The Lake District inspired some of the greatest poems of all time — once you see it, you’ll want to scribble a sonnet or two yourself. Head to Kendal, a historic English market town, and spend the start of your summer among castles, woods, and wildflowers. You’ll roam the Cumbrian hills for five days with a friendly fellowship of adventurous women. Heading out from your base—a 300-year-old riverside hotel with spa facilities—you’ll follow rivers, explore limestone escarpments, visit medieval hamlets, and uncover ancient Roman fortresses on day-hikes oozing with history.
Trek the trails less traveled winding around the historic town of Kendal on a 5-day journey through England’s Lake District. Explore Roman fortresses, ancient castles, wildflower-packed nature reserves, and many more impressive sights on hikes designed to ensure the greatest views imaginable, accompanied by seasoned hiking guides and a group of like-minded and adventurous women.
Arrive for a check-in at 3 pm in the 18th-century Riverside Hotel in Kendal, your home base for this hiking tour. After getting settled in, enjoy an introductory afternoon walk at 4 pm around the Kendal town market, where you’ll get to meet the other guests, stretch your legs, and enjoy the history-dense atmosphere.
Setting out from the hotel, trek towards the limestone escarpment of Scout Scar, with soaring vistas of Kendal and the surrounding area. Then, drop down to Sizeargh Castle for a picnic lunch, before returning to Kendal along the banks of the River Kent, passing an ancient Roman fort along the way.
Hiking: 10.5 miles/ 16.6 km
Elevation gain: 926 ft/ 282 m
Take the local bus to Ings village, then take a hike up Kentmere valley, with its horseshoe of mountains surrounding you. As you reach the source of the River Kent, follow it down to Staveley and leave the valley. Enjoy a welcome “cuppa” before returning to Kendal by bus.
Hiking: 7.5 miles/ 12 km
Elevation gain: 1.148 ft/ 350 m
On day 4 of your journey, you will climb Whitbarrow Scar, a limestone escarpment to the west of Kendal and a National Nature Reserve famous for wildflowers, including orchids. Following its ridge, you get to admire panoramic views of the central Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and the Yorkshire Dales. Then, return through some woodland and travel back by bus.
Hiking: 9 miles/ 14.5 km
Elevation gain: 983 ft/ 300 m
Walking from your hotel, say your farewells to the Lake District’s gorgeous and diverse landscapes from the top of Cunswicke Scar. Then, drop down through some ancient woodland and hiking trails, before returning to Kendal by 2 pm. After the walk we will eat lunch together at a local cafe (optional). Leave Cumbria with grand memories and a desire to return!
Hiking: 6.5 miles (10 km)
Elevation gain: 1,100 ft/ 335 m
If you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!
I’ve been on 5 holidays with WW so far. They’ve always been well-planned. Always had great walks with knowledgeable guides and very good accommodations. It’s a great opportunity to meet people, and generally very enjoyable.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
You need to be decently fit to join this adventure. You will be hiking for 4-6 hours daily, covering 6.5-10.5 miles (10.5 – 16.6 km) a day with regular refreshment stops. You also need to be able to handle up to 1,300 ft (400 m) of steady ascents, all the while carrying a pack filled with the things you’ll need throughout the day. However, with light preparation and enough willpower, you should be able to handle this tour no matter your age or skill level.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, check out this hiking tour in the Cuilin Hills or these hiking tours in the Isle of Skye.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking the Lake District can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Kendal, the starting point and home base for this tour, most people fly into Manchester International Airport 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, or take a train to Kendal.
You will be meeting your guide in the Riverside Hotel in Kendal, a short walk away from Kendal train station, at a pre-arranged time. If you’re using Google Maps or Sat Nav, enter LA9 6FS as the destination postcode to find the hotel.
Deposits
You can secure one of the 2025 dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
