The High Adventure

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Please note: We do not allow children under the age of 5

Your tour at a glance

This classic adventure tour of the Western Lakes uses a route pioneered by the Romans!

The tour focuses around the Western Lake District travelling over the Lake District’s famous mountain passes; Hardknott and Wrynose, which are some of the steepest in Great Britain. Pass the remote 2nd century Hardknott Roman Fort which includes remains of the headquarters building, commandants house and bath house.

During your day you will have time to enjoy traveling over Wrynose & Hardknott Mountain Passes, you'll see England’s deepest lake and visit the grounds of the 14th Century Muncaster Castle. 

This tour is a chance to explore the real Lake District! 

If you are booking 7 days before travel and happy to commit to a date, then why not check out our High Adventure Online Saver? This offer the exact same tour but at a special rate, please make sure you read our cancellation policy on the Online Saver before booking.

This tour does not run between November - March due to the winter season. Please visit our main Lake District page to find our winter tours. Alternatively we can arrange a private tour for you, please take a look at the options here.

Experience the Lake District

Prices

Summer 2023

25th March 2023 - 29th October 2023

Adult Senior Student Child
£55 £53 £53 £46

Tour Days

Summer from South Lakes (Ambleside, Ings, Kendal, Staveley, Windermere & Bowness)

25th March 2023 - 29th October 2023

Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

Summer 2023 from North Lakes (Braithwaite, Keswick & Portinscale)

25th March 2023 - 29th October 2023

MonTuesWedThuFriSatSun

Duration

Full day South Lakes 09:45 - 17:30 / North Lakes 09:30 - 17:30

Activity Level

This tour is a guided scenic mini-coach tour, but there are times when you will have the option to walk up to a few hundred metres to take in a view or point of interest.

Language

English

Group Size

16 passengers

Includes

  • Transport in a 16 seater mini-bus;
  • On-board commentary in English;
  • Passby Hardknott Roman Fort
  • Pickup & drop off from select hotels
  • Knowledgable & friendly driver-guide

Main Departure point

Windermere Tourist Information Centre & Keswick Central Car Park

How to find us

Pickup Service

This tour leaves from three locations:

Windermere Tourist Information Centre at 09.45 - 17.30

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We also offer a hotel pick-up service for those staying in the Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside area.

Keswick Central Car Park at 9.30 - 17.30

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The tour departs from Keswick Central Car Park and we offer pick ups from Portinscale and  Braithwaite.

Oxenholme Train Station at 9.15 - 18.00 (Not available on Sundays)

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Our driver will meet you at the Oxenholme Train Station ticket office for the scheduled departure time. We will aim to return you to Oxenholme for 18.00, however, this time may vary due to traffic.

Please note there is a surcharge of £10.00 per seat added for collection/return service from some locations including Kendal, Oxenholme, Grange-over-Sands & Flookburg

Restrictions

This tour is unsuitable for children under 5.
All passengers must have their own seat.

We have private hire options available for those who have children under 5.

If you are returning back to Oxenholme for a train, we recommend booking a train that departs after 6pm to ensure you are dropped off in good time.

Luggage on board

There is space on-board for hand luggage, for anything larger there is luggage storage at the Windermere Tourist Information Centre.

Lunch

Lunch is not included in the tour, but there will be the opportunity to purchase lunch, either in a traditional country inn or at Muncaster Castle.
 

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel 24 hours prior to departure and recieve a full refund. After 24 hours no refund will be issued.

For full terms and conditions please see here.

Discover the beautiful sights of the Western Lake District on this adventurous full-day tour. This tour will take you off the beaten track as you discover the magnificent scenery of the Lake District with its beautiful mountains and dramatic lakes. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the English Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site and find out why it was award its status in 2017.

From your starting location you will travel through the Lakeland village of Elterwater with the backdrop of the Langdale Pikes behind. Travel through the village once a site for quarrying and gunpowder manufacturing. Today you’ll spot the native Herdwick sheep grazing on the common as you pass through.

As you continue into the breath-taking untouched Langdale Valley where you will be presented with beautiful natural scenery. The valley splits into two, Great Langdale and Little Langdale. The valley is surrounded by the magnificent Langdale pikes, Crinkle Crags and Pike O Blisco. Again you will spot plenty of Herdwick sheep grazing on the farmland; the National Trust has many properties in the valley from histroical farms to the Sticklebarn pub.

As you make your way towards Wrynose Pass you’ll stop off at Blea Tarn, a stunning natural body of water.You’ll start to spot the winding hairpin bending road in front of you, the steepest passes in England and coined “Britain’s two most outrageous roads”. 

From Blea Tarn the adventurous roads will really begin as you ascend Wrynose Pass. At the start of the pass, you will be greeted by a sign stating ‘’Extreme caution’’ “Narrow route, severe bends” and ‘’Gradient 1 in 3’’ which is a recipe for dramatic and spectacular views ahead. These signs explain why this tour only operates during the summer months as it’s far too treacherous to travel over when icy or snowing. As you travel through the valley and onto the pass, your driver-guide will be giving you commentary throughout on the history and landscape surrounding you. At the top of the pass, you will spot the Three Shires Stone which marks the historic counties of Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland.

Next up its Hardknott Pass, often described as one of the most difficult roads in Britain. You’ll drive past the extraordinary remains of Hardknott Roman Fort, 1,000 feet up on the fells. Hardknott Fort, known as Mediobogdum by the Romans, was built by the Roman Empire under Hadrian’s rule and forms the Roman road between Ravenglass and Ambleside. On a clear day views from the pass expanse over the Irish Sea and as far as The Isle of Man which is just over 74 miles away.

Descending the pass you’ll head into the Eskdale Valley and stop at a traditional country inn where you can purchase lunch if required. In the afternoon you will drive onward to “Britain’s Favourite View” at Wastwater, England’s deepest and most dramatic lake. Located in the Wasdale Valley, Wastwater is the deepest of all lakes at 260 feet deep and just 3 miles long. Perhaps one of the most stunning, dramatic and awe-inspiring lakes in the National Park, Wastwater is framed by England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike along with Red Pike, Kirk Fell and Great Gable.


Your next destination is the splendid 14th Century Muncaster Castle privately owned by the Pennington Family, where you can explore its internationally acclaimed gardens and World Owl Trust. Your tour price includes entrance to the castle gardens, where you will find 77 acres of tranquil historic gardens to explore set amongst the Western Lake District fells. Visit the Hawk & Owl Centre at the castle, comprised of aviaries and mews plus a flying arena. The centre homes a variety of birds for you to wonder at and enjoy.

This classic Lake District tour will end with a scenic journey, making your way back, afterwards you will be dropped back to your starting location with a camera full of fantastic memories and scenery.

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