fields takes us back to Monk Coniston.
Highlight: The jetty on the lake is a fantastic place to appreciate this magnificent setting.

Option 2 – Old Man of Coniston
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,800 feet (860m)
In Summary: An opportunity to climb to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston – the highest peak in the local area. We’ll pass two mountain lakes – Goats Water on the ascent and Levers Water on our return to Coniston.
Highlight: The sense of achievement when you reach the top of the ‘Old Man’ – as one of the more accessible big fells it is a magnet for many walkers.

Option 3 – Coniston Horseshoe
Distance: 11½ miles (19km)
Ascent: 3,550 feet (1,080m)
In Summary: A challenging high-level circuit of four ‘Wainwright’ summits on the Coniston Fells: Dow Crag, the Old Man, Brim Fell, and Swirl How.
Highlight: Fantastic high-level walking, including the rugged descent of Prison Band.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (D)

Option 1 – Tarn Hows
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Explore the charming countryside surrounding Monk Coniston and visit the picturesque Tarn Hows, a famous beauty spot.
Highlight: The picturesque views abound at Tarn Hows straight out of the pages of a Victorian tourist guide.

Option 2 – Tom Heights
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In Summary: Walk across fields to Yew Tree Farm and the Yewdale Valley. After ascending Tom Heights we return via Tarn Hows.
Highlight: Tom Heights is dwarfed by the surrounding peaks, but it enjoys great views over the local countryside.

Option 3 – Old Man of Coniston
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,800 feet (860m)
In Summary: Follow the ‘tourist path’ past Low Water to the iconic summit of the Old Man of Coniston, the area’s highest peak and an impressive viewpoint. Return by Goats Water with views across to the crags of Dow Crag.
Highlight: On a clear day the view from the top of the ‘Old Man’ is particularly impressive – keep your eyes peeled for the Blackpool Tower.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Grasmere & Rydal Water
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Discover the delightful scenery surrounding Grasmere and Rydal on one of the Lake District’s best lower-level walks. We pass Wordsworth’s former home at Rydal Mount, before ending the walk in the popular town of Ambleside.
Highlight: Don’t forget to seek out the poet’s grave in the village churchyard, or sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread.

Option 2 – Great Rigg & Heron Pike
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 2,400 feet (740m)
In Summary: Make the steep ascent to Great Rigg and the summit of Heron Pike on the western ridge of the Fairfield Horseshoe. We then follow the ridge to Rydal and continue to the end of the walk at Ambleside.
Highlight: The view South over Windermere and its surrounding hills and forests as you descend one arm of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Option 3 – Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 3,350 feet (1,020m)
In Summary: Walk the famous Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the finest mountain walks in the Lake District. Tick off eight separate Wainwright Fells on this day of fantastic high-level walking.
Highlight: A celebratory pint will be richly deserved after this challenging but rewarding walk.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Langdale Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In Summary: Follow the Langdale Valley past Elterwater village, to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel through increasingly grand scenery.
Highlight: The two spectacular waterfalls of Colwith Force and Skelwith Force; two of the best cascades in the Lake District.

Option 2 – Crinkle Crags
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 2,600 feet (800m)
In Summary: Enjoy this high-level traverse along the aptly named Crinkle Crags with its undulating five mini-summits.
Highlight: Negotiating the ‘Bad Step’ – a short scramble over an impressive chock stone wedged between the crags.

Option 3 – Langdale Pikes
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 3,050 feet (940m)
In Summary: Explore the popular Langdale Pikes with visits to the summits of Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike O’Stickle and Rossett Pike.
Highlight: This walk along the Langdale skyline contains some of Lakeland’s most iconic peaks.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Troutbeck to Ambleside
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: Enjoy fabulous views of Windermere from the lower slopes of Wansfell on a walk from 17th century Jesus Church at Troutbeck to Ambleside.
Highlight: There’s plenty of time to explore the popular town of Ambleside or relax by the lake shore.

Option 2 – Sallows & Sour Howes
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Ascent: 2000 feet (620m)
In Summary: Starting in Troutbeck we ascend the quiet neighbouring fells of Sallows and Sour Howes. The walk returns into Troutbeck village passing an old coaching inn, before continuing to Ambleside along gentle paths via Skelghyll Woods.
Highlight: Enjoy wide ranging views along Windermere, and over Morecambe Bay beyond.

Option 3 – Far Eastern Fells
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,550 feet (780m)
In Summary: A fantastic high-level walk from the Kirkstone Pass, taking in the summits of Stony Cove Pike and Thornthwaite Beacon before following the superb high level ridge South over the summits of Froswick, lll Bell and Yoke.
Highlight: The spectacular ridgeline traverse of Troutbeck’s three high fells, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke is a walk to savour.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Little Langdale
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Walk through the beautiful valley of Little Langdale, taking in Slaters Bridge and Cathedral Cavern, returning through the Tilberthwaite Valley to Coniston.
Highlight: The incredible Cathedral Cavern, one of the Lake District’s hidden gems, is monastic in state and awe-inspiring in scale.

Option 2 – Langdale to Coniston
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In Summary: Walk from the Langdale Valley to Coniston, crossing the lower slopes of Wetherlam and descending via the Coppermines Valley.
Highlight: The narrow gorge of Tilberthwaite Gill, carved into the lower slopes of Wetherlam.

Option 3 – Swirl How & Wetherlam
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 3,450 feet (1,060m)
In Summary: From the Langdale Valley enjoy a mountain walk over the Coniston Fells via the summits of Great Carrs, Swirl How & Wetherlam.
Highlight: The ridge walk from the Wrynose Pass to the top of Great Carrs is a great way to ascend into the Coniston Fells.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (D)

Option 1 – Tarn Hows
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter through the woods from Monk Coniston to the stunningly beautiful lake of Tarn Hows, returning via Yew Tree Farm; a great walk right on the doorstep.
Highlight: Yew Tree Farm was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter and used for the film Miss Potter.

Option 2 – Tom Heights
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In Summary: Walk across fields to Yew Tree Farm and the Yewdale Valley. After ascending Tom Heights we return via Tarn Hows.
Highlight: Tom Heights is dwarfed by the surrounding peaks, but it enjoys great views over the local countryside.

Option 3 – Tarn Hows & Grizedale Forest
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In Summary: A stride out from the house including the iconic Tarn Hows and the occasionally spectacular views framed by the boughs of this vast expanse of mixed forest.
Highlight: The occasional art installations positioned amongst the oaks and pines of Grizedale Forest, including a treefold, and a huge circular frame.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Grasmere & Easedale
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Starting from the village of Grasmere we’ll walk to Easedale Tarn, an impressive glacial lake.
Highlight: There’s time to explore Grasmere, famous as the home of poet William Wordsworth. Don’t forget to seek out the poet’s grave in the village churchyard, or sample the famous (and very tasty) Grasmere Gingerbread.

Option 2 – Helm Crag
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In Summary: Ascend Helm Crag one of the most distinctive Lakeland Fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. A grassy descent takes us to the valley giving the option of continuing to Easedale Tarn with its spectacular waterfall.
Highlight: A short but spectacular walk with amazing views.

Option 3 – Helm Crag & Calf Crag
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (580m)
In Summary: An opportunity to climb Helm Crag, one of the most distinctive Lakeland Fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. We’ll follow the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before descending via Far Easedale.
Highlight: It’s a steep climb to the top of Helm Crag, but you’ll be rewarded with great views over Grasmere.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Troutbeck to Ambleside
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: Enjoy fabulous views of Windermere from the lower slopes of Wansfell on a walk from 17th century Jesus Church at Troutbeck to Ambleside.
Highlight: There’s plenty of time to explore the popular town of Ambleside or relax by the lakeshore.

Option 2 – Elterwater & Loughrigg
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
In Summary: We start today’s walk by following the Cumbria Way to the village of Elterwater. Ascending to Loughrigg fell we are treated to jaw dropping views over the Langdales and across Rydal Water, before beginning our descent to Ambleside.
Highlight: Spectacular views from the tracks around Loughrigg Fell.

Option 3 – Wansfell
Disctance and ascent to be confirmed.
In Sumamry: Enjoy views from Wansfell Pike before descending to Troutbeck and following the route taken by the easier group back to Ambleside.
Highlight: Beatrix Potter used to live at Troutbeck Park Farm, where she bred herdwick sheep. The property, and the sheep are now the property of the National Trust.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Langdale Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In Summary: Follow the Langdale Valley past Elterwater village, to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel through increasingly grand scenery.
Highlight: The two spectacular waterfalls of Colwith Force and Skelwith Force; two of the best cascades in the Lake District.

Option 2 – Stickle Tarn
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In Summary: We start today’s walk in Skelwith Bridge, passing Loughrigg Tarn before ascending to Swinescar Pike and Stickle Tarn. We end the walk at the New Dungeon Ghyll pub, where we’ll have the opportunity to stop for a refreshing drink!
Highlight: Stickle Tarn was enlarged by the building of a stone dam in 1838 and is used to supply water for the inhabitants of Langdale.

Option 3 – Above Langdale
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,200 feet (680m)
In Summary: Ascend to the great viewpoints of Side Pike and Lingmoor on the Langdale skyline. We descend to Elterwater Village to join the Cumbria Way along the base of this immense glacial valley.
Highlight: ‘Threading the needle’ (squeezing through a narrow fissure) to reach the summit of Lingmoor, and its classic view of the Langdale Pikes.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Option 1 – Western Coniston Water
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 500 feet (150m)
In Summary: Visit remote Torver tarn with superb views of the Coniston fells, before reaching Torver village where we’ll stop for some lunch. After that we’ll stroll across fields to reach the shores of Coniston Water and follow the Cumbria Way back to Coniston.
Highlight: The red telephone box outside the village store in Torver has been converted into a seven foot tall fish tank!

Option 2 – Blawith Fells
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In Summary: Walking over Blawith Fells we follow the Cumbria Way along the Eastern Shores of Coniston Water to Monk Coniston.
Highlight: Our highest point today gives us a fantastic opportunity to enjoy unspoilt views over Coniston Water

Option 3 – Old Man of Coniston
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 2,800 feet (860m)
In Summary: An opportunity to climb to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston – the highest peak in the local area. We’ll pass two mountain lakes – Goats Water on the ascent and Levers Water on our return to Coniston.
Highlight: The sense of achievement when you reach the top of the ‘Old Man’ – as one of the more accessible big fells it is a magnet for many walkers.

Accommodation: Monk Coniston (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)