WALKING & HIKING

LAKE DISTRICT & YORKSHIRE DALES

9 DAYS  •  MODERATE

9 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS
GROUP SIZE: 8 – 12 

activity level: MODERATE

FROM  £ 4,450

DATES & AVAILABILITY

6 – 14 July 2026
SOLD OUT

4 – 12 July 2027

FOR PRIVATE GROUPS OR OTHER INFO

Green fells, purple moors, and shimmering lakes

The wild and beautiful Yorkshire Dales & Lake District are Northern England’s Great Outdoors and unparalleled in beauty. 

Join us on our small group walking tour for a perfect combination of vigorous hiking in breathtaking scenery and gentle walking in harmonious landscapes. This is the dramatic backdrop to Northern England which has attracted artists for centuries and been a magnet for creative folk from coast to coast. We walk in the footsteps of kings, merchants, and monks, exploring ancient stone villages and vast moorlands. At the end of each day, enjoy a cheery conversation over a pint of beer in a local pub, where the welcome is as warm as the hearty, delicious meals.

ITINERARY

 Journey from the historic streets of York through purple heather moors and limestone fells to reach the shimmering glacial waters of Windermere.

PICK UP & DROP OFF INFO

PICK UP:  13.00 at the Number 1 Hotel in York
DROP OFF: 10.00 at Windermere or Oxenholme train station (for direct trains to Manchester)

Before the tour starts you may wish to spend a few nights in York. We recommend starting your journey in London and taking the train from London King’s Cross station to York.

At the end of the tour catch a direct train from Windermere or Oxenholme station to Manchester or London.

We meet at 13.00 in York and set out on a guided walking tour of this ancient city, including a visit to the magnificent Minster church.

We meet again in the evening for a welcome dinner in one of the best restaurants in town.

Meals: Dinner
Walk: 2.5hrs, 4miles/6km city walking
Overnight: York

Our journey into the countryside begins in the bustling market town of Ripon. We follow a historical trail past Studley Royal deer park and over a succession of medieval bridges to reach the UNESCO-listed Studley Royal water gardens, famous for their elegant ornamental lakes and temples. The path leads us to the spectacular ruins of the 12th-century Fountains Abbey, one of the most unbelievable sights in England.

We then head to Grassington, our home for the next few nights, right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: 4hrs, 7miles/11km
Overnight: Grassington

Starting directly from our Inn, we walk out and follow the River Wharfe as it winds through pastures and into woodland where suddenly the river narrows and tumbles down in narrow cascades.

We eventually reach the ruins of Bolton Abbey, a beautiful riverside setting for a picnic and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike: 4hrs, 9miles/14km
Overnight: Grassington

Today we visit Haworth a quaint town perched on a hill with views of the Yorkshire moors and home to the famous Bronte Sisters. At the top of the steep, cobbled streets stands the old Vicarage, home to the Bronte Sisters and the parish church where their father was vicar. From here we stride out on a fantastic walk across the moors which inspired Emily Bronte to write Wuthering Heights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: 4.5hrs, 8miles/12km
Overnight: Grassington

After a short spectacular drive into the hills we walk from Malham tarn across the moor and moss and amazing geological rock formations to Malham Cove. After lunch, we continue to the charming market town of Kirkby Lonsdale. You will have free time to explore the town’s historic streets and local shops before we gather for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: 5 hrs, 10 m / 18km, elev. +450 / -375m
Overnight: Kirby Lonsdale

Today we drive into an idyllic part of England to ramble through a beautiful mountainous landscape and admire breath-taking views of famous lakes.

With such inspirational scenery, it is little wonder that the Lake District has so many literary connections. We relive the charming tales of Peter Rabbit with a visit to Hilltop farmhouse, the home of legendary children’s author Beatrix.

From here we begin one of her favourite walks, onto Claife Heights located between Lake Windermere and Esthwaite Water. We end the day in Hawkshead, home to William Wordsworth whose dancing golden daffodils have become forever synonymous with the beauty of this area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: 3hrs, 6miles/10km, elev. +/-300m/900ft
Overnight: Grasmere

From our hotel in Grasmere we walk up to picturesque Easedale Tarn in the Langdale hills carpeted with heather and fern. From this central point, the views of the surrounding peaks are magnificent. We descend in time for a refreshing pint at a local pub where all walkers enjoy the end of the day. 

Tonight you are free to dine at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike: 5 hrs, 11 miles / 16 km, elev. +/- 350m / 1100ft
Overnight: Grasmere

We drive north to Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. From here we walk up a short but steep path onto ‘Cat Bells’ and then stride along its ridge for spectacular views of the lakes and mountains all around. We descend to Grange village for refreshments and make our way back to Hawkshead.

We gather one last time this evening to enjoy a final farewell dinner and toast to our journey through the Dales and Lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike: 4 hrs, 8 miles / 12 km, elev. +/-500m/1500ft
Overnight: Grasmere

Departure will be after breakfast from Grasmere with drop-off at either Windermere or Oxenholme train station (timing approx. 10.00am), both have direct trains to Manchester.
If you are departing very early we can help you arrange a taxi. 

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATION

A nice hotel and a good night’s sleep are vital to your travel experience. We carefully select hotels not just for their rooms, but for their commitment to hospitality. Wherever possible, your hotel will be ideally located for exploring the local region, and feature historical charm or innovative design.

Take a closer look at some of our hand-picked hotels that provide the ingredients for a rewarding travel experience with Caspin Journeys. 

Featured accommodations are representative of our standards; final hotel selections depend on availability at the time of booking.

9 DAYS • 8 NIGHTS
GROUP SIZE: 8 – 12

activity level: MODERATE

FROM  £ 4,450

DATES & AVAILABILITY

6 – 14 July 2026
SOLD OUT

4 – 12 July 2027

FOR PRIVATE GROUPS OR OTHER INFO

REVIEWS

What our Fellow Travellers have to say about Caspin Journeys.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

We take care of all the logistics. This not only saves you time, but enables us to select the very best sites and authentic experiences to enjoy during your trip.

NOT inCLUDed

FAQs

Our most popular Questions and Answers about lake district & yorkshire dales and our Small Group Tours.

This tour offers a perfect combination of vigorous hiking in the rugged northern fells and gentle walking through harmonious, stone-built villages. You will explore two of England’s most beautiful National Parks in one journey, from the limestone formations of Malham Cove to the shimmering waters of Lake Windermere. Highlights include visiting the 12th-century ruins of Fountains Abbey, walking the wild moors that inspired Wuthering Heights, and reliving childhood tales at Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop farmhouse.

We meet at 13.00 on Day 1 at the Number 1 Hotel in York before setting out for a guided walking tour of the ancient city and visit the magnificent York Minster.

For international travellers, we recommend flying into London and taking a direct train from London King’s Cross station to York. The journey on the fast East Coast line typically takes under 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can fly into Manchester Airport and take a direct train (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) to York.

We highly recommend arriving in York a few days early to beat jet lag.

Where to Stay: No. 1 by GuestHouse (the tour meeting point) is a stunning Regency townhouse Hotel.

What to See: Walk the Roman city walls, explore the medieval timber-framed buildings of The Shambles, or visit the National Railway Museum.

This tour is rated as Moderate  in our difficulty guide and features a mix of hike, ranging from 4 to 11 miles (6km to 18km) per day. You should be prepared for:

  • Terrain: A variety of surfaces, including cobbled city streets, riverside woodland paths, limestone pavements, and steep mountain ridges.
  • Elevation: Some days include significant climbs, such as the ascent of Cat Bells or the Langdale Pikes, with elevation gains up to +/- 500m (1,500ft).

Read our Difficulty Level Guide.

The cuisine is “hearty and delicious,” reflecting the robust farming traditions of Northern England. You will enjoy pub meals, elegant restaurant dining, and scenic riverside picnics. A highlight of the trip is chatting with friendly locals over a pint of local beer in traditional village pubs.

We stay in high-quality, characterful accommodation, including a boutique hotel in York and a charming Inn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. In the Lake District, our Hotel & Spa is situated in Grasmere, providing a comfortable and high end base for our hikes.

We schedule our tours in June and July to take advantage of the long British summer days. During these months, the wild garlic carpets the riverside footpaths and the fields of sheep are a quintessential sight of rural England. The weather is typically ideal for hiking and enjoying outdoor picnics at historic sites like Bolton Abbey.

The weather in Northern England can be changeable, so we recommend a layering system:

  • Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in walking boots with ankle support are essential for the rocky trails and mountain ridges.
  • Clothing: Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers (fleece or wool), and comfortable hiking trousers.
  • Evening Wear: Smart casual attire is appropriate for our hotel dinners.

How do I book this tour with Caspin Journeys?

To book, click on the BOOK NOW button next to your preferred departure date on our website or contact us via inquiries@caspin.com

A deposit reserves your spot, and the balance is due ahead of the tour. 

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. All participants must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and loss/damage of personal items.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Yes — solo travellers are welcome. In the moment of booking, choose the single room option.

What about tips?

This question comes up a lot. Tips and gratuities for most services during the trip such as restaurant staff, porters etc. are included and handled by Caspin Journeys.

As for your tour leaders we at Caspin leave this gesture to your discretion.

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