Pack Horse Routes and Roman Roads – Lake District Pilgrimage
Introduction (3 days/4 nights)
Enjoy the magnificent Lake District scenery during this 3 day walk (4 nights) in the awe-inspiring Eastern and Far Eastern Fells. Whether you choose either the low or high level options (depending upon weather, fitness and personal preference) you will experience some of the Lake District’s very best mountain walking.
Starting in delightful Troutbeck – a classic Lakeland village – we will make our way through meandering fell lanes and wooded ghylls to Ambleside. From Ambleside we explore beautiful Loughrigg before continuing via the historic Coffin Route to picture postcard Grasmere.
…for Loughrigg has delightful grassy paths, a series of pleasant surprises along the traverse of its summits, several charming vistas and magnificent views, fine contrasts of velvety turfs, rich bracken and grey rock, a string of little tarns like pearls in a necklace, and a wealth of stately trees on the flanks.
Alfred Wainwright
From Grasmere we climb alongside Tongue Gill to Grisedale Hause and the atmospheric Grisedale Tarn. Where, according to legend, a battle was fought in 945AD between the Saxon King Edmund and Celtic King Dunmail. Dunmail was killed but to stop his crown from falling into Saxon hands it was taken and thrown into Grisedale Tarn – where it remains today. From the tarn we can descend, via the pony track, through Keppel Cove with its towering cathedral like buttresses to Patterdale. Alternatively, we can continue over the lofty ridges of St Sunday Crag or Fairfield and Hartsop above How enjoying their far reaching panoramas before descending to the valley below.
On our last day’s walking we ascend mighty High Street with its spacious summit, stunning views and rich history of horseracing, fairs and wrestling! Depending upon preference we can return via the multi-peak Kentmere skyline (which provides exceptional hillwalking in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District, or descend via a tumbling mountain stream to Troutbeck and the starting point of our adventure. We may end the day feeling physically tired but we will also feel spiritually refreshed, resourced and ready for the days ahead.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir
What to Expect
Itinerary
Our itinerary includes 3 days walking and 4 nights accommodation. A brief route is provided below with an estimate of the miles walked each day.
- Start – Meet in Natland, Kendal at your holiday accommodation.
- Day 1 – Troutbeck to Grasmere (via Loughrigg Fell and the Coffin Route) – 6 miles (10km)
- Day 2 – Grasmere to Patterdale (via Grisedal Tarn and Keppel Cove) – 7.5 miles (12km)
- Day 3 – Patterdale to Troutbeck (via High Street) – 7.5 miles (12km)
- Day 4 – Finish – Depart from Natland after breakfast
Fitness and Experience
During this pilgrimage we walk 6-8 miles per day on good paths and tracks. On day 1 the gradients are gently up and down (250-300m). On day 2 we ascend on good paths to Grisedale Tarn (440m) before descending to Patterdale. An additional 300m of ascent on good mountain paths is required for those who wish to include the alternative high-level traverse of either St Sunday Crag or Fairfield and Hartsop above How. The ascent of High Street is a steady climb of 700m.
This is not a challenging walk and no mountain experience is necessary. We will walk at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain scenery. If you are hillwalking fit and can carry a small daysack with your food, water and waterproofs you should be able to complete this exceptional journey.
If you would like to include a rest day please let us know and we will include an extra nights accommodation (full board plus £60pp). You can take the time off on a day of your choice and we are happy for you to decide after beginning your pilgrimage and you know how you are feeling. We try to provide a personal and tailored service so please let us know your requirements.
Your guide is Lathan. Lathan has over 35 years walking experience, is a qualified Mountain Leader and holds a current mountain first aid certificate.
Transport and Meeting
This walking holiday starts and finishes in Natland, Kendal. We will all meet in Natland in the afternoon at your accommodation where we will get to know one another, discuss the walk and talk about the days ahead.
The nearest international airports to Natland are Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick and Manchester.
For those of you travelling by public transport we also include pick-up and drop-off at Oxenholme railway station or Kendal coach station. Oxenholme lies on the Main West Coast Railway Line providing direct links to London, Glasgow, Manchester Airport and Windermere. Oxenholme railway station is less than a 5 mins drive from your accommodation – so just let us know what time you will arrive.
Accommodation
During this walk you will stay in our comfortable accommodation in Natland and travel each day to the start and finish of your walk. Travel to and from the walk is included in the holiday.
Payment
The cost of this fully guided walk is £649 per person.
We require a deposit of 50% at the time of booking and the balance is usually due 2 months before the walk starts.
During 2021, the maximum group size is 2. Young people are welcome but under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Booking
To book your walking holiday please contact us with your preferred dates and the party size. We will then confirm availability and forward payment details.
Covid-19 Statement
Updated 18th January 2021
We are currently working as normal, whilst doing all we can to maintain social distancing, minimise transmission risks and respect those around us. We are operating in line with government guidance and advice from the British Mountaineering Council and the Mountain Training Association.
If we need to cancel your holiday because of changes in the government Covid-19 guidelines we will provide you with a full refund or help you organise alternative dates. We hope this gives you peace of mind.
The World Health Organisation provide useful advice on how to protect yourselves and others from Covid-19.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son so whoever believes shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
