Autumn Walking Holiday

October 19th - 24th 2008

The Lake District is particularly beautiful in the autumn, with its colourful woodlands, soft and rugged landscape. The pace of this holiday will be a relaxed one and will allow plenty of time for interest stops and photography.

For our special autumn walking holiday we have included some old favourite routes as well as some new ones. All routes are linear with comfortable transport provided. As usual there will be morning and afternoon options offering leisurely or more energetic routes, and pub lunches are included.

With walking routes of about 5 hours and daily options of between 6 to 11 miles they provide a perfect opportunity for a really enjoyable break, and are well within the capabilities of anyone reasonably fit, although some preparatory exercise would make the days even more enjoyable! Each evening we meet for drinks and discussion of the next days plans, followed by dinner.

Leave the car behind, along with the worries of route finding and have everything arranged for you. All you need are comfortable boots, a small day sack for a camera, spare pullover, waterproofs and possibly a hat and gloves.

WALKING ROUTES
     

Sunday  An afternoon stroll takes us through Rydal Park to the Waterfalls at Rydal Hall.
  

Monday  Beginning at Hawes End the lower level route follows the shores of Derwent Water and gently climbs past Castle Crag in Borrowdale to arrive at Rosthwaite for lunch. The higher level route climbs over Cat Bells and descends to The Allerdale Ramble and into Rosthwaite. In the afternoon the Stollers take a riverside walk via Grange in Borrowdale to view the Lodore Waterfalls. The Striders climb via the hamlet of Watendlath and High Tove then descent to Armboth on the shores of Thirlmere.
   

Tuesday  We start at Torver today and the Striders will climb to the Walna Scar Road and head for the Copper Mines Valley to explore the fascinating history of mining in the area. The Strollers will take the undulating path along the shores of Coniston Water. After lunch in Coniston the Strollers continue along the Cumbria Way to Yewdale Tarn and Oxen Fell. The Striders will head up through the grounds of the Monk Coniston Estate to the famous view point of Tarn Hows and on to Oxen Fell.
  

Wednesday  The full day walks begin at the Three Shires Stone on Wrynose Pass. The higher level route will traverse Crinkle Crags (Bowfell optional) before descending to the Great Langdale Valley. The lower route will pass Red Tarn and descend to Dungeon Ghyll to continue along the Great Langdale Valley. A packed lunch will be carried.
  

Thursday  The Striders will leave the Windermere road and head for High Borrans and on to Sour Howes, one of Wainwright’s “Far Eastern Fells”, then descend to the Garburn Road and into Troutbeck for lunch. The lower level route will follow the valley north of Windermere via an ancient pack horse track to Troutback. In the afternoon the Striders head over Wansfell Pike to Ambleside whilst the Strollers take another ancient road, Robin Lane, which descends through Skelghyll woods to Rothay Manor.

Walking Leaders

 
Dave & Claire Watson moved to The Lake District in 1984. Claire, a history graduate, studied for and became one of Cumbria's first Blue Badge Guides, qualifying in 1990. She has led Guided Walks around the Towns and Countryside of the Lake District and in many other areas of the Country. Claire particularly enjoys sharing her interests in The Romans, Local History, Agriculture, and Natural History. She is a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides.
Dave took early retirement from the Engineering Industry in 2004 to work with Claire in their guiding company, which is a member of Cumbria Tourist Board. Dave enjoys walking, cycling, orienteering, photography, and pleasant company ! Together Dave & Claire have explored the wider world, including Peru, Chile, Nepal and South-East Asia, and are both trained Mountain Leaders and First Aiders.

Comfortable walking boots are really essential together with a small day sack for camera spare pullover and waterproofs etc. The more strenuous routes do require greater stamina and a steady pace. It is ultimately the leaders decision as to who should attempt them, but an easier equally attractive walk is always offered with the second leader.

The 5-night Walking holiday runs from Sunday afternoon through to Friday morning, and the price is per person and includes full English breakfast, 4 course dinner and V.A.T.   Lunch is provided Monday to Thursday, as well as all transportation.

Non-participating partners are welcome, and the cost for them is £70 less than above.

Non-Residents - A limited number of places is available for non-rsidents, with all items of the holiday and dinner each evening included.

We ask for a deposit of £150 per person for the holidays, which can be made by cheque or credit card. This is non-refundable unless the room is subsequently relet; cancellation insurance is available.