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Wilderness Walking

National Parks of England and Wales

Next Trip: 21st - 30th May 2024 Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

From £2,645 View Prices & Dates

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Trip created by Anna Brownlow
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Region: Multi-Location
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Accommodation: Classic
Max Group Size: 8
Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From: £661.25 £661.25

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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

Download Itinerary

Explore the enchanting, diverse beauty of England and Wales on a trip that traverses three of their most beautiful national parks.

Begin in the rugged mountainous landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia), hiking to hanging valleys, thundering waterfalls and across the flanks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Learn about the region’s rich industrial history, visiting old mines and a fascinating museum. Then, travel east to the sweeping moors and wind-carved gritstone of the Peak District. A hillwalker’s paradise, enjoy spending time within its extensive bounds. Explore historic houses and beautiful gardens, hike across the billowing heath and stop for lunch in charming, bustling cafes. From the old market towns of the Peaks, travel north into the verdant embrace of the Lake District National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular wild landscape, pastoral beauty and literary heritage, there is no better place to bring your wonderful trip to a close.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore three of the UK's most captivating National Parks in the company of an expert Wilderness guide.
  • Visit museums, historic houses and beautiful old villages, learning about the industrial, cultural and literary heritage of each unique and fascinating region.
  • Enjoy staying in bright, relaxed accommodations chosen for their stunning location, lovely rooms and seasonally inspired, delicious food.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Eryri (Snowdonia)

This morning, meet your Wilderness guide at Chester Railway Station and wind your way west into the folds of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Arrive at the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed and enjoy lunch at a lovely climate-conscious cafe. This afternoon, join your guide on a hike to Cwm Idwal – a beautiful glaciated hanging valley where arctic flora thrives among vast slabs of rock. Chat about the rare and fragile plant life as you explore the ice-sculpted hollow filled with the clear, crystal waters of Llyn Idwal. This evening, settle into a former Welsh manor house dating back to 1644 – the perfect, peaceful base to explore the dramatic scenery of North Wales. (L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 140 m/460 ft ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 2 – Hiking and History

After a leisurely breakfast, lace up your boots and head out for a beautiful and historically engaging circular walk. Along the way, visit Sygun Copper Mine and enjoy a self guided audio-visual tour. Explore the old workings on foot as you wind through narrow tunnels, encountering magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations while following copper ore veins containing traces of gold and silver. Afterwards, continue up and over the pass and down to Aberglaslyn Gorge, where the trail cuts its way close to the thundering river. Stop for an ice cream in the picturesque stone-built village of Beddgelert before walking the final stretch back to your hotel with the promise of a cold drink in the fragrant garden. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 280 m/920 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 3 - Exploring Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Rising 3,560 feet over Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) glacier-carved landscapes, Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon to give it its English name) is the country’s highest peak. Enjoy a hike this morning in the stunning mountainous landscape. From Pen-Y-Pass, wind your way up a rocky path for spectacular views of Llyn Llydaw – a long thin lake on the mountain’s eastern flank, before descending an old miner’s track and taking in the ruggedly beautiful views. This afternoon, dive into the heart of Welsh industrial history on a fascinating tour of the National Slate Museum. Enjoy engaging talks and live demonstrations as you get a glimpse into the importance of slate mining in the history and politics of Wales. (B, L, D)

Walk details: up to 9 km/5.5 miles | 460 m/1,500 ft of ascent | approx. 4-5 hours

Day 4 – Travel to the Peak District

Leave Wales behind this morning and travel east into England’s Peak District National Park. Visit Lyme Park – a magnificent rural estate managed by the National Trust and encompassing a stunning mansion, charming formal gardens and acres of wild moorland. Enjoy exploring the house, wandering through the expansive, lavishly furnished rooms and learning about its six centuries of history. Afterwards, stretch your legs on a lovely walk around the estate, strolling through old, leafy woodland and onto the hillside for beautiful pastoral views. This afternoon, venture north to the foothills of the Peaks and settle into your lovely local inn renowned for its warm hospitality.  (B, L, D)

Walk details: 5 km/3 miles | 100 m/330 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 5 – Hiking Stanage Edge

After enjoying a cup or two of freshly brewed coffee, head out for a brilliant day of hiking. Begin your walk by wandering through the pretty 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. The perfect place to stop and enjoy a cool drink, take some time to slow down and enjoy the fresh air. On your return, pass by a sun-dappled vineyard and transfer back to your hotel to enjoy a local pint and a delicious dinner. (B, L)

Walk details: 10.5 km/6.5 miles | 260 m/850 ft of ascent | approx. 4-5 hours

Day 6 – Mam Tor and a Peak District Cavern

After a relaxed breakfast, join your guide for a morning walk up to the summit of Mam Tor – one of the best-loved ridge walks in the Peak District. It’s easy to understand why, as the views from the top are spectacularly beautiful. From the well-built stone path, you can see north over the Edale Valley to the moorland plateau of Kinder Scout and far out across the fields which form a pastoral jigsaw below. After lunch, enjoy time in Castleton, visiting a local cavern known for its unique and large deposits of the semi-precious mineral Blue John. On your return, take some time to relax before enjoying a hearty and seasonally inspired meal. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 415 m/1,260 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 7 – Travel to the Lakes

As the soft dawn mist fades from the fields, depart the Peak District and travel north. Arrive mid-morning in the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoy a walk that meanders along the banks of the River Brock and up onto Beacon Fell. Look out for songbirds such as bluetits and chaffinch, as well as the many species of dragonfly that can be spotted here during the summer. Continue your journey into the green embrace of the Lake District National Park. Enjoy another short stroll before settling into your accommodation – a classic Lakeland slate building located on the scenic banks of Coniston Water. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 200 m/660 ft of ascent | approx. 4-5 hours

Day 8 – Cruise across Coniston Water

Enjoy a homecooked breakfast in the bright morning light before heading out for a cruise on a Victorian steam-powered yacht. Learn about the important industrial heritage of the boat, all the while soaking up the stunning views of Coniston Fells. Relax on deck as you glide across the lake listening to the insightful crew’s commentary on the area’s fascinating history. Disembark and visit Brantwood Estate, immersing yourself in the world of John Ruskin, the famous writer, artist and social reformer. Explore the eight unique gardens and walk up to Crag Head, the highest point on the estate. Return this evening to your charming accommodation and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 300 m/985 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 9 – Hiking to Cathedral Cavern

Pack your rucksacks with flasks and snacks this morning before heading out with your guide for a cracker of a walk. Begin your hike by skirting the north side of Elterwater and enjoying the fantastic views of Langdale Pikes. Later, navigate a small network of interlinked quarries, a system best known for its main chamber Cathedral Cavern. Forty feet in height, with two natural rock windows that throw chunks of sunshine across the floor, it’s a great place to explore. Chat with your guide about the history of the quarries, learning about a notorious bootlegger known for his audacious personality and ability to outwit the law. After your walk, enjoy a drink in a traditional pub before a final decadent dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12.5 km/8 miles | 370 m/1,215 ft of ascent | approx. 6 hours

Day 10 – Exploring Grasmere and Depart

Enjoy your final day in the Lakes with a visit to Grasmere – a picturesque village full of narrow streets and charming stone buildings. Enjoy popping into the wee shops, perhaps picking up some famous Grasmere Gingerbread. Take the opportunity to visit Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s first home in Grasmere and where he lived with his sister Dorothy from 1799 to 1808. Step back in time as you enter the cottage, which is still full of the poet’s possessions and full of the sights, sounds and smells of a life lived over 200 years ago. Enjoy a walk around Grasmere Lake, soaking up the last of the views before departing south towards Oxenholme Station, where your trip will finish. (B, L)

Walk details: 6 km/4 miles | 95 m/310 ft of ascent | approx. 3 hours

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Wilderness Walking
National Parks of England and Wales

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Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
21st May - 30th May 20248 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,645Book Now
25th Jun - 4th Jul 20248 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,645Book Now
3rd Sep - 12th Sep 20248 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,645Book Now

Trip Details

Accommodation Read More

This walking holiday is based from a variety of welcoming accommodations from a former manor house to a vibrant country inn and a slate-built Victorian lakeside hotel.

Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities. If you require a single room, see below.

Single Rooms

There is no single-person supplement charged to solo travellers; however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you wish to reserve a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £695 is charged.

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Meals Read More

On this trip, all meals are included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 10, except for dinner on day 5. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Throughout the journey, varied local produce will be served up in hearty and imaginative meals and of course, any special dietary requirements can be catered for.

Day 5 will be a free evening; your guide will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations, and then they’ll take the evening off.

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 nights accommodation in welcoming hotels and inns, with breakfast each day.
  • All meals during the trip, except for dinner on day 5, including trail snacks (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
  • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable Wilderness England Guide throughout.
  • All transport throughout the trip, starting in Chester and finishing in Oxenholme.
  • All activities and entry fees mentioned in the itinerary.
Trip Grading Read More

Green Graded 1-3

Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails, but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to approximately 450 m/1,500 feet. Distances will be typically 8-10km/5-6.5 miles, but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Travel Read More

You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Chester Railway Station at 11:15am on Day 1 of your trip. Meet at the fixed seating area on the station concourse.

Chester Railway Station has direct trains from Manchester and London, usually including direct morning services arriving in time to meet the trip.

The trip will conclude at Oxenholme Railway Station at 4:00pm on the final day of the trip.

Oxenholme Railway Station is a small rural station, but it’s an important junction on the West Coast Main Line and trains frequently run to London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

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Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

Speak to an Expert

Chris Page

Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of UK & Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

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Difficulty Grades Explained

Green Graded Walking Holidays
Green graded walking holidays are suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Compare walking grades

Our holidays reviewed
in your own words

This has quickly risen to the top of my short list of trips I must do again (along with the Outer Hebrides!). Beautiful scenery, great undulating rides, wonderful accommodations. Highly recommend!

Karen Dean
Road Cycling - The Five Countries
Reviewed on 08/10/2018

Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 716 reviews

Read More Reviews

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