Holidays
7 Night Northern Lake District Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

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7 Night Northern Lake District Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

Walking with sightseeing in Lake District

7 nights

May, Jul - Aug

Grades 2

109kg CO2

7 nights from

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Members

From

£1,329

Non-members

From

£1,359

Groups of 10+

or call

020 3974 8865

These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-6 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the Northern Lake District with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an HF Holidays Leader.

What You’ll Love

Exploring the beauty spots of Buttermere and Aira Force
Taking a walk to the summit of Latrigg
Visiting historic manor houses and statley homes
A boat trip on Ullswater
Soaking up views of lakes and mountains
Staying in the comfort of our country house
A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

What's Included

Tickets for the Ullswater Steamer & Keswick Launch
Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
Daily packed lunches
Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
Guided walks and sightseeing visits with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
All transport to and from walks and sites of interest
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See Essential Info tab for details.

Trip Suitability

This trip is graded level 2. Walks are up to 6 miles with up to 1,300ft of ascent.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

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Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Drive through the Jaws of Borrowdale, where crags close in on both sides and the Iron Age fort of Castle Crag guards the entrance to the dale with a stop for a visit to the 2000 ton Bowder Stone. The coach continues to Rosthwaite to begin a walk along the Cumbria Way. There's a visit Dalton's Cave (once home to the Lakeland legend Millican Dalton) before continuing to the pretty hamlet of Grange for a coffee stop before a walk along Catbells Terrace. Fabulous views all the way back to Derwent Bank.

Distance: 4½ miles (7km)*

Ascent: 250 feet (80m)*

In summary: From the village of Dockray, follow a good path under Gowbarrow Fell, descending steadily to Aira Force, Lakeland’s most magnificent waterfall. A trip on the Ullswater Steamer takes us to Pooley Bridge for a second short walk to Dalemain, with its wealth of Tudor and Medieval rooms and outbuildings, a museum café, and delightful gardens.

* split between two walks

Discover more about Derwent Bank and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.

Distance: 7 miles (10km)*

Ascent: 900 feet (280m)*

Descent: 1,300 feet (380m)*

In summary: The atmospheric setting of Castlerigg Stone Circle is the first visit today, a prehistoric monument set beautifully between some of Lakeland’s highest mountains. From here, walk across farmland and fells to Falcon Crag and then the much photographed Surprise View and Ashness Bridge. Continue to the shores of Derwentwater to catch the Keswick launch sailing round the lake and back to Keswick. The route is rough underfoot in places but the views are superb!

*Split between 2 walks

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 450 feet (140m)

In summary: We enjoy a brief stop at the top of Honister Pass, home of the last working slate mine in England. From here we take a scenic route to Buttermere for a low-level walk following the lake shore. We'll pass by the cascading waters of Sourmilk Gill and Fleetwith Pike - one of the much loved fells featured in the guidebooks of author and walker, Alfred Wainwright. On the way back to the village, we'll cut through an interesting Victorian-era tunnel carved into the rock that's some 15 metres long.

Distance: 5½ miles (9km)

Ascent: 1,160 feet (360m)

In summary: Walk from Derwent Bank following a relatively easy ascent route to the summit of Latrigg for far-reaching views over Keswick, Derwentwater and the Borrowdale valley. Transport to Dodd Wood and Mirehouse, a 17th century English manor with links to Tennyson and Wordsworth. At Dodd Wood there may be the chance to spot Ospreys, often seen from the viewpoint here (April-October).

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Accommodation

Derwent Bank

Adored by poets, painters, and literary giants for centuries, the Lake District has always had an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise, then, that this country house near the market town of Keswick holds such appeal, not least for its setting in lovely grounds that slope down to the shores of Derwentwater. The location couldn’t be more perfect; to the west is Cat Bells, to the east is Keswick, Walla Crag, and Latrigg, and to the south is the entrance to the Borrowdale valley. There’s a wealth of big-name attractions within easy travelling distance, including Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Ullswater. Also visit-worthy for walkers is Scafell Pike for its well-trodden routes and trails and the 73-mile-long Cumbria Way for its mist-shrouded peaks, glacial valleys, and many excuses for pit-stops and picnics.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

• 40 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 54 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Full-board (including cream tea on arrival) • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • 2 travel cots & high chair • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounge • Garden • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Derwent Bank has 40 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: Room 12 for its extra space and lovely views across the gardens and Derwentwater. Rooms 46, 47, 48, and 49 are first-floor garden rooms, each with their own balcony.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.

Room supplements

Superior	Premium single	Premium double/twin	Choose your room
£25 pppn	£20 pppn	£20 pppn	£30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Derwent Bank

View more details View holidays here

More Information

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
Waterproof overtrousers 
Gloves and a warm hat
Rucksack with waterproof liner
Flask for hot drinks  
Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
Sunscreen 
UV sunglasses

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

spare warm clothing
spare high energy food
head torch and spare batteries
please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended 

Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) 
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters 
First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
Sit mat  
Waterproof pouch for valuables 
Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
Wallet/purse 
Camera
Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 109kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: DBK07-WOD01

2026

Back to dates

Fri 8 May – Fri 15 May 2026

Trip Note Download

Land Only

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Single Price - Land Only

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Single Supplement

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Itinerary: 7 Nights - Sightseeing Walk

Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Fri 31 Jul – Fri 7 Aug 2026

Trip Note Download

Land Only

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Single Price - Land Only

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Single Supplement

Members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Non-members

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Itinerary: 7 Nights - Sightseeing Walk

Trip Type: Walking with sightseeing

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

7 Night Northern Lake District Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Trip Suitability

Itinerary

Daily Walk Options