South Lakeland Holidays William Wordsworth likened the ridges of the Lake District to the spokes of a great wheel radiating from a hub of high mountains. The valleys in between drain towards the coast through a string of lakes including Windermere, the largest lake in England. There is a great richness and variety of walking here and our holidays reflect this diversity. Lake and riverside paths, beautiful woodland trails and some of the highest mountains in England are yours to enjoy. "Thank you very much for the wonderful walks" M. Tarolli & J. Kagi, Zurich, Switzerland. The classic Lakeland valleys of Coniston, Langdale and Grasmere are connected by a network of old tracks once used by traders, shepherds and miners. From Elterwater, the "Swan Lake", we walk past foaming waterfalls to peaceful Little Langdale with its pretty tarn and packhorse bridge. Nearby, Lingmoor Fell provides a magnificent viewpoint for the higher peaks all around. Call us on 01524 734022 or info@curlewguidedwalking.co.uk to book this holiday

The fine walk over Loughrigg and Silver How threads a maze of rocky knolls and tiny pools overlooking Grasmere and Rydal lakes. Our circuit around Tarn Hows encapsulates the best of South Lakeland: the cascades of Mary Glen, the serene Tarns and the delectable little tops of Black Crag and Holme Fell. Hidden in the birch and oak woodland are remnants of past industry from the echoing Cathedral Cavern to tiny dam pools now choked by fragrant myrtle. The rolling countryside around the foot of Windermere is famous for damson blossom in the spring. From the 16th Century Cartmel Fell Chapel our walk takes in jewel-like tarns deep in the woods and the heather-clad summit of Gummer’s How with the lake spread out below.

Many of the high Lakeland mountains can be climbed. Centuries-old packhorse trails start our walk to the towering Langdale Pikes, the site for several prehistoric stone axe factories. The great pyramid of Bow Fell and the roller-coaster crest of Crinkle Crags are both exceptional mountain walks from Great Langdale. The views across the uninhabited upper reaches of Eskdale to the mighty Scafell range are breathtaking. In the Coniston range we can start a superb circuit of Wetherlam and Swirl How from the charming cottages of Tilberthwaite before descending into the wild Greenburn Valley with its cascades and old copper mine ruins. A short climb from the shore of Thirlmere takes us through pine and larch past lily-studded Harrop Tarn to the open ridge of Ullscarf, a mountain said to be at the centre of the Lake District. To the east, the quiet and secluded valley of Kentmere leads us up onto the High Street range where soldiers once marched along the highest Roman road in the country. From Grasmere our route to Fairfield visits Grizedale Tarn whose waters are said to hide the crown of a Celtic king before a thrilling path leads us to the summit.

Accommodation: Windermere close to England's largest lake, makes an ideal centre with easy access to both high mountains and less rugged countryside. Our venues include small, family-run guest houses where you are sure of a warm welcome. Single rooms are available, some without supplement. Cost (week): from £530 per person based on sharing a twin or double room 2 days/nights: from £195 3 days/nights: from £290 Station: Windermere then a short walk. Links to travel sites can be found on our Links Page. Dates: May 6th, July 15th, August 12th, September 30th and October 21st