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Activities Programme
All activities are available most weekends until the end of October and at other times by arrangement. Venues have been hand picked to ensure you enjoy the best experience. For all activities you will need warm & waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear & small rucksack. Half day is 10 – 2pm or 3 – 7pm. Full day is 10 – 5pm (approx). We are fully qualified for & experienced in the activities provided, thus ensuring your complete enjoyment.
Scroll or click for price and booking details, group bookings may attract a discount, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Family Adventure Days
An exciting way to experience the great outdoors whilst in the Lake District. We start by Rock Scrambling, this gives us a taste for adventures on rock, building confidence along the way. We then try out some Rock Climbing at a venue with awesome views and challenges for all abilities. The day wouldn’t be complete without an Abseil, so that’s next! Finally, a gentle walk back, passing a mountain tarn en-route. A great day out for all ages & great for families.
Rock Climbing / Abseiling
Ascending vertical rock faces then abseiling back down. This is pure action packed, adrenaline fuelled fun, with no experience necessary. We choose crags with easy access so you get maximum time on the rock. All safety equipment is provided by us so you can concentrate on having loads of fun, experiencing the thrill of ‘space below your feet’ and get to grips with rock climbing.
Rock Scrambling
What a fantastic activity this is, a great way to move through the mountains. Scrambling is a mix between walking and easy rock climbing, where you can get to grips with the rock but not be encumbered with lots of bulky equipment so can move more fluidly. This is becoming a very popular sport because it offers so much fun. Our routes have been carefully chosen and offer fantastic fun, some airy situations add to the excitement and ensure your adrenaline gets pumping!
Gorge Scrambling
The Lake District is full of hidden streams & becks of amazing beauty. A gorge walk with us will take you deep into this breathtaking scenery. Starting at the bottom of a stream we use hands and feet to ascend ravines and waterfalls, stopping to jump into or swim in hidden pools.
Our routes have been carefully chosen and offer fantastic fun, suitable for all ages and great for families.
Guided Mountain Walk
For a truly memorable day out, join us for a trip into the mountains of South Lakeland, favoured by Wainwright and justly so. A selection of routes are on offer, including walks in the magical Troutbeck & Langdale regions. Check the website for more information then call us to reserve a place. A guided walk allows you more time to enjoy the scenery, visit lesser known quiet corners of Lakeland, and gain local knowledge.
Trail/ Fell Running
Runs for all abilities and paces. The Lake District is the home of fell running and has become increasingly popular for trail running. If you are keen to run off-road and don’t want too much ascent we can take you on some beautiful trails along picturesque valleys, stunning lakeside paths or through majestic forests… OR… If you’re keen to get up into the mountains why not run with us to the tops of inspiring peaks, along lofty ridges, or off the beaten track on some of the lesser known fells. This is an activity for those with a reasonable level of running fitness. You can choose to come on one of our popular fell or trail runs or we can make a bespoke run to fit in with your requirements.
Mountain Journeys Booking Information
| To reserve your place on any of our courses or adventures please call us.
If you would like to receive more detailed information on any of our courses or adventures, please contact us via e-mail. If you simply wish to discuss things further, please call us, we’ll be happy to help. E-mail: mountain.journeys@yahoo.co.uk / Phone: 015394 31806 / Mobile: 07971 622616 |
| Prices |
| Prices are total per activity, so cost can be divided amongst a group, eg. for 4 people to go rock climbing cost per person is £25.
Prices for the activities not listed here are included in the section descriptions. |
| Activity | 1 or 2 | up to 4 | up to 6 | up to 8 | up to 10 |
| Rock climbing / Abseiling x half day | £70 | £100 | £150 | £200 | £225 |
| Rock climbing / Abseiling x full day | £100 | £150 | £200 | £250 | £300 |
| Adventure day | £80 | £100 | £150 | £200 | £225 |
| Gorge scrambling | £60 | £100 | £150 | £175 | £200 |
| Guided mountain walking x full day | £100 | £120 | £150 | £200 | £250 |
| Rock scrambling | £70 | £100 | £150 | £200 | £225 |
We are Mark Eddy and Kate Ayres. We formed Mountains Journeys to meet the growing demand for high quality & bespoke guided mountain walks, providing our clients with the highest levels of service at affordable prices.
Rest assured in the knowledge that all our guides are fully qualified. This ensures all clients of Mountain Journeys receive the very best attention, expertise and experience at all times. We are passionate about the mountains and will enthusiastically share this with you at every opportunity. This ensures you leave us having gained knowledge & insight into the mountain environment.
We are based in the South Lakes area.
[Read more about Mark and Kate ...] |
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| Mark - 2011 - Buttermere | Kate, Snowdonia 2007 |
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Adventure Day outline When visiting the Lake District with family & friends, why not try this exciting way to experience the great outdoors. It’s just the thing to get everyone involved. By driving to the summit of a Lakeland Pass, we keep walking to a minimum. This usually makes the little ones happy. After getting kitted up in helmets & harnesses, we start with an introduction to Rock Scrambling, this gives us a taste for adventure on rock, building confidence along the way and allowing for fast & fun progress into the mountains. We then try out Rock Climbing at a venue with awesome views over to Lake Windermere and challenges suitable for all abilities. So whether you’re a beginner or have climbed before, we’ll find the right challenge for you. The day wouldn’t be complete without an Abseil, so that’s next! Test your ‘head for heights’ with this final challenge. We then take a gentle walk back, passing a tranquil mountain tarn en-route. This is a great day out for all ages & great for families. |
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Course outline - Climbing day / weekend Most of these action packed courses are run in the Lake District, Snowdonia, or Peak District National Parks. There is a wealth of crags to choose from and my specialist knowledge will help ensure we find the quieter venues. The courses are tailored to your requirements and a fully individualized itinerary will be sent to you upon booking. What we can offer is as follows: group climbing/abseiling sessions, indoor to outdoor transition, equipment selection, the leader’s rack, placing passive protection, safety at the belay ledge, belay ledge management & problems, safety of the second climber. |
| Lake District rock climbing with Mark |
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Based near to the whitewashed Andalusian village of Valle de Abdalajis we have a choice of the finest crags in the El Chorro area. The village is like a time capsule, far removed from the hustle & bustle of modern living, yet still caters well for our needs with a handful of shops & bars and a traditional charm.
During the course we visit roadside and mountain climbing venues, all offering breathtaking scenery that fights for your attention. This course is aimed at a variety of people but would be most suitable for beginners wishing to take their first steps on rock or those wishing to make the transition from indoor to outdoor climbing. Rest assured you’ll be in good hands throughout your stay, all courses are run by a qualified and experienced English climbing instructor.
And whilst in this beautiful area, there’s lots more to see and do: Mountain bike trails (bikes can be hired locally); Horse riding; Many walking routes suitable for all abilities, Sierra del Huma is a great day out providing superb views from the summit. Walks can be arranged for non-climbing days. A visit to Torcal National Park to experience the Karst Limestone scenery is not to be missed. There are also a number of fine walks in this area. A day at the beach can’t be ruled out. It’s only an hour’s drive to the coast and places like Puerta Banus, Marbella with its fine sandy beach. |
| Scroll or Click for Accommodation and Pricing |
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Pool & terrace area of our rural villa near El Chorro |
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Navigation Courses – from only £49
These courses are designed for those who wish to learn & improve their navigation skills. Areas covered will include: Orienteering the map; identifying topographical features; pacing; timing; distances; compass bearings; mountain weather; equipment choice; route choice. Each year many hill walkers become lost whilst out in the mountains. With enhanced navigation skills you will be able to move more confidently over mountainous terrain, so what are you waiting for? Call us now to book your place. Note: we offer this course with a number of starting locations to best suit group preference & weather conditions. |
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The Lake District contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. With hundreds of fells which create a vast terrain of rugged mountains. Since time began the landscape here has provided inspiration to poets such as William Wordsworth & Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Even the Roman Empire made home just below the picture shown here!
Day 1: Begins in the delightful and little visited Duddon valley, a truly unspoilt area of Lakeland. We find an entertaining route to the summit of Harter Fell before heading over the wild moorland of Ulpha Fell and onto Great Whinscale, Crook Crag, The Pike & Green Crag, where we find further entertainment and fabulous views. Our return takes us through the ever changing Dunnerdale forest and back to the babbling river Duddon. Day 2: Starting at the famous landmark of The Old Dungeon Ghyll, we take the steep path up Rossett Gill to Angle Tarn, forge a way on to Esk Hause where we can enjoy some rest, shelter & views. We then descend towards the Great Moss, a real wilderness, before making an interesting scramble via a fine ridge to Ill Crag summit. We return easily to Esk Hause, and from here either walk straight back to the Langdale valley, or take in the summits of Esk Pike & Bowfell (recommended) before returning to the valley. |
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So you’ve been up Helvellyn by day, traversed the Fairfield Horseshoe too, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk to these summits at night? Maybe you’d like to arrive for sunset, or sunrise? Or simply marvel at the amazing Lakeland scenery on a cool clear summer night.
We can arrange this for you for any of the Lakeland mountains, whether it be Loughrigg or Scafell Pike. Not only is this a thrilling experience, it can also offer the most spectacular of views imaginable. Go on, give it a try! |
| Great Gable from Scafell Pike – soon after daybreak |
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Lakeland 3000’s – From only £99 (based on 3 participants)
The Lake District contains some of the most beautiful scenery in England. It has hundreds of fells which create a vast terrain of rugged mountains. There are 4 fells which exceed the 3000ft contour. These can be combined and ascended during a long weekend, meaning you have then climbed the 4 highest peaks in England, quite an achievement. The mountains in order of height are: 1. Scafell Pike, 3210ft / 977 metres 2. Scafell, 3164ft / 964 metres 3. Helvellyn, 3118ft / 950 metres 4. Skiddaw, 3054ft / 931 metres The English Lakes offer some of the finest mountain scenery in the UK and this is a near perfect way to enjoy and get to know them and give yourself a challenge to work towards. Call now to book a place on this fantastic event. |
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Welsh 3000’s – From £99 (based on 4 participants) The 14 Peaks Challenge is an attempt to climb all fourteen 3000ft peaks in Wales in three days. This is a beautiful high level traverse passing through untamed mountain areas. We aim to complete this challenge in three days. It's physically demanding, but a fine achievement. In the evening we can relax and reflect on the achievements of the day. The Welsh Peaks offer glorious mountain scenery and this is a magnificent way to enjoy them all. The first day we traverse the Carneddau for a great high level walking day. The second day involves scrambling on Tryfan, followed by the mighty bulk of the Glyderau. Day 3 involves more scrambling and a ridge walk across the Crib Goch arête, before walking to the summit of Snowdon. The days aren't all just walking, so this gives a whole new level of excitement. Day’s 2 & 3 in particular require a head for heights as the exposure offered is quite dramatic. On first appearance, Tryfan can appear impenetrable. However our route allows for variation in difficulty levels and is actually within the capabilities of most hill walkers. Crib Goch requires a good head for heights, surefootedness and steady nerves. There is no hiding the fact that this is a narrow, knife edge ridge. We will allow plenty of time for this. |
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Yorkshire 3 peaks – From £59(based on 2 participants) To complete this route is to undertake one of the great outdoor challenges in the UK. It will be a tough day, but worth it for that feeling of satisfaction. The scenery is dramatic and ever changing, wildlife abounds as do carpets of flowers encouraged by the nutrient rich soils of the Limestone pavement, which in itself is an incredible sight not to be missed. We start and finish in the sleepy village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, from here we can observe much of the route that awaits our discovery. Pen-y-ghent, Whernside & Ingleborough are the objectives for the day, the 3 highest places in Yorkshire all together. |
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Cairngorm 4000’s – The BIG 5! – from £99 (based on 3 participants)
The Cairngorms are the largest and arguably the most beautiful mountain range in the UK, in winter it represents Scotland’s only Arctic environment, supporting plants and animals seen in few other places. To race passed the Cairngorms for a fleeting visit to nearby Aviemore will not reveal the beauty that lies within, it takes time and effort to appreciate these mountains. Those who find that time will also find themselves captivated, for this is a true wilderness, and so close to home. Day 1 begins with a gentle warm up (relatively speaking) as we ascend the 2nd & 6th highest peaks in the UK. By starting high above sea level, these are very achievable goals and offer spectacular viewpoints into the heart of this range. Day 2 and it’s time to flex our muscle. We really go for it today and ascend the 3rd, 4th, & 5th highest summits in the UK – supplementary oxygen optional!! The nature of these mountains allows us to maintain height after initial ascent, therefore making even this epic day a very real possibility for healthy & active people willing to train in hill fitness before the event. |
| Impressive Cairngorm scenery during winter |
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This is a selection of possible one-day walks. Others are easily arranged if desired.
Click on for more detail. Three Shires Stone Langdale Pikes Troutbeck Fairfield Horseshoe Harter Fell Scafell Pike Helvellyn Langdale |
Or scroll through the list from start. |
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Moderate
Allow 5-7 hours Terrain: Some pathless sections, rocky over the Crinkles, boggy underfoot. Summary: This journey begins at a high mountain pass, the meeting of the 3 shires, thus helping to take away some of the effort. We quickly escape the crowds by using pathless terrain to gain height. This allows us to visit untouched Lakeland before summiting the popular & rocky peaks of Crinkle crags. We use a well trodden path to enable an easy return journey that is further helped by impressive views of the Coniston range. |
| Looking towards Crinkle Crags from Blisco | Next- Langdale Pikes or Full day walks list |
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Moderate
Allow 5-7 hours Terrain: Well made paths, grade 1 rock scramble (optional), undulating route over tops, some loose scree during descent. Summary: Langdale is a busy valley, and justly so, for it is magnificent in every way. Our route takes in all that is great about Langdale and is sure to impress at every turn. We can find a quiet spot beside Stickle tarn while discussing the onward route, to scramble or not to scramble? For those so inclined, we can offer an introduction to the sport of rock scrambling by following an impressive line up the face of Pavey Ark. There are less demanding alternatives for those wishing to simply enjoy the walk. After summiting Pavey, we traverse easily to gain two more Langdale summits, easy or what? We finish with the obligatory visit to the ODG (Old Dungeon Ghyll) pub for refreshments under the mountains. You’ll just love it. |
| Langdale Pikes from Lingmoor | Next- Troutbeck or Full day walks list |
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Moderate
Allow 6-8 hours Terrain: Bridleways, well made high mountain paths, descent is steep in places, surfaced lane through the valley. Summary: Looking from the hamlet of Troutbeck, this walk follows the skyline ridge as it wanders into the distance. The Garburn Pass is used to gain height before joining this wide, grassy ridge. This walk then becomes an undulating high level traverse taking in no less than 4 peaks. We can shelter by the beacon on Thornthwaite crag and enjoy lunch before descending to the Troutbeck valley via the Roman road of High Street. We pass two fine public houses during our return through Troutbeck, the garden of the Mortal Man will surely tempt us to defer our journey and enjoy views & ales before completing the walk. |
| The long & undulating ridge to Thornthwaite Beacon, as seen from Troutbeck village | Next- Fairfield Horseshoe or Full day walks list |
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Moderate
Allow 5-8 hours Terrain: Good paths, indistinct at times. Summary: A classic horseshoe starting and finishing in the bustling town of Ambleside. This is a high level route that calls for a degree of fitness, but nevertheless rewards those who persevere with spectacular views. A featureless summit plateau is a noteable part of this walk, a great reason to have a guide with you to ensure we all arrive at our destination. During our descent, we are constantly drawn downward by the captivating vistas of Lake Windermere. |
| Returning to Ambleside from Fairfield, with Lake Windermere in the near distance | Next- Harter Fell or Full day walks list |
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Moderate
Allow 4-6 hours Terrain: Forestry tracks, pathless grassy slopes. Summary: This walk takes us to a quiet corner of Lakeland. Nestling in the Duddon valley and enjoying uninterrupted views of the Scafell mountains. This is a real favorite of ours. The route soon leaves the forestry tracks and makes progress on easy angled grassy slopes before finally arriving at the rocky summit, where shelter is usually easy to find. Look out for the weird rock formations on the return leg. |
| Summit views from Harter Fell | Next- Scafell Pike or Full day walks list |
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Strenuous
Allow 5-8 hours Terrain: Good paths, can feel steep at times, huge rocky summit. Summary: The highest peak in England, a great place to survey the Lakeland scenery. Whichever route we chose to ascend, we will be rewarded by stunning landscapes, and upon arrival at the huge summit plateau, a sense of satisfaction will be gained by reaching the highest land in England. The summit can be busy during the summer months, but due to its size, still manages to feels isolated and somehow detached from daily life. |
| Scafell Range from Great Gable | Next- Helvellyn or Full day walks list |
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Strenuous
Allow 5-7 hours Terrain: Great paths throughout, grade 1 scramble on Striding edge (optional). Summary: From whichever way we approach, this mountain commands respect. One of only four Lakeland 3000ft peaks and long ascents from every direction, it makes you work to gain the summit. Don’t let that put you off though, we allow plenty of time, so you can enjoy each step of the way, as the scenery unfolds from lowland pasture to high mountain plateau. For those wanting the excitement of a rock scramble, we can cross Striding edge (a classic Lakeland scramble), for those wishing to simply enjoy the mountain without this added excitement, we can offer a number of alternative walking routes. Rest assured that a guide will be with you every step of the way. |
| Scramblers enjoying Striding Edge, Helvellyn | Next- Langdale or Full day walks list |
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Strenuous
Allow 6-8 hours Max number in party = 4 Terrain: Good bridleways & paths, pathless ascent of Esk Pike, boulder strewn in places, good paths on return. Summary: This route offers an introduction to the sport of scrambling (with the option to miss bits out at any time). From Langdale valley we ascend easily to Angle tarn, beyond this the scrambling begins. Short, easy rock steps allow confidence to build and before long we’re on the summit of Esk Pike. From here it’s a mere stroll to Bowfell before beginning our descent via The Band. We finish with the obligatory visit to the ODG (Old Dungeon Ghyll) pub for refreshments under the mountains. What a perfect end to a great mountain day. |
| After a fine day on Bowfell | End of Full day walks. Back to Full day walks list. |
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Easy
Allow 3-5 hours Terrain: Good paths, rocky in places with some steep sections. Summary: Starting from the historic 3 counties boundary of 3 shires stone. We meet a variety of landscape features along our chosen route, and given clear weather will be justly rewarded for the climb with stunning views to the Langdale Pikes from this most commanding of vantage points. It’s easy to get away from the madding crowds on this popular mountain, come along and we’ll show you how. |
| The summit cairn on Pike of Blisco | Next- Troutbeck Valley or Short walks list |
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Easy
Allow 3-5 hours Terrain: Surfaced lanes, bridleway, some sections may be boggy after rain. Summary: Arguably the prettiest of Lakeland valleys, a route to be savoured. Troutbeck is positively pastoral in scenery, think of Beethovens 6th symphony and image the scene. Rolling hills, babbling streams, birdsong and sheep filled meadows complete this magical scene. Our route involves mainly walking on the level, in order that we may spend much time enjoying the views rather than slogging up steep mountains. |
| Troutbeck Valley with the Tongue shown centrally | Next- Wansfell Pike or Short walks list |
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Easy
Allow 3-5 hours Terrain: Good paths, indistinct at times Summary: For those staying in Troutbeck or Ambleside, it would surely be a sin not to stand atop this gorgeous hill, for what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. But don’t take my word for it, experience Wansfell for yourself. We follow good footpaths, but occasionally add to the sense of adventure by straying ‘off path’ to escape the crowds, thus enjoying the tranquility of the mountain and affording ourselves the finest of views. Our low-level return route options are equally rewarding and indulge us regularly with views of splendour. |
| Impressive views of The Fairfield Horseshoe as seen from Wansfell | Next- High Sweden Bridge or Short walks list |
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From the bustling village of Ambleside we follow ancient bridleways leading into Scandale valley to meet this most picturesque packhorse bridge. This is a pleasant spot to rest awhile beside the babbling stream and soak up the atmosphere. |
| Sunshine in Scandale | Next- Easedale Tarn or Short walks list |
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From the lovely village of Grasmere we head west alongside the lively waterfalls of Sourmilk Ghyll. This takes us into the glaciated landscape of Easedale tarn, glacial moraines are evident all around. We continue along the banks of the tarn until meeting the Coast to Coast trail leading us back to Grasmere. |
| An atmospheric day – Easedale | Next- Loughrigg or Short walks list |
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From Ambleside we head through Rothay park, admiring the sculptures as we go. Crossing the river Rothay allows us access to Loughrigg Fell, a rambling fell, seemingly with numerous summits. Our route will be tailored to suit but may include a visit to Lily tarn or Loughrigg tarn before reaching the summit and unrivalled views of Grasmere & Rydal water. We return to Ambleside via Loughrigg terrace – cave exploration will be optional! |
| A winter’s day - Grasmere from Loughrigg terrace | Next- Coffin Trail or Short walks list |
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Beginning near to the hamlet of Rydal – where William Wordsworth spent much of his life – we follow Loughrigg terrace as it gently ascends to reveal the splendour of Rydal water. Upon arriving in Grasmere village why not take time for tea & cakes in one of the cafes before we take to the coffin trail on our route to Rydal. So named as it was used in times gone by to transport the deceased to burial grounds. |
| View towards Rydal | Next- Boredale or Short walks list |
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For something just a little bit different, this route ventures into the tranquil reaches of Boredale. From Patterdale Post Office, we follow a well trodden path for the ascent to Boredale Hause, the meeting place of many paths. We descend the head of Boredale and enter its shadowy depths, Hallin Fell beckons us onwards. Our return route follows close to the lapping waters of Ullswater, stopping to enjoy the delights of Silver Bay on our way. |
| Stunning views of Ullswater | Next- Goats Water or Short Walks list |
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This route begins high above Coniston village and follows the Walna scar track. But instead of setting a course into the Duddon valley, we aim for Goats water, nestling below Coniston Old Man & the mighty Dow Crag. We may be treated to a rock climbing display by climbers on the massive cliffs of Dow – bring your binoculars – we enjoy time by the lake before circumnavigating it and gently descending back to Walna scar. |
| Goat’s water | Next- Little Langdale or Short Walks list |
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From Skelwith we follow the Brathay to Elterwater and on through Sawrey’s wood to Little Langdale, using the Slater’s bridge as we go in search of old slate quarries, our route might involve tunnelling, if you like. Cathedral & Hodge Close are both impressive pieces of history in the form of old slate workings. Loads of fun for kids too. Once finished exploring, we make our way back to Skelwith. |
| A stunning autumnal day in Langdale | End of Short walks. Back to Short Walks list. |
For trail runs, you should have a reasonable level of running fitness, and be comfortable running for an hour or more. Some of our popular trail runs are:
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The Lake District is the home of fell running, offering an inspiring running experience over rugged, beautiful and often remote fells. Some of our popular fell runs are:
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