Explore great walks in Northumberland and the Lake District National Parks in Northern England
Want to explore some of the best walking in Northern England? This tour allows you to explore the incredible Lake District National Park, but also offers an introduction to Northumberland National Park, another stunning national park.
Dramatic landscapes, stunning lake views, fascinating history, and 4-star comfort combine to create the incredible Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour. This tour offers the best outdoor adventures in northern England so don’t miss it!
Your guide leads you on the finest trails to the most inspiring views in this spectacular countryside. You’ll get an insider’s perspective to find hidden gems and local favorites along the way. You’ll also encounter England’s rich history, from the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall, to the Middle Ages at Holy Island and Alnwick Castle.
Stay in comfort at the end of each day in 4-star hotels and re-energize with delicious food. Comfort, variety, history, and adventure is all to be found in two of England’s most popular national parks – Northumberland and the Lake District. Book your exciting tour today!
Highlights Of The Northumberland and The Lake District Walking Tour
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Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Arrive in the morning at the Penrith train station. Here your guide will welcome you and give you a brief introduction to your tour. Transfer from Penrith to a scenic location along Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient fortification built to defend the northwestern frontier of the Roman empire. Walk a loop around this area, following a segment of the wall and visiting one of Britain’s best archaeological sites at Vindolanda fort. Return to the van and drive to the coast of Northumberland National Park. Check in to your hotel near the well-known Bamburgh Castle and relax after a busy day.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Bamburgh Castle
Distance: 4-5 hours, 12 km, 152 m of elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Explore Holy Island and Walk along St. Oswald’s Way
Travel a short distance north to Holy Island to explore the ruins of a 7th Century priory that was destroyed by a Viking raid during the 8th Century. There is also a museum where you can learn more about the area’s history. Spend either the morning or the afternoon on Holy Island, depending on the tide schedule, since you will reach the island by crossing a tidal causeway. Before or after your trip to the island, take a walk along St. Oswald’s Way starting in Bamburgh. This beautiful walkway follows the shoreline beneath the walls of the mighty castle.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Bamburgh Castle
Distance: 4-6 hours, 7.3 – 13 km, up to 107 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Explore the Cheviot Hills
Today you’ll walk through the moors and hills of Northumberland National Park. Travel via the town of Wooler into the northern part of the park and walk through the Cheviot hills. Traverse the ups and downs of the open countryside, enjoying marvellous views on each summit. Be sure to bring your camera today to capture the spectacular panoramic views. The route takes you from the fort at Humbleton Hill to the rugged Watch Hill.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Bamburgh Castle
Distance: 6-8 hours, 14.5 km, 610 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Visit Alnwick Castle
Before leaving Northumberland today, stop to visit the iconic Alnwick Castle and Gardens. You’ll have the morning to explore this historic castle that you may recognize from the Downton Abbey series or the Harry Potter films. Meander through the extensive gardens, find your way through the maze, and so much more. After leaving the castle, check out the famous second-hand bookstore Barter Books, located in an old railway station. In the afternoon, travel west to Buttermere in the Lake District and check in to your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Buttermere
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Buttermere Valley Walk
Explore the Buttermere Valley today with a walk that starts right at the door of your hotel. Notice the contrast between this landscape and that in Northumberland. Here there are high dramatic crags and ridges (known as fells) that tower over the valley in all directions. There are a number of walking routes to choose from in this area, so your guide will select the best route based on current conditions and the needs and wishes of your group. Today may be a gentle stroll around the lake or a more challenging hike to higher ground.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Buttermere
Distance: 6-8 hours, 8-13 km, 610 – 914 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike through Borrowdale Valley, Explore Keswick
Head to the town of Keswick in the morning and start your hike through the Borrowdale Valley. Discover why this valley is considered among the most beautiful in the Lake District. Leave Keswick and follow the trail south along the Derwentwater lake, then climb to the summit of Cat Bells (451 m / 1,480 ft). From here you’ll have spectacular views of the whole Borrowdale Valley. After pausing to absorb the view, hike down again and return to Keswick by ferry. Spend some time exploring the town, then return to your hotel for a special dinner to celebrate the completion of your tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Buttermere
Distance: 4-6 hours, 11.3 km, 427 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike from Ullswater to Aira Force, Departure Day
On this last day of the tour, travel to Ullswater to explore another valley that’s regarded among the most beautiful in the Lake District. Ullswater is a 7.5-mile glacial lake which was formed by three glaciers. This beautiful lake is the focal point of a breathtaking valley surrounded by green, grassy slopes and rugged peaks. From the shores of Ullswater, walk uphill along the Aira Beck stream. You’ll pass the dramatic Aira Force waterfall as you make your way to the open fell above it. The view from here is incredible as you can see not only the Ullswater lake and valley but beyond to other Lakeland fells. Hike back to the van for a traditional cream tea to end your tour, then drive back to the train station at Penrith. Please plan your onward travel for after 4:00 PM.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4-5 hours, 7.3, 457 m of elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour Price and Dates
This guided walking tour in Scotland is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. In Northumberland, you will stay in a charming traditional inn and in the Lake District you will stay in a Victorian hotel. Both accommodations are of a 4-star standard and offer great service. All rooms are double occupancy. If you would prefer to have a single room, please read the information below.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $650 USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Northumberland
Discover England’s northernmost county in a comfortable hotel that’s conveniently located for exploring the area’s high moorland landscapes.
Hotel in Buttermere
This charming, historic village gets its name from the nearby Buttermere Lake. It is an ideal location for exploring England’s famous Lake District.
What’s included in the Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, snacks along the route each day.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour. Accommodation in Penrith before and after the tour is not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Experienced guide / driver throughout the tour
- Attractions as described in the itinerary:
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- Entry to Lindisfarne Centre
- Entry to Alnwick Castle
- Derwentwater Boat trip
Not included
- Transportation to and from Penrith train station
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘Included’
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Penrith before or after the trip
Frequently Asked Questions about Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour
Wilderness Scotland is an Aviemore based company with a huge experience and big group of returning happy customers. This company, being one of the leading adventure travel organisers in the area, guarantees great service and unforgettable experiences!
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