Lake District (around Keswick) & Honister Via Ferrata

Home to England's highest mountains and deepest lakes, voted one of the National Geographic's top ten "must-see" destinations in the world; Lake District is a landscape that leaves you on high.
With lake, mountains and the entrance to the beautiful green valley on its doorstep, Keswick is a walker's paradise.

Highlights: Splendid mountain scenery and breathtaking views. Lake cruises on Derwentwater. Borrowdale valley and Catbells. Traditional cuisine and local specialities. England's last remaining working slate mine. Via ferrata - thrilling outdoor experience.

(www.teletextholidays.co.uk)

Transport

Travel by train from London Euston to Penrith ( Virgin trains). Then use local bus or taxi to get to Keswick (see below links).

Taxi from Penrith railway station to Keswick: Davies Taxis

Local transport and bus maps: click here

Accommodation

Hotels, B&B, hostels in Keswick

YHA hostel in Keswick, YHA hostel in Honister

Accommodation in surrounding areas: Kendal, Windermere

Recommended walks & Sights

		WALK 1: Circular walk around Keswick via Catbells & Boat cruise on Derwentwater Length: 9 km. Grade: easy-moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Start the walk with a relaxing boat trip on Derwentwater (www.keswick-launch.co.uk). Leaving Keswick cruise to the "port" High Brandelhow. From there start climbing to Catbells offering magnificient view of Keswick and Derwentwater. You can return to Keswick around the lake (stopping in a pub for a refreshing pint of beer) or you can take the boat again. Sleep in hotels, B&B or hostels in Keswick. Hostels: YHA hostel in Keswick, YHA hostel in Honister. Click here to download the map

		WALK 2: Circular walk around Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle Length: 8 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a superb natural plateau commanding a superb 360 degree view over the surrounding fells. It is composed of 38 free standing stones, some up to 3 metres (10 feet) high. It is one of Britain's earliest stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. Click here to download the map

		WALK 3: From Honister Pass back to Keswick Length: 14 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Travel by bus from Keswick to Honister Pass (The Honister Rambler - Service 77/77A). Then hike back to Keswick via Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells. From Catbells you can walk to Keswick around the lake (stopping in a pub for a refreshing pint of beer) or you can take the boat.

		WALK 4: Scafell Pike Length: 18 km. Grade: hard. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The English Lakes, sheet OL6). Please find detailed walk description here.

		HONISTER VIA FERRATA and Honister slate mine Grade: hard Located high in the remote part of Northwest Fells surrounded by English highest peaks this is the unique extra dose of adrenalin - Britain's first mountain via ferrata. For those who like the thrill, let's come to celebrate mountains! To get to Honister Pass travel by bus from Keswick - The Honister Rambler - Service 77/77A. Find more info about the Via Ferrata and Honister slate mine here.