The Lake District
Established as an official World Heritage Site in 2017, the Lake District is the largest and most visited National Park in England attracting over 16 million visitors each year.
Boasting spectacular scenery with an abundance of rugged fells, deep valleys, lakes and mountains it's easy to see why runners are the fastest growing group of visitors to the area.
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No matter which area of the Lake District you decide to explore beautiful surroundings will be guaranteed. From the picturesque lakes of Buttermere and Crummock, dramatic mountain scenery of the River Esk or tackling the heights of Scafell Pike, England's tallest mountain, the choice is endless and will have you wanting to return to the wonderful area time and time again.
Tour Highlights...
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Experience the spectacular scenery of the famous Lakeland Fells and vast, glittering expanses of water, the sixteen individual lakes which make this region so unique.
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The beauty of the Lake District has long attracted poets and literary figures to its mesmerising shores, why not follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter during your stay with visits to their Lakeland residences.
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Spend time in the delightful Cumbria towns of Keswick and Ambleside. Sample the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding in Cartmel and a fine Lakeland ale at the end of a satisfying running day.
Our favourite routes...
Routes are for guidance only and will be tailored to suit your exact running requirements
Buttermere Haystacks
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Distance - 8 miles/13 kilometres. Max Elevation - 2175 ft/663 metres.
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Terrain - Mixed. Bring your Trail Trainers, Hydration Pack and light waterproof
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Highlights - Circular route offering amazing views of Buttermere Lake and ascent of Wainwright's favourite fell, Haystacks
Derwent Water
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Distance - 12 miles/19 kilometres. Max Elevation - 1370 ft/418 metres.
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Terrain - Mixed. Bring your Trail Trainers, Hydration Pack and light waterproof
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Circular route offering stunning views of Derwent Water, magnificent views from the foot of popular fell, Cat Bells, and post-run refreshment in the picturesque town of Keswick
Loughrigg Fell
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Distance - 8 miles/13 kilometres. Max Elevation - 1800 ft/549 metres.
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Terrain - Mixed. Bring your Trail Trainers, Hydration Pack and light waterproof
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Highlights - Superb run around and including the ascent of Loughrigg Fell with magnificent views across the southern half of the Lake District including Lake Grasmere, Rydal Water and the Langdale Pikes
Jo's Top Tips
The Lake District offers fantastic variety when it comes to terrain and viewpoints, with Lake Buttermere being my particular favourite. Make sure you fuel up on local treats, Kendal Mint Cake and Sticky Toffee Pudding, during your stay, you'll be sure to burn it off! You can also be assured of a warm and friendly welcome to this stunning area and as a fellow north-westerner hailing from this beautiful region, we are proud to show off the beauty and hospitality on offer.
Places To Stay
Whether you want budget friendly or a little more luxury we can find the right accommodation for you.
Budget Friendly, please note options are for guidance only...
YHA Buttermere, Cumbria
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Former Victorian Slate Hotel
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Set in an unrivalled position overlooking the lake and surrounded by mountains
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Comfortable rooms with en suite facilities
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Facilities include restaurant, licensed bar, on site parking, Free Wifi
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landpods (upgraded for 2019) and bring your own tent options also available at this site
YHA Borrowdale, Keswick
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Large lakeland hotel full of character
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Great location on the doorstep of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Castle Crag
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Private rooms
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Facilities include restaurant, licensed bar, on site parking, games room, Free Wifi
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Heated camping pods and bring your own tent options also available at this site
Premium, please note options are for guidance only...
Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside
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Boutique hotel set in the picturesque village of Ambleside
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Stunning location overlooking Lake Waterhead
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Luxury rooms with en suite facilities
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Facilities include bar and grill restaurant, on site parking, free Wifi, 24hr reception
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Free use of health club at Low Wood Bay
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Spa packages available
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Keswick
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4 star hotel and spa set on the waters of Bassenthwaite Lake
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Luxury rooms with en suite facilities, Hairdryer, TV, Tea and Coffee Making facilities, Robe and Slippers
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Facilities include lake view restaurant, courtyard bar and brasserie, cocktail bar, free parking, Wifi
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Luxurious spa facility with an extensive range of treatments (extra charges apply)
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Estate activitites including archery, clay pigeon shooting, wild swimming, paddle boarding and more (extra charges apply
Sample Itinerary
Itinerary is for guidance only and will be tailored to suit your exact requirements
Friday
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Arrival from 4pm - Welcome Drink, Check in, Unpack
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6km circular run in the vicinity of Keswick. Suggested run to the Castlerigg Stone Circle from the Youth Hostel or in the Bassenthwaite Lake vicinity if hotel option selected
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Evening meal at the hotel or in Keswick
Saturday
Breakfast at your accommodation
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Depart from your accommodation for the Derwent Water 18km Circular with late lunch in Keswick on the return
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Afternoon at leisure - why not try Paddle Boarding on Derwentwater or visit The Lakes Distillery to sample the local tipple!
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Optional Yoga session at the hostel or spa time at the hotel
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Evening meal and time to socialise at the relaxed Thyme Bistro in Keswick serving delicious hearty dishes
Sunday
Breakfast at your accommodation
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15km circular run from Keswick to Whinlatter Forest and return
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Return to hotel for check out and goodbyes