Kirkstone Pass

Traveling upward on the highest road in the Lake District, the journey passes remarkable mountain scenery. At the top, near the old Kirkstone Pass Inn, there is a stop to view the wide valley with Windermere Lake visible in the distance. On clear days, the sea at Morecambe Bay can be seen. Native Herdwick sheep roam near dry-stone walls, and walkers appear as small colorful dots on ancient trails. Descending the pass, there is another stop for photos overlooking the winding road toward Brothers Water.

10 min

Ullswater Lake

This lake is nearly eight miles long, the second longest in the area, with a winding shape surrounded by high fells, none exceeding Helvellyn's height. The shores are wooded with oak, birch, and hazel, representing one of the best pre-plantation landscapes in Lakeland. William Wordsworth called Ullswater the happiest mix of beauty and grandeur among the lakes.

10 min

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Located on a hill with views of surrounding mountains, 48 stones were placed here over 5000 years ago. Known as Castlerigg stone circle, its original purpose remains unknown. Visitors can walk into the circle itself and experience the atmosphere amid this dramatic setting.

15 min

Ashness Bridge

A steep half-mile climb on a narrow road leads to an old dry-stone packhorse bridge. Ashness Bridge overlooks a fast-flowing stream and offers views across Derwentwater to the Skiddaw peaks above Keswick. It is a frequently photographed location.

10 min

Surprise View

Situated high on an oak-lined cliff, this viewpoint offers panoramic views across Derwent Water, the Skiddaw range, Borrowdale Valley, Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway, and on clear days, distant Scotland. The location provides excellent photo opportunities.

15 min

Lake Grasmere

Located in the Vale of Grasmere, this lake is almost completely surrounded by hills and is connected to the poet William Wordsworth. He, his sister Dorothy, and brother John spent time swimming, fishing for pike, rowing to the island for summer picnics, and walking along the shores. Currently, people still engage in wild swimming and colorful rowboats can be seen on the water.

Rydal Water

From the road, views of this small lake are visible. It measures three-quarters of a mile long, a quarter mile wide, and is 50 feet deep. It was favored by the Wordsworth family and is often mentioned alongside Grasmere. Along the shore, there are steps leading to Wordsworth’s seat, his preferred spot to view the lake. The lake was once called Rothaymere, meaning the lake in the rye-growing valley. It supports a population of wildfowl, gulls, and occasionally red squirrels and Herdwick sheep.

The Bridge House

A brief stop to view the tiny Bridge House in Ambleside, a 300-year-old cottage built over Stock Ghyll brook. It has a long and varied history and is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lakes.

Lake Windermere

England’s largest and most visited lake, Windermere has attracted visitors for about 300 years. It features rocky inlets, secluded bays, grassy banks, wooded hillsides, and volcanic peaks to the north. The southern shore is heavily wooded with broadleaf trees. The guide will explain its formation, Roman history, arctic fish inhabitants, boat use, and local folklore about a 'boggle' that stopped the ferry at night.

Windermere

One of the tour’s pick-up points is outside the railway station entrance. Windermere village developed mainly after the Victorian railway arrived. Many original villas and guest houses remain. It serves as the central Lakes transport hub, with numerous accommodations and eateries. Visitors will learn why the village changed its name and why Wordsworth had strong opinions about the railway. The lake named Windermere lies about a mile down the hill.

Bowness-on-Windermere

Another pick-up location is outside Pier 1 by the lakeshore. Bowness has many hotels, bed and breakfasts, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It is older than Windermere, with narrow streets behind a parish church over 300 years old. The area includes cottages once inhabited by boatmen and fishermen. Notable historical connections include ancestors of George Washington and Charles Dickens’ stay at the 'Hole in t’Wall' inn. A short walk leads to the boating area with various boats for hire.

Ambleside

Ambleside lies surrounded by fells and is considered the center of the southern lakes. Passing through, one sees Victorian slate buildings and the Bridge House over Stock Ghyll stream. The Roman fort Galava once stood on Windermere’s shore. Inside the parish church, a mural celebrates the town’s oldest custom, Rushbearing. The town is busy, showing how nature and weather still influence life here, and how famous residents attracted tourists over 100 years ago.

Coniston

Kendal

Cartmel

Ulverston

Newby Bridge

Grange-over-Sands

A brief drive away from the Windermere pick-up location.

Flookburgh

Guests staying in Windermere may join the tour here.

Scarborough

A test stop.

Home Base

The tour’s home base location.

Little Lake with Brothers Tale

This small lake may once have been connected to the larger Ullswater further down the valley, which features dramatic scenery. The western shore path passes under some of the oldest oak woodland in the Lake District. The lake’s romantic name comes from the tragic story of two brothers.

Derwentwater

Located just south of Keswick, Derwentwater is dotted with islands and surrounded by craggy fells. Known as the 'Queen' of the English Lakes, the shoreline drive offers views of Cat Bells and the Jaws of Borrowdale. Local folklore includes tales of hermits, hedgehogs, squirrels, and mock sea battles.

Bassenthwaite Lake

From Surprise View, Bassenthwaite Lake is visible in the distance. It is the northernmost major lake with well-protected shores supporting over seventy species of birds and wildfowl, including ospreys. It is one of the few British locations where the nine-inch vendace fish, related to Arctic species, is found.

5 min

Thirlmere

Traveling south along Thirlmere’s tree-lined shores, visitors hear about the submerged villages of Armboth and Wythburn, lost beneath the water. The story involves wealth, industry, and Manchester’s influence in the nineteenth century. Helvellyn mountain overlooks the lake, once a favorite of Wordsworth and his friends. The area has legends of hauntings and spectral black dogs, but the tour does not visit after dark.