Highlights of Northern England

Day 1 – Welcome to Yorkshire

Meet your Wilderness guide in York this morning and enjoy a scenic drive into the beautiful bounds of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit Fountains Abbey – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England’s largest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries. Explore the fascinating ruins and wander around the garden’s elegant ornamental lakes, canals, and temples. After lunch, transfer to the pretty village of Malham. Here, tucked away in the quiet centre, you’ll find your bespoke hotel. Originally established in 1705 as a yeoman’s cottage, it’s now a peaceful and welcoming retreat. (L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 50 m/165 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 2 – Gordale Scar and Malham Cove

Head straight out of your hotel door this morning to explore the magnificent landscape of the Dales. Walk out to Gordale Scar, a hidden, atmospheric ravine, passing the lovely waterfall, Janet’s Foss, along the way. Later, arrive at Malham Cove, a spectacular limestone cliff formed during the last Ice Age. Return to your hotel later this afternoon and relax in the sunshine before enjoying dinner in the bright, airy dining room. With much of the restaurant’s produce being grown or sourced locally, you only need to turn your head to spot the cattle grazing contentedly on the hillsides beyond. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 200 m/655 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 3 – Exploring Grassington

After a relaxed breakfast, head out for a lovely morning ramble. Begin in Grassington, a pretty market town, and wind your way up onto the hillside. Stroll through Grass Wood, enjoying the sweeping views, and return along the banks of the River Wharfe. As you walk, look out for the limestone pavements, and as you make your way through Grass Wood (a Nature Reserve run by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust), listen out for the secretive woodcock and noisy chaffinches that make this broad-leafed woodland home. Enjoy some time in Grassington this afternoon, perhaps nosing around the shops and popping into the folk museum before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 9 km/5.5 miles | 180 m/590 ft ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 4 – To the Lake District

Leave the Yorkshire Dales behind today and travel northwest to the Lake District National Park. Stop in the charming village of Clapham for a morning walk along the way. As sheep graze quietly in fields bordered by drystone walls, wind your way to the Norber Erratics: large silurian rocks which sit astride limestone pedestals. Afterwards, enjoy lunch before continuing your journey along the shores of Lake Windermere to arrive in Elterwater. Enjoy a circular hike that meanders along Great Langdale Beck’s banks and back beneath the rocky crags of Lingmoor Fell. Settle into your boutique hotel this evening with time to relax before dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 11 km/7 miles | 350 m/1,150 ft ascent | approx. 5 hours

Day 5 – Visiting Grasmere and Dove Cottage

This morning join your guide to head into Grasmere, undoubtedly one of the prettiest villages in the Lakes. Enjoy a visit to Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy from 1799 to 1808. Step back in time as you explore the tranquil rooms, still full of the late poet’s possessions. Afterwards, head out for a mellow circular walk, soaking up the stunning views that stretch across Rydal Water, Grasmere Lake and the steep surrounding fells. Arrive back in the village and spend some time strolling along the narrow streets, popping into artisan shops and perhaps picking up some famous Grasmere Gingerbread. Enjoy some free time this evening, choosing to do just as you please. (B, L)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 200 m/655 ft ascent | approx. 5 hours

Day 6 – Ullswater Cruise and a Walk to Glenridding

Enjoy a boat cruise across Ullswater this morning, a beautiful lake carved out by a long-extinct glacier and flanked by fells rich in prehistoric remains. Relax on deck as you glide across the shimmering water, listening to the insightful crew’s commentary on the area’s fascinating history. Disembark at Howtown, a hamlet on the eastern shores, and enjoy a beautiful walk along the lakeshore back to Glenridding. As a long, grey heron flies elegantly across the sky, enjoy chatting with your guide as you walk, identifying birds and stopping for snacks and photos. Return to your hotel, and as the hazy sunset fades across the fells, enjoy a relaxed drink before dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 11 km/7 miles | 330 m/1, 085 ft ascent | approx. 5 hours

Day 7 – Travel to the Peaks

Depart the Lake District this morning and travel back south to the Peak District National Park’s sweeping moors and wind-carved gritstone. Along the way, stop in the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) and enjoy a hike with your guide. Cross perfectly placed stepping stones over the river, ribbon your way below limestone crags, and enjoy the cracking views across the pastoral valley. After your stroll, enjoy a traditional pub lunch and sample a couple of the local ales. Continue your adventure this afternoon, arriving in the Peak District and settling into your elegant country house hotel. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 6.5 km/4 miles | 200 m/655 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 8 – Lathkill Dale and Bakewell Pudding

After breakfast, enjoy a morning spent hiking through Lathkill Dale – one of the most beautiful Derbyshire Dales in the region. Joined by your guide, make your way below limestone cliffs and along the banks of the River Lathkill. Keep your eyes out for dippers: a short-tailed, plump bird which feed on mayfly nymphs, caddisfly larvae and small fish such as minnows. After your walk, a short drive will take you to Bakewell, a small town on the River Wye and best known for its unique Bakewell pudding. Enjoy an afternoon enveloped in the delicious aroma of buttery pastry as you enjoy assembling and taste-testing these delightful desserts. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 7 km/4.5 miles | 160 m/525 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 9 – Chatsworth House

Today, head out to visit the spectacular Chatsworth House, one of the finest stately homes in Derbyshire and home to one of Europe’s most significant private art collections. Thought to be the inspiration behind Jane Austen’s Pemberley, the house was used in the 2005 film adaption of Pride and Prejudice. After a fantastic morning exploring, take time to enjoy the grounds, which include a 105-acre garden and a 1,822-acre park. Chat with your guide as you wander through the beautiful estate and enjoy the picturesque views. Return to your hotel this evening with time to freshen up before dinner. The final night of your adventure will undoubtedly deserve some celebration, so enjoy an aperitif before settling down for a lovely long meal of good food in good company. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 45 m/150 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours

Day 10 – Hiking Stanage Edge and Depart

After enjoying a cup or two of freshly brewed coffee, head out for your final brilliant day of hiking. Begin your walk by wandering through the limestone village of Hathersage before making your way up onto the gritstone heights of Stanage Edge. From here, the views across Hope Valley are stunning. The fields form a gold and green patchwork tapestry, broken by dark green clusters of old woodland and wilder, heathery hillsides. On your return, enjoy lunch in Hathersage before transferring to York this afternoon. Your guide will drop you at the railway station where you can catch a train to London, Edinburgh or onwards towards your next adventure. (B, L)

Walk details: 6.5 km/4 miles | 210 m/670 ft ascent | approx. 3 hours