Day 1 – Walking Hadrian’s Wall Read Less: Day 1
Walking Hadrian’s Wall
We meet this morning at the train station in Penrith on the edge of the Lake District. After a brief welcome from your guide, we will then transfer east to one of the most scenic spots on the famous Hadrian’s Wall – the ancient frontier of the Roman Empire. Our walk takes us on a loop that will follow a section of the wall and take in the ancient fort of Vindolanda – one of the best archaeological sites in Britain. After returning to the van we then continue on to the Northumberland coast and settle into our hotel, overlooked by the famous Bamburgh Castle
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 152 m / 499 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

Day 2 – Historic Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Read Less: Day 2
Historic Lindisfarne & Bamburgh
Just north of our hotel lies the spectacular Holy Island, where a priory was established in the 7th century. In the 8th century, the priory was sacked in one of the very first Viking raids on England. On the island, we will explore the ruins and the museum. The island is reached by a tidal causeway so depending on the tide times we will either head to the island in the morning or afternoon. During the other half of the day, we will enjoy a walk from Bamburgh along St Oswald’s Way, taking us along the shore beneath the mighty castle walls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 107 m / 351 ft | Approx: 6 hrs
Shorter Alternative: 7 km / 5 miles | 107 m / 351 ft | Approx: 4 hrs

Day 3 – The Moors Of Northumberland Read Less: Day 3
The Moors Of Northumberland
Heading into the hills and moors of the Northumberland National Park today, we’ll pass through the town of Wooler and into the North end of the Cheviots. Today’s walk visits the nearby hills which give excellent views from their summits. From the Humbleton Hill’s fort to craggy Watch Hill this is a route of ups and downs across open country. Don’t forget cameras today as the panoramas that stretch out across the Cheviots are well worth capturing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 610 m / 2,001 ft | Approx: 8 hrs

Day 4 – Alnwick & Transfer To The Lake District Read Less: Day 4
Alnwick & Transfer To The Lake District
Today will be a relaxed day as we leave Northumberland, but not without visiting the historic Alnwick Castle and Gardens, used in the filming of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Here we’ll spend the morning exploring this iconic castle; wandering through the impressive gardens, getting lost in the maze, swinging through the cherry trees and visiting the deadly Poison Garden. We’ll also stop in at Barter Books, a famous secondhand bookshop in an old railway station. This afternoon, we transfer west to the Lake District and settle into our next accommodation among the lakes and fells.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 2 km / 1 miles | 10 m / 33 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

Day 5 – Buttermere Valley Read Less: Day 5
Buttermere Valley
This morning, we’ll take a short transfer over the Honister Pass to Buttermere valley. The landscape could hardly be more different here than it was in Northumberland, with high crags and fells towering over Buttermere all around. There are several walks we can choose from so your guide will decide based on the conditions and desires of the group, from easy strolling around the Lake to more challenging routes at a higher level.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles | 914 m / 2,999 ft | Approx: 8 hrs
Shorter Alternative: 8 km / 5 miles | 610 m / 2,001 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

Day 6 – Borrowdale & Keswick Read Less: Day 6
Borrowdale & Keswick
The Borrowdale Valley is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in all the Lakes. Today we’ll have the chance to walk in this lovely area. Starting from the town of Keswick our route takes us south along the shore of Derwent Water before climbing to the summit of Cat Bells, overlooking the whole valley. After drinking in the views we descend again before taking the ferry back to Keswick. We then have some time to look around and enjoy the lively town before heading back to our accommodation for our last night and a celebration dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 427 m / 1,401 ft | Approx: 6 hrs

Day 7 – Aira Force, Ullswater & Depart Read Less: Day 7
Aira Force, Ullswater & Depart
For our final day we will drive to Ullswater and experience another of Lakeland’s most beautiful valleys. The 12km/7.5 mile Ullswater, a huge glacial lake formed by three different glaciers, is the focal point of the valley, surrounded by rugged peaks and grassy slopes. From the shore, we will head uphill, following the course of Aira Beck past a dramatic waterfall and onto the open fell above. From the summit, we enjoy a final fantastic view of the Lakeland fells and Ullswater before descending. Back at the van, we’ll enjoy a traditional cream tea together before driving back to Penrith to drop everyone off at the train station.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 7 km / 5 miles | 457 m / 1,499 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

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Wilderness Walking

Northumberland and the Lake District

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Trip Dates & Prices

All payments taken in local currency GBP

Trip Dates for 2025	Availability	Status	Price	Book
10th May - 16th May 2025	4 place(s) left	Guaranteed	£2,395	Book Now
31st May - 6th Jun 2025	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now
14th Jun - 20th Jun 2025	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now
12th Jul - 18th Jul 2025	1 place(s) left	Guaranteed	£2,395	Book Now
6th Sep - 12th Sep 2025	8 place(s) left	Available	£2,395	Book Now

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 preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Wilderness Walking

Northumberland and the Lake District

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Trip Details

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Accommodation Read More

This walking holiday is based in two welcoming and quality accommodations; a charming traditional inn and an elegant Victorian hotel. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Single Rooms

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £575.00 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

All meals are included in this trip from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Great food is of paramount importance on all Wilderness England trips and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip.

On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Inclusions Read More

This trip includes the following:

6 nights 4 star accommodation in Inn & Hotel.
Most meals as indicated in the itinerary.
(Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout.
All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Penrith.
Entry to attractions specified in the itinerary.

We do not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

Grading Read More: Blue Graded 4-6
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

Your Guide will meet you at Penrith Railway Station at 10:00am on Day 1 of your trip.

You will be returned to Penrith Railway Station for 4:00pm on the final day of your trip.

If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip, please get in touch with our team to discuss.

Speak to an Expert

Jane Gillies

Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of England. 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.

Ask Jane a Question

Meet Your Guide

Keith McGregor
10th May - 16th May 2025

Jamie Pimblett
31st May - 6th Jun 2025

Jamie Pimblett
14th Jun - 20th Jun 2025

View guides for all departures

Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded 4-6

Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Find Out More

Trip Reviews

Rated 4.81 out of 5 based on 21 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – Northumberland and the Lake District

Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

Marilyn Nippold

Reviewed on 29/07/2024

Age: 70 - 80
Country: United States
Trip Date: 13/07/2024
Trips Taken: 2

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Excellent experience!

Cynthia Jorgensen

Reviewed on 23/07/2024

Age: 60 - 70
Country: United States
Trip Date: 13/07/2024
Trips Taken: 3

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

I spoke with Bridget several times and she was always helpful and most informative, and very quick with follow-up with open issues.

Trip Comments

This is my third trip with Wilderness, two previous in Scotland, and as with all I had a wonderful time. Not a trip highlight per se but an inevitable transition first step. I traveled solo this trip and had some trepidation especially regardig the first meet-up at the train station. All went well with that transition and I must give Jeremy the credit for making us a cohesive group rather quickly. His affable personality and confidence along with his admirable ability to easily project his voice promptly put me at ease.

Accommodation & Food

Our first accommodation, Queen Victoria Hotel, was almost flawless. Yes, some of the rooms were quirky but what do you expect of an establishment that has converted it's rooms over many, many decades, The restaurtant was particulary exemplary down to the servers. And a great bar. The second accommodation, The Royal Oak, was very nice as was the management. The rooms were modernized and had all the amenities, however, it was a bit rough around the edges and it did impact our use of the facility. Felt as if the staff was new and untested and they needed to be much more detail oriented. Starting out, breakfast buffet area was quite cramped and with a full hotel quite difficult to get in and out efficiently. One morning it really was a mess of people darting in and out between each other. All trying to hurry to get out for their daily walk. We had an incident where returning from a very long and messy hike and all talking about a hot shower only to find out (while in the shower in my case) that there was no hot water. This can happen of course although they did have someone working on their boiler at the time. I just don't think they had the staff to really attend to all the details. Many also had billig problems when we left that needed adjusting. Another system issue that needed some handholding.

Your Guide

Jermey was great. He is so knowledgeable about all the areas we traveled in, he was incredibly fun to be with, he watched us like hawks to make sure we were safe, and we felt safe. A little bit similar to my girl scout days in all the best ways. He is a people person and he really cared about each and everyone of us. Fully aware of each individuals abilitiy on the trail he knew exactly where to position himself on the trail. Great communicator. Each morning our day was layed out with a map and described to us and he continued to update us along the trail. I would be delighted to be on another trip led by Jeremy.

The Bottom Line

The trip was a great blend of history, walking, and some team building and I enjoyed it. For me, I preferred the Lakes portion of the tour because it concentrated on the trails. I prefer less driving in a vehicle and more time on the trail. Generally that was true and also why I liked the Lakes more. Drives between hikes shorter twere with more concentration of nearby trails. We only had one day in the middle where we had a long drive and that was between Alnwick (I think) and the Lakes. Can't do much about that but again, prefer less time in vechicle. Perhaps a trip that is just the Lakes although it would likely cost more because the Lakes is clearly more expenisve.

Molly Sargent

Reviewed on 03/07/2024

Age: 60 - 70
Country: United States
Trip Date: 22/06/2024
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

I really enjoyed the trip overall and absolutely loved all the hiking, especially the more challenging portions, which pushed me to accomplish more than I previously thought I was able to do. The landscape was beautiful and the different historical sites we visited were very interesting and definitely worth seeing. I really enjoyed getting to know the other two hikers and felt very comfortable with them throughout the trip. I am definitely considering taking another wilderness trip through Wilderness England.

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Wilderness Walking – Northumberland and the Lake District

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Wilderness Scotland

Northumberland and the Lake District

Trip Overview

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Walking Hadrian’s Wall

Day 2

Historic Lindisfarne & Bamburgh

Day 3

The Moors Of Northumberland

Day 4

Alnwick & Transfer To The Lake District

Day 5

Buttermere Valley

Day 6

Borrowdale & Keswick

Day 7

Aira Force, Ullswater & Depart

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single Rooms

Blue Graded 4-6

Speak to an Expert

Jane Gillies

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded 4-6

Trip Reviews

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

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