The
Lake District has an abundance of delightful valleys
and scenic routes along quiet roads. We
see dramatic mountains, pretty villages, ancient standing stones
and, of course, lovely lakes. We are based
for a week at Derwent Bank on the shores of Lake Derwentwater
with
spectacular views of lake and
mountains and each day go to explore the region.
.........................................................................................................................................................
Itinerary: The
following are just some of the highlights. Our back-roads
touring will include lovely scenery, visits to interesting
villages and many historic sites.
Saturday: Arrive in Penrith by train and taxi to
DerwentBank in time for afternoon tea.
Sunday: We start with a sightseeing journey through
beautiful countryside. Our tour includes
the stone circle at Castlerigg which is one of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain. Every
year,
thousands of people come to the plateau of Castlerigg Fell where the stones sit on a plateau
amid a natural amphitheatre created by the surrounding fells. The
Newlands Valley is regarded as one of the most
picturesque and
quiet valleys in the Lake District National Park. The valley is well known for its
Beatrix Potter links. 'The Tale of Mrs Tiggywinkle' uses the Newlands Valley as its backdrop. Newlands
Church inspired Wordsworth to write a poem and a copy can be seen on the church wall. Before
returning to Derwentbank we see the pretty village of Caldbeck at "back o'Skidda" where John Peel
was buried. We also see the Newlands
Valley with its Beatrix Potter connections.Monday: Today
we drive through lovely scenery to Maryport, an attractive
coastal town on the Solway estuary, with sweeping views,
shoreline walks, lively pubs and memorable summer festivals. It
has a maritime history
of two thousand years of the sea. The Maritime Museum tells the
story of the docks the town and Maryport’s
most famous inhabitants, such as Henry Ismay, founder of the
White Star Line (of 'Titanic' fame) and the
family of Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty.
Tuesday: Askham one
of Cumbria’s prettiest villages is built around a village
green. Many public houses,
such as the 'Punch Bowl' have old beams with splits in them
where coins are forced 'for luck'. Nearby is
Lowther Castle and Estate where we have a chance to stroll in
the vast estate and perhaps take a wildlife
tour. Another stop is at lovely Hutton-in-the-Forest, an
historic country mansion with a delightful garden.
Wednesday: Day at leisure to enjoy the scenery of
Derwent Water and perhaps explore by ferry. A
regular passenger launch operates on the lake, taking passengers
between various landing stages including Ashness Gate, Low
Brandlehow, High Brandlehow, Lodore, Hawes End and Nichol
End.
Thursday: At Ullswater we ride a traditional steamer to
explore villages around the lake. The
spectacular
scenery along the lake is crowned by Helvellyn, at 3,116 feet,
one of the most climbed mountain peaks in the lakes. Peregrine
Falcons, Ospreys and Golden Eagles can be seen around the lake,
along with Kingfishers
and Herons. Otters, Red Deer and wild Fell Ponies can be spotted
in the fells.
At 70ft the Aira waterfall
cascades over a dramatic gully and if you are lucky the sun’s
light forms a prismatic effect to create the famous Aira
Rainbow.
Friday: Our drive takes us through Borrowdale
which becomes increasingly wild and beautiful as it
progresses through the hills. The
highlight of today's tour is a visit to Cockermouth. It is a
market town near
and is known for its proximity to peaceful
lakes and mountains and the fact that Dorothy and William
Wordsworth were born herein a large Georgian house on the Main Street. Another famous son
of
Cockermouth was Fletcher Christian, the man who led the mutiny on 'The Bounty'. He was born about a
mile
from the town at Eaglesfield in 1764, and attended the same school as Wordsworth. John Dalton, born in
1766 also at Eaglesfield, was one of the most brilliant scientists of his age, and was the originator of
the
atomic theory. There is an historic "Town Trail" to guide visitors through the town's history.
Saturday: Depart after breakfast.
Cost per person: (based on
double occupancy) 729 GBP (Great
Britain pounds)
Sole occupancy supplement: 257 GBP
A few small single rooms are sometimes available a supplement of
49 GBP
Extra charges for admissions to museums approximately 50 GBP |
 |
We stay for seven
nights at: DERWENTBANK. This hotel has
splendid views of the surrounding hills and has landscaped
grounds
sloping down to the lake. There are 37 en-suite bedrooms
with high standards of accommodation. Facilities include a
conservatory, bar,
laundry facilities. Rooms
have private bath.
All meals are included and include local specialties.
All HF Hotels are
non-smoking.. |
