Adventourus Active Vacations

6 or 8 day Independent tour

This particular hiking vacation on the Highland Way in Scotland is available as a self guided walking tour. The West Highland Way was Scotland’s first official long distance route. Originally conceived in the 1960s, it was completed in October 1980. The way links Milngavie to Fort William, a distance of 152km (95 miles), from the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city to the foot of its highest mountain, following the shores of its largest freshwater loch, Loch Lomond. Much of the Way follows ancient and historic routes of communication, and makes use of Drove Roads, Military Roads and Disused Railway Tracks The trail passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and on into the Scottish Highlands, basically from city to wilderness.
The Highland Way passes through a wide range of different terrain, ranging from lowland moors, through dense woodland and rolling hills, to high mountainous regions. This variety of environments provides habitats for a diverse range of wildlife species, both flora and fauna. Some species are more common than others and some are rarely seen. If you are lucky enough to spot one of the rarer varieties, consider yourself privileged.

Depending on accommodation availability, your first night will either be in Ulverston or Coniston.

This stage features the many becks, stiles, farmyards and field paths between Ulverston and Gawthwaite on the southern boundary of Britain’s largest National Park. There are patches of craggy moorland around Beacon Tarn and the rough but distinct paths along the lovely wooded shoreline of Coniston Water. Look out for dragonflies and adders on the Blawith Fells and enjoy wonderful views across Morecombe Bay towards the Three Peaks area in Yorkshire.

Day 3: Coniston - Langdale (18 km)

The second day on the Cumbria Way offers marvellous mix of mostly rolling farmland, woodland, fells and becks. The Lovely burn running beside the small village of Elterwater marks the entrance to Great Langdale, a large U-shaped glacial valley overlooked by the dramatic rocky summits of the Langdale Pikes – Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle.

Today’s route gives you a real taste of Lakeland’s rugged and scenic splendour, and the walking is consequently harder for a time. Secluded Mickleden and Langstrath valleys sandwich this stage’s highest point at the top of Stake Pass (about 480 metres). Under the bluff of Eagle Crag, the rough and sometimes wet paths by Langstrath and Stonethwaite Becks converge. The trail follows the crystal-clear waters of the river Derwent as it meanders through lovely Borrowdale before you take the public bus to Keswick.

First you travel by bus back to Rosthwaite. Today you will continue along the wooded western shore of Derwent Water towards Keswick at its northern end.

If you booked the 6 day tour today you can depart from Keswick and continue your journey. If you booked our 7 night tour you can continue to Caldbeck.  The distinctive character of this stage is rough windswept moorland that opens out below  the bulks of Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains. Between Skiddaw House and Nether Row there is an alternative low level route via Whitewater Dash waterfall for poor weather conditions or the less intrepid. You will admire heather-clad slopes and extensive views across to the distant North Pennines via the infant River Caldew, enjoying and ascent of High Pike – the highest point of your journey at 685 metres.

You will walk today through Cumbrian countryside rarely seen by visitors and looks deceptively easy compared to other more upland stages. In between the picturesque village of Caldbeck, Dalston and the bustling city of Carlisle is a generous helping of old bridges, stiles and gates. The trail keeps largely to woodland and farmland paths and tracks alongside the winding course of the River Caldew.

After breakfast your tour comes to an end, and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

DEPARTURE DATES:

Daily from May to early October

- 7 nights with breakfast in typical Scottish 3 star guesthouses and inns of high standard, with shower or bath and toilet

- Well marked route

- Detailed route-book, maps, points of interest, important phone numbers

- Luggage transfer from guesthouse to guesthouse

- Transfers from Killin/Aberfeldy section

- Emergency service hotline

3 / 4 star hotels & guest houses , 1 night in 1 star Inn (no alternatives ). Please note we first try and book 4 star accommodation , if these are full we then book high 3 star. Our standard accommodation is Bramblewood, Rowardennan Hotel , Lodge rooms at the Drovers Inn, Tyndrum Lodge Hotel , Bridge of Orchy Hotel or Inveronan Hotel , Kingshouse Hotel, Tailrace Inn and Distillery Guest House. If these are not available we book an equivalent.

MODERATE: Some hills and full day hikes but nothing too difficult. You walk on public footpaths, crossing farm land, villages and sometimes even private gardens. Suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.