Day 1 - Arrive in Ambleside
Arrive at your chosen accommodation in Ambleside.
Day 2 - Ambleside to Elterwater
Leaving Ambleside, your first day will not involve any significant climbs but that is not to say that you won’t be treated to some magnificent views from higher points like Loughrigg Fell. You will follow the path across low fells, sparkling tarns, pretty woods and along the beautiful valley before descending into the charming village of Elterwater and your accommodation for the night.
5 miles (9km)
The total ascent between Ambleside and Coniston (days 2 and 3) is 610m.
Day 3 - Elterwater to Coniston
After a hearty breakfast, today’s walk will almost immediately see you climb a short steep hill before descending again to walk over farm fields and through peaceful forests, taking in historic landmarks including a farm once owned by Beatrix Potter and High Oxen Fell, which has a 17th-century Grade 2 listed farmhouse, also owned by Beatrix Potter and donated to the National Trust. The views from the farmhouse are spectacular. Your accommodation for the night will be in Coniston where you can relax in many of the pubs and cafes.
6 miles (11km)
Day 4 - Coniston to Seathwaite
As you climb out of Coniston to head into the more remote western fells make sure you stock up on essentials as you will not reach another big village or town until you arrive in Keswick. Your walk will take you along the exposed ancient drovers route of the Walna Scar Road with the Old Man of Coniston towering on your right. You will enjoy magnificent views from the Coniston fells before stopping for a well deserved rest at the small hamlet of Seathwaite.
5 miles (9km)
The total ascent between Coniston and Eskdale (days 4 and 5) is 865m.
Mountain route between Coniston and Eskdale (days 4 and 5) 14 miles (23km) and 1200m of ascent.
Day 5 - Seathwaite to Boot (Eskdale)
Today the climbs will be easier as you cross ancient bridges, walk along gentle streams and enjoy the vastness of open moorland before descending into the picturesque Eskdale valley with views of the Eskdale fells and Sca Fell range providing a magnificent backdrop. Arriving in the small hamlet of Boot, you can relax for the night.
6 miles (10km) and 385m of ascent.
Day 6 - Boot (Eskdale) to Wasdale Head
Today is an easier day with fewer climbs and although still a long day, you will be rewarded with some of the most magnificent views in the Lake District as you climb out of Eskdale and towards Wasdale. Walk all the way up the valley besides the beautiful Wast Water, England’s deepest lake, taking in the Screes, Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell and the slopes of the Sca Fell range. Your accommodation for the night will be in Wasdale.
11 miles (18km) and 470m of ascent.
Mountain Route – 10.5 miles (17km) and 980m of ascent.
Day 7 - Wasdale Head to Buttermere
Today is a shorter day and a truly enjoyable section of the walk. You will pass the remote Black Sails pass before continuing into the beautiful Ennerdale valley. A short climb over Scarth Gap nestled between Hay Stacks and High Crag offers the first stunning views of Buttermere before descending into the village where you will relax for the night.
7.5 miles (12 km) and 780m of ascent.
Mountain Route – 10 miles (16.5km) and 1150m of ascent.
Day 8 - Buttermere to Keswick
You leave Buttermere on a long, steady climb on good terrain with views of the Sail Beck and Rigg Beck valleys. The superb views continue as you cross the Newlands Valley. Skirting the slopes of Catbells you join the Cumbria Way, through glorious woods, eventually bringing you out on the shores of Derwent Water before strolling to the pretty market town of Keswick where you will spend the night.
10 miles (16km) and 490m of ascent.
Mountain Route – 11 miles (17.5km) and 1020m of ascent.
Day 9 - Keswick to Rosthwaite
Taking one last look over the rooftops of Keswick, you will soon reach the beautiful setting of Castlerigg Stone Circle, constructed as a part of a megalithic tradition that lasted from 3,300 to 900 BC, during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages. Continue to walk across pleasant farmland before climbing to the summit of Walla Crag to enjoy the panoramic views on offer. As you descent gently through the fells you will come to the pretty packhorse bridge in Ashness before climbing again through green woodland, eventually reaching the beautiful Borrowdale valley and Rosthwaite, where you will relax for the night.
9.5 miles (15.5km) and 560m of ascent.
Day 10 - Rosthwaite to Grasmere
As you leave Borrowdale valley and start your climb into the fells make sure you take time to savour the views behind you, where the woodland, fells, green pastures and white cottages sit peacefully together. Continue to climb the remote Greenup Gill using a steep but clear path to reach the ridgeline of Greenup Edge. Descend over low crags and boggy ground before the path winds upwards again and follows the course of Far Easedale Gill, leading you to the lakeside village of Grasmere, where you will spend the night.
8 miles (14km) and 580m of ascent.
Day 11 - Grasmere to Patterdale
After a relaxing breakfast and time to explore the lovely village of Grasmere, you will start what is one of the shorter days by walking through peaceful farmland and quiet lanes, dominated by views of Helm Crag. A bridleway will take you back up into the fells with the steep side of Seat Sandal on your left and the slopes of Great Rigg and Fairfield towering to your right. The path is clear and good as you descent through the steep rocky terrain of Grisedale before arriving in the village of Patterdale, where you can relax for the night.
8 miles (13km) and 610m of ascent.
Mountain Route – 10 miles (16km) and 1100m of ascent
Day 12 - Patterdale to Ambleside
The final day of your adventure offers a relaxing mix of lakeside, pastoral and fell walking. Enjoy views towards Kirkstone Pass and the high fells of Fairfield and Hart Crag. Follow the valley bottom straight into Ambleside and visit one of the cosy pubs or coffee shops for a celebration and a well deserved rest.
9.5 miles (15km) and 750m of ascent.
Mountain Route – 11 miles (18km) and 776m of ascent (via Red Screes)
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