Home to England's highest mountains and deepest lakes, voted one of the National Geographic's top ten "must-see" destinations in the world; Lake District is a landscape that leaves you on high.

With lake, mountains and the entrance the beautiful green valley on its doorstep, Keswick is a walker's paradise. So let's lace up a pair of hiking boots and come celebrate mountains for a weekend of fun, fresh air and freedom! We are happy to go and hope to see you there!




Splendid mountain scenery and breathtaking views
2 guided walks - Borowdale valley and Skiddaw peak
Flexible options suiting all levels and free time
Open top bus ride along the countryside
Lake cruises on Derwentwater
Friendly hostel accommodation
Traditional cuisine and local specialities

On the board of a fast train we cross Midlands and wonderful Yorkshire country and arrive to Lake District by midday. From the station a private minibus will take us to our hostel in Keswick.
With its fantastic setting Keswick is the favourite centre for Lakeland climbers and fell walkers. High peaks of Skiddaw and Blencanthra loom over the town. Derwent Water is among the most attractive of the lakes and is most easily seen by hopping on the Keswick Launch. The 4000 year old Stone Circle on the nearby airy hilltop of Castlerigg overlooks Keswick in its lovely valley setting. In the historic centre of the town you will find a charming mix of local speciality shops, cafés, pubs and great choice of outdoor gear shops.

Checked in the hostel and recharged with a lunch, we head around the shoreline of Derwent Water the Catbells , a renowned vantage-point above the lake. The panoramic views are fantastic. Over the summit we head further south down to the pretty Borrowdale Valley, passing its scattered hamlets and oak woodlands. After a short stop at Lodore Falls we take a ride on the open top bus. Back to Keswick you can explore one of the many eating places or cook together with your new mates in the hostel. Evening is all yours.



DIY breakfast and we set off for a full day hike onto Skiddaw . It's a challenging climb, on well maintain footpath, to 931 metres (3,054 ft), and it's truly worth it. Have your cameras ready.
Skiddaw dominates the town of Keswick and is one of the largest peaks in the Lake District. This mountain is one of the oldest formations in the Lake District (and indeed in Europe).The smooth summit offers great views across Skiddaw Forest to the Great Calva and Knott peaks.

After a great day out exploring, the proper dinner is a must. Why not to try famous Cumberland sausage or tattie hot pot and together with your fellow travellers round the day with a pint of local ale .



Free time - many options: Cruise on the Derwent Water Lake , Cars of the Stars Motor Museum, featuring celebrity cars from television and film, Cumberland Pencil Museum with the world's largest pencil… souvenirs, postcards for friends and family, buy home some of the local speciality - Borrowdale tea loaf, rum butter, plum bread… relax doing nothing by the lake :)

Early afternoon we start our journey back aiming to be in London at 7.30pm.


Distance & Terrain
Grade of the walk (Saturday): 9km, moderate walk, terrain: hilly
Grade of the walk (Sunday): 12km, challenging walk, terrain: mountainous

What to take with you
Please check FAQ or contact us on info@mintytrips.co.uk




Backpackers hostel
Friendly Backpackers hostel run by locals, close to the centre. Hostel is fully equipped; there are great self catering facilities, big dining room and clean bathrooms with showers. All bed linen is provided. Our group will have a sole use of comfortable 12 beds dormitory. No meals.




Departure
Saturday 23/08/2008, 7.30am (meeting time)
King´s Cross (Railway) Station (meeting point, look for your guide in green T-shirt with Minty Trips sign / map)

Return
Monday 25/08/2008, 7.30pm (approximately)
King´s Cross (Railway) Station (map)




just £149