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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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 mIf you’d like to keep on exploring the area, just ask us for some recommendations!
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- Five days of guided walks and hiking tours
- Solo occupancy accommodations for the duration of the tour
- All breakfasts and dinners at the hotel in Kendal, packed lunches on days 2-5
- All transfers for the duration of the tour
- Access to spa facilities
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to Kendal
- Accommodations before and after the tour
- Drinks at the hotel bar or additional drinks throughout the day
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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.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Spare clothes for layering and 5 days of hiking
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
- This tour typically requires a minimum of six people to run. However, smaller groups can still proceed if participants agree to cover the additional costs. This will usually be discussed with your guide about six weeks before the tour start date. If you’re curious about the current number of participants, feel free to reach out.
Hiking the Lake District can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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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.
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