3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh - Moffat - Aira Force Waterfall - Castlerigg Stone Circle - Keswick

1. Moffat
   45m
   Enjoy the stunning rolling landscapes of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as we make our way to our first stop of the day: the Victorian spa town of Moffat. Though the area feels serene today, it has a rich history marked by conflicts and border skirmishes over the centuries.
2. Penrith
   1h
   Leaving Moffat, we continue south across the border into England, making our way to the historic market town of Penrith in Cumbria. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore the impressive ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely colored castle once played a vital role in defending the border against invading Scots during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
3. Aira Force
   1h
   After lunch, we enter the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has captivated poets and visitors for centuries. Traveling along the northern shores of Ullswater - often described as England's most beautiful lake - you'll have the chance to take a forest walk and witness the majestic Aira Force waterfall.
4. Castlerigg Stone Circle
   10m
   Next, we head toward Keswick, stopping just outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg stone circle. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, this ancient site was once a lively hub of pagan rituals.

Day 2: Ullswater Lake - Lake Windermere - Hawkshead - Grasmere

1. Ullswater Lake
   Pass by
   The second largest lake in the English Lake District is famous for its sublime, tranquil beauty.
2. Lake Windermere
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Next, we journey to the stunning Lake Windermere and the charming village of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch before boarding a relaxing 45-minute cruise across England’s largest lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and timeless beauty.
3. Hawkshead
   45m
   Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.
4. Grasmere
   1h
   We'll then take narrow country lanes north to Grasmere, which Wordsworth called “the loveliest spot that man hath found.” Enjoy free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the famous gingerbread, or unwind in the peaceful Wordsworth Daffodil Garden.

Day 3: Honister Pass - Scottish Border - Edinburgh

1. Whinlatter Forest
   15m
   We pick you up from your accommodation and begin our journey through Whinlatter Forest Park, crossing the stunning Whinlatter Pass into some of the most breathtaking landscapes the Lake District has to offer.
2. 15m
   We travel along scenic, winding lanes, passing through the charming village of High Lorton and along the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, en route to the dramatic Honister Mountain Pass. We'll pause among the towering mountains, offering you the chance to capture photos and reflect on the historic slate workings, where a small number of locals still earn their livelihood.
3. Lake District
   45m
   After a refreshment break, we'll continue through the lush forests of Borrowdale, passing by Derwent Water, where you'll have free time for lunch and some shopping.
4. Biggar
   30m
   Following lunch, we'll bid farewell to the Lake District and start our return journey, heading towards Penrith and further north as we cross the border back into Scotland. Our route then takes us through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, where we'll stop in the historic town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there, it's a leisurely drive through the countryside, arriving back in Edinburgh.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
• Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately. To ensure that bookings for passengers traveling together are not separated, please inform us if you have multiple bookings.
• When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
• Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
• Lake Windemere Cruise (included) - We reserve tickets for you.
• B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
• Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
• In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers