Walking the Tour of the Lake District

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Guidebook to a 145km (90 mile) circular walking route from Ambleside around the Lake District National Park, visiting all the main valleys and local centres. Described in 9 stages, with 5 high-level alternatives to climb the highest mountains in this World Heritage area. Includes a prologue from Windermere. Suitable for most walkers.

Cicerone says

A walking guidebook to 40 of the best small mountains in Scotland under 3000ft, with OS maps and routes described as day-walks with ascents accessible to non-climbers. The guidebook splits Scotland into seven areas – Sutherland and the far north, Torridon, Lochaber, the Great Glen, the Cairngorms, Glencoe, Arrochar, the Trossachs and the islands (Skye, Eigg, Mull, Arran). With routes that range in length and difficulty and alternative options given there is something for walkers of all abilities. The guide also includes background information on the mountains and places of interest, practical advice on each route and how to prepare and make the most out of these small mountains and information on history, geology, flora and fauna. The popularity of Munro-bagging – climbing all the mountains in Scotland over 3000ft – has left many of Scotland’s finest mountains overlooked by walkers. What they lack in stature, they often more than make up for in beauty, views and character. This book champions just some of Scotland’s best smaller mountains – from the surreal and striking landscape of The Storr in Skye, the pagan festivals of Ben Ledi in the Trossachs to the imposing and rugged ridges of Quinag in

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: The best walking is generally between April and October, although year-round walking is possible. Winter months can be very cold, windy and wet, with limited daylight.
• Centres: Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston, Eskdale, Wasdale, Buttermere, Keswick, Grasmere, Glenridding and Patterdale
• Difficulty: The main route described should be within the capabilities of most reasonably fit hillwalkers. High-level alternatives are more strenuous and in winter, snow and ice on high ground may make some sections very challenging. Good navigation skills are essential.
• Must See: High passes with superb views; picturesque towns and villages with ancient stone buildings; shapely mountains bisected by lakes, rivers and waterfalls; lake steamers; Castle Rigg Stone Circle; Hardknott Roman Fort; Wastwater – England’s favourite view. Climb Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Coniston Old Man and Helvellyn and visit property once owned by Beatrix Potter, Wordsworth and others.

Specifications

• Weight: 186g
• Published: 9 Apr 2021
• Edition: Second
• Number of pages: 152
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.0cm

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
Landscape and geology
Plants and wildlife
Farming
History and culture
The Tour of the Lake District
Planning your Tour
When to go
How to get there
Local transport
Accommodation
Equipment
Maps and apps
Navigation and safety
Using this guide
The Tour of the Lake District
Prologue Windermere to Ambleside
Stage 1 Ambleside to Coniston
Stage 2 Coniston to Eskdale
Stage 2A Coniston to Eskdale: high-level route
Stage 3 Eskdale to Wasdale
Stage 3A Eskdale to Wasdale: high-level route
Stage 4 Wasdale to Buttermere
Stage 4A Wasdale to Buttermere: high-level route
Stage 5 Buttermere to Keswick
Stage 5A Buttermere to Keswick: high-level route
Stage 6 Keswick to Rosthwaite
Stage 7 Rosthwaite to Grasmere
Stage 8 Grasmere to Patterdale
Stage 8A Grasmere to Patterdale: high-level route
Stage 9 Patterdale to Ambleside

Appendix A Useful contacts
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Facilities table
Appendix D Place names
Appendix E Further reading and resources