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 the beautiful scenery of the Coniston Fells and Coniston Water. Afterwards you will be dropped back to your starting location with a camera full of fantastic memories and scenery.