Famed for its good food, discover the heritage of the world renowned produce of Bologna, walk in the Apennine hills and enjoy the historic cities of Parma, Modena, Ravenna and Bologna.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Discover the majestic fells and tranquil waters of England's Lake District with a relaxed pace with ample sightseeing opportunities.
Lake District
Culture
Landscape
Aug
Oct
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
The English Lakes are beautiful at any time of year. The majestic fells and tranquil waters have attracted lovers of magnificent scenery for more than two centuries with both walkers and writers being inspired by spending time here. Our week of leisurely half day walks together with visits to cultural highlights captures two very different sides of the Lakes. There’s also time to stroll around Lakeland traditional villages and enjoy a cream tea, some locally made ice cream or a Cumbrian pint.
During your week, you will visit sites associated with Wordsworth around Grasmere plus walks around Buttermere, beside Derwentwater and Rydal Water. Not forgetting visits to the delightful Borrowdale and Eskdale. A short journey from your idyllic base at Hassness Country House, you will have the chance to pay a visit to the fascinating Honister Slate Mines which is England's last working slate mine and home to the iconic Westmoorland Green Slate.
There will be various modes of transport with a ride on the picturesque Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway (known locally as the La’al Ratty). We will also visit the gardens at Muncaster Castle - 77 acres of arguably the most tranquil historic gardens in Cumbria. The drives to and from our day visits are beautiful in themselves.
Views from the lounge and bedrooms of Hassness Country House extend across the lake to Red Pike; they are some of the finest in England. There is also a terrace from where you can admire red squirrels and Herdwick sheep as well as mountain reflections on the lake. The relaxed atmosphere of Hassness Country House reminds us of holidays from a bygone age. Each morning you begin your day with a hearty full English breakfast, and end your evening with a delicious meal. This is a special holiday in a special place.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
70057
Hassle-free adventures led by you, based at our own country house on the shores of Buttermere. Leisurely strolls to classic Lakeland ridge walks among the less-frequented western fells of the Lake District.
Escape with us to the beautiful Lake District for a few days and replenish your diminished energy and give yourself some time to reflect.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
We wish you a very warm welcome to Hassness Country House.
Your hosts will be there to welcome you and ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Your holiday starts upon arrival at Hassness Country House in Buttermere where you are welcome to arrive from 3pm. Your evening meal will be served at 6.30pm. If you anticipate arriving after this time, we kindly request that you telephone Hassness Country House to confirm your expected arrival time.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Your holiday comprises of six days of walking and sightseeing.
Today we enjoy a local walk reaching Low Ling Crag on Crummock Water before stopping in Buttermere village for an ice-cream or a drink in one of the public houses.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
A day spent in Eskdale, hidden away between the high fells and the coast. We walk along the beautiful river Esk, then take the famous railway to Ravenglass, from where we walk to Muncaster Castle. The gardens are splendid, with views beyond down Eskdale.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
We drive to Dalemain Historic Mansion for a visit to the gardens and a guided tour of the Mansion. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits with glorious views to the High Fells amid open parkland, encapsulating the best of the Lake District. After our morning visit, we continue to walk to Pooley Bridge and from here we will catch the Steamer to Glenridding.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
A drive through the fells brings us to just south of Derwentwater. Our path follows the Cumbria Way beneath Cat Bells and along the lake shore to Keswick, where we have free time to explore the capital of the northern lakes.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
We travel by coach to Grasmere to visit Dove Cottage and the church where Wordsworth is buried. Our panoramic walk goes south before returning to Grasmere beside Rydal Water and Grasmere lake. We finish the afternoon with a Cream Tea at the Daffodil Hotel, Grasmere.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
After a visit to the fascinating slate mines at Honister Pass we drop down into beautiful Borrowdale. We walk from Seatoller to Rosthwaite, through woods and by the River Derwent. We can finish the day with a stop in a tea room or pub.
Meals
After a hearty breakfast, your hosts wave you goodbye when you'll leave with memories from your Lake District experience. Check out is by 10am.
We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
From (GBP)£1,369 Without flights
Departure dates for your selected tour
21st Aug 2026 - 28th Aug 2026 (7 Nights)
23rd Oct 2026 - 30th Oct 2026 (7 Nights)
Private coach transport to and from the trailheads, if necessary, is included.
See our Holiday Information Sheet for more details on how to reach Hassness Country House by car or public transport.
Nearest railway station: Penrith (approx. 28 miles)
Nearest bus station: Keswick (approx. 9 miles)
Parking is available at Hassness County House. If driving, please note that there is no opportunity to fuel vehicles in the immediate Buttermere area, so please ensure you have enough fuel to get you to the house and away on your return journey. The nearest filling station is in Keswick or Cockermouth. There is no electric charge point at the property.
If you are travelling by train, we offer a taxi transfer service from Penrith Railway Station on your arrival day at 16:45 and on your departure day at 09:30. To add the transfers to your booking, please telephone our Sales & Reservations Team on 01707 331133.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Hassness Country House, beautifully located in its own extensive grounds on the shores of Buttermere in the Western Lake District, provides a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for each and every guest.
You can find sheep grazing and red squirrels scurrying around just outside the door. This is one of the remotest parts of the Lake District and has been recognised as offering some of Britain’s finest views.
Accommodation is in twins, doubles and single rooms, accommodating 19 people in total, with 7 out of 11 bedrooms having en-suite facilities. All bedrooms are lakeside with many overlooking the lake and the fells beyond. Some of the rooms have a garden view. All rooms are very comfortable, either with en-suite facilities or sharing high-powered shower rooms and toilets, which are located across the hall from the bedrooms. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in each room as well as locally sourced, natural and handmade bathroom toiletries. Towels are provided for each guest and hairdryers are also available in the bedrooms.
All of our bedrooms have stunning views; whether it be of the rugged and imposing hillsides across the water, garden views or views of the lake itself.
The lounge is a delightful place to relax, with a large picture window looking out across the lake. Comfortable and welcoming, it’s a great place to enjoy your own company or that of your fellow guests, to read a book or simply enjoy one of the most dramatic vantage points in the world. It’s also a perfect starting point for some truly remarkable days in the hills.
Hassness Country House offers a retreat from today’s always connected world. There's no TV, no phones in the bedrooms, and very little mobile reception in this sparsely populated valley of West Cumbria. If you do need to contact the outside world there is a payphone available and Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property (including the bedrooms). At Hassness Country House you’ll take a step back from the frantic world beyond the fells. It’s far enough away yet convenient for the main tourist hubs of Keswick; this is a quieter, less trodden part of the Lake District with dramatic and tranquil scenery. Our friendly managers will make you feel welcome.
Hassness Country House has a small licensed bar which offers a selection of red and white wines, beer and a small assortment of spirits at reasonable prices. You can walk the mile into Buttermere village (a tiny hamlet) for a drink or something to eat at one of the two pubs, but otherwise you can just get away from it all. The madding crowds don’t come anywhere nearby, and the surrounding hills are generally less well stomped than the more readily accessible peaks.
Trip Information
We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,
Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks.
The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses, mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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