Highlights

• Great mountain scenery and breathtaking views
• Unique accommodation (hostel****) in a remote location
• Scaffel Pike day hike guided by National Park rangers
• Walk along the lake Derwentwater
• Keswick – town of Fell walkers
• England’s last remaining working slate mine
• Traditional pubs, local specialities

We know that we said it before…but please read the trips details below carefully so you know what is on the menu .

Itinerary

Day 1 – WARM UP

On board of the Virgin train we cross Middlands arriving to Lake District by 11 pm. From the station a minibus will take us up to hostel in Borrowdale Valley. Set in a superb location by the river Derwent, it offers four star comfort in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Home cooked meals with many local specialities on the menu and a range of local ales is just a bonus.

After we settle in, we head for a easy walk up to Catbells, a renowned vantage-point above the lake Derwentwater (great views by the way). Then down through the woodlands and we reach Keswick, the favourite centre for Lakeland climbers and fell walkers.

There will be time to have a meal in the pub, have a look around the lake, speciality shops and also to get some provision for tomorrow day hike. Later in the evening we head back by the open top rambler bus to the hostel. Evening is all yours to relax, chat, drink, read... pub option is covered

Day 2 – DAY D

The Sherpas have Chomolungma. The Quechua have Huascaran. We have Scafell Pike.
With its roughness and ruggedness this is every inch a mountain, this is the summit of England.

Not really sure how to describe the experience of climbing Scafell Pike. The route is a day-long epic in miniature. It starts in Borrowdale, in tea-room territory, and then takes in waterfalls and the green ramps of the Corridor Route to sub-Arctic uplands. Scafell Pike sits in the middle of a real hub-and-spoke system of mountains.

The feeling when you get on the top and the views are simply beautiful. Maybe the following film will give you and idea:

Video: Julia Bradbury at the final stage below the summit

Practicalities
Guiding by Eva and another 2 qualified local mountain leaders
Distance – 6.5 miles / 10km.
Height Gain – 2785ft / 850 metres.
Highest Summit – Scafell Pike 3210ft / 977 metres.

Dinner probably in the hostel (we pre-order in the morning) or some may prefer the pub.

Day 3 – EASY Monday

After the breakfast there will be an opportunity to visit the nearby Honister Slate Mine, last remaining working slate mine in England. The methods here are still the same as centuries ago. You can also join the tour underground providing a wonderful insight into the history of the mine and extraction of slate.

"Honister is owned by a local family. Every penny you spend at Honister remains in the local community and helps support a future for our young people." Mark Weir - Mine Owner.

Keen walkers can do another wonder around; maybe to the nearby village by the lake Buttermere . Or for the adrenalin addicts there is a real treat… Via Ferrata a unique climbing experience. For more information please click here.

Note: we will have enough time to book activities for Day 3 upon arrival so everybody can choose

Later in the afternoon we set on the way back aiming to be back in London at 7.45pm

Photos from Lake District
gallery 1, gallery 2, more photos here

Difficulty: distance & terrain
>>> Our walking grades explained <<<
Grade of the walk (day 1): difficulty: moderate; terrain: hilly
Grade of the walk (day 2): 9 km; difficulty: strenuous; terrain: mountainous

What to take with you
Download your checklist, click here

!!! Comfy HIKING shoes and waterproof is a must !!!

Food
Day 1 - Please bring something for the lunch (bufet should be opened in the train). Shops in the town. Eve meal in the pub.
Day 2 - Generous breakfast in the hostel. Packed lunch available in the hostel, otherwise own food. Dinner in the pub or in the hostel
Day 3 - Generous breakfast in the hostel. Café in the slate mine serving paninis, sandwiches. Bufet on the train

Note: Packed lunch and dinner available in the hostel on request

Accommodation

Borrowdale hostel**** - 3 and 6 bedded shared mixed rooms
Set in a superb location by the river Derwent and surrounded by some of the Lake District's finest fells, Borrowdale hostel offers four star comfort and facilities in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
For more details please click here.

All bed linen is provided. Please bring your towel.

What hostel is?; Facilities; etc. - please read

Departure / Return

Departure
Meeting point: Euston railway station (look for your guide in green T-shirt with Minty Trips sign / !!! download and print out the map of our meeting here !!!)
Meeting date and time: Saturday 19/6/10, 7.00am (if you are late we won´t wait, plan your journey to the station using www.tfl.gov.uk)

Return
To: Euston railway station
Return date and time: MONDAY 21/6/10, 7.45pm (approx.)

Price & How to book the trip: £185 including all transport, accommodation, guided hikes and all below

Price includes
• Return train ticket (Virgin Train)
• Minibus transport from the station to hostel
• 2 nights' lodging in the hostel and use of all hostel’s facilities (shared mixed rooms)
• 2 Full English / continental breakfasts
• Day hike to Scafell Pike guided by two experienced local Park Rangers
• Guided hike to Catbells
• All other logistic and assistance of the guide
• Financial Protection of your booking
• and a minty sweet surprise

Any question?

Please check FAQ (click here), you may find answers for your questions there or contact us (click here).

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