At a Glance
A four hour journey through six of the Lakes, travelling over Kirkstone Pass to Ullswater, Castlerigg, Thirlmere, Grasmere and Rydal Water, with time to explore Glenridding, Grasmere and Ambleside along the way.
Overview
Across six of the Lakes this journey travels, climbing from Windermere into the high fells where the road rises through Kirkstone Pass and the landscape opens far beyond. From these heights the way descends towards the quiet waters of Brothers Water, before carrying on to Ullswater and its long mountain shores, with time to pause and simply enjoy the beauty around you.
The Lakes are yours to discover in your own way. As the road carries you onward, a clear commentary tells of the places passing by, their history and the mountains, waters and valleys that have shaped them. Your driver remains close at hand should you need assistance, while leaving you free to enjoy each stop and the journey through the Lakes at your own pace.
Itinerary
Kirkstone Pass
Shortly after departure, we ascend Kirkstone Pass, the highest road pass in the Lake District at 1,489 feet. This dramatic mountain route cuts through open fells, with sweeping views across the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. At the summit stands the historic Kirkstone Inn, set in striking isolation amid the rugged landscape.
- 10 minutes
Brothers Water
Descending from Kirkstone Pass, we travel through the valley towards Brothers Water, a small and peaceful lake surrounded by open fellside. We pass alongside the water as the landscape begins to open towards Patterdale and the southern end of Ullswater.
- Drive by
Glenridding
Following the valley north, we reach Glenridding on the southern shore of Ullswater. With around thirty minutes to explore, there is time to enjoy the village, take in the lakeside surroundings or simply pause for a drink before continuing along Ullswater.
- 30 minutes
Ullswater
Leaving Glenridding, we follow Ullswater’s shoreline. Stretching for around nine miles through a glacial valley, the lake is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the eastern Lake District. As we travel alongside the water, the surrounding fells provide an ever changing backdrop.
- Drive by
Castlerigg Stone Circle
From Ullswater, the route carries us west to Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of Britain’s most striking Neolithic monuments, estimated to be over 5,000 years old. Its standing stones occupy a remarkable plateau surrounded by mountain views. We pause here for around fifteen minutes to enjoy both the history and the landscape.
- 15 minutes
Thirlmere
Continuing south, we travel alongside Thirlmere, a long and narrow reservoir set within a deep mountain valley. Originally two separate lakes before being dammed in the 19th century, its waters are now surrounded by dense woodland and high fells, with Helvellyn rising above the valley.
- Drive by
Grasmere
Our next stop is Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s best known villages. With around thirty minutes to explore, there is time to wander through the village, visit its independent shops, stop at a café or call at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. St Oswald’s Church and Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden can also be found nearby.
- 30 minutes
Rydal Water
Leaving Grasmere, we pass Rydal Water, one of the smaller lakes on our journey. Surrounded by wooded slopes and rocky fellside, its quieter setting provides another change in scenery as we continue south towards Ambleside.
- Drive by
Ambleside
We arrive in Ambleside for around thirty minutes of free time. Set at the head of Windermere, this lively Lake District town offers independent shops, cafés and historic streets to explore before we begin the final part of our journey back towards Windermere.
- 30 minutes
Windermere
As the journey concludes, we return towards Windermere, with final views across the surrounding landscape before arriving back at Windermere Railway Station and completing our circular journey through six of the Lakes.
Meeting Point
Please arrive at your selected pickup point 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Your Tour The Lakes driver will meet you at the designated pickup area. Please remain at the agreed meeting point until your driver arrives.
If you have any difficulty locating your vehicle or driver, please contact Tour The Lakes for assistance. The tour returns to your original pickup area at the end of the day.
Kendal
Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE. Meet in the main car park by the parking meter.
Windermere Railway Station
Windermere Railway Station, Station Precinct, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1AH. Face the railway station and the large yellow Pick Up bay is approximately 20 feet to the left. Your vehicle will meet you there.
Bowness Pier
Bowness Pier, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3HE. Meet immediately outside the Lakes Cruises ticket office, in the yellow ground bay marked Coaches.