Begin your Mountain Goat tour by taking the train from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, in the heart of the city. Please note this part of the tour, is self-guided. On your train journey, you will be treated to the changing landscapes of the north of England, as you travel over the border of Scotland and England towards the Lake District, where the rugged fells stand tall on the horizon.
On arrival at Oxenholme, you will be greeted by a Mountain Goat representative where you will join the Mountain Goat Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside tour, which takes in many places associated with the famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, this tour is an ideal opportunity to see the incredible scenery of the Lake District and learn about why it inspired her so much.
Begin your tour with a lake cruise on Windermere, England's largest lake. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds the lake and learn about Windermere’s history, with the stories and legends you'll hear onboard.
The tour visits Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey, once owned by Beatrix Potter. This beautifully preserved farmhouse is a true gem, reflecting the charm of traditional Lakeland buildings. Potter purchased Hill Top Farm in 1905, it became a source of inspiration for her and her writing, featuring in several of her stories. It functioned as a working farm throughout her lifetime and continues to do so today. Upon her passing in 1943, Potter bequeathed Hill Top Farm to the National Trust with the stipulation that it be preserved exactly as she left it, a legacy that endures to this day.
Onwards we travel through more of the Lake District's landscapes, areas which inspired Miss Potter when writing her famous Tales of Peter Rabbit. Onward to the beauty spot Tarn Hows, this man-made tarn provides some of the most incredible views in the Lake District. On a clear day you can see the Langdale Pikes, a favoured adventure for walkers.
We'll then visit the beautiful medieval village of Hawkshead, steeped in history, with charming cottages and narrow alleys it truly is a 'chocolate box' village. The Grammar school was established in 1585 and was where the poet William Wordsworth attended school. Walk through the small streets and visit the local shops, here you'll find local produce such as Hawkshead Relish and Grasmere Gingerbread.
At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a cream tea in a traditional country house hotel where you can relax in the lounge before returning you Oxenholme for your return train to Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Please note: Hill Top House is closed on Fridays during UK term time. When the house is closed, we will visit The World of Beatrix Potter. The house closes in order for conservation work to take place.